Is Psilocybin the Medicine Midlife Women Have Been Missing? | Welcome to the Bottom of the U

Guest: Dr. Rebecca Richey is one of Colorado’s first prescribing psychologists, dedicated to empowering women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals through compassionate, evidence-based care. With advanced training in clinical psychopharmacology and a deep understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by her clients. Learn more about her here.Episode SummaryIn one of our most anticipated conversations yet, Steph sits down with Dr. Richey — a prescribing psychologist AND a natural medicine facilitator in training — to talk about psilocybin, perimenopause, and why these two things might be a match made in the cosmos. Dr. Richey breaks down what actually happens during a psilocybin journey, what the weeks of integration after look like, why she believes perimenopause is especially fertile ground for this kind of inner work, and who it's for — and who it isn't. This is a conversation grounded in both neuroscience and spiritual reverence, with a healthy dose of "fuck the patriarchy" woven throughout.In This EpisodeHow Colorado's regulated natural medicine program works — and why it's different from a dispensaryThe distinction between a clinical facilitator and a non-clinical facilitator, and why it matters if you have trauma or a mental health historyWhat BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is and why the weeks after a journey can be an extraordinary window for learning and integrationWhy perimenopause may be uniquely suited to this kind of psychedelic inner workThe research gap around women, reproductive cycles, and psilocybin — including why your menstrual cycle phase may actually matterWhy psilocybin has an inherently low abuse potential (hint: tolerance)The "Mama Mushroom" philosophy — and why surrender is the whole gameContraindications and who should pause before pursuing a journeyHow to find a facilitator and what the intake process looks like at a healing centerThe role of integration: journaling, reconnecting with music, and why the 72-hour check-in mattersContraindications MentionedPersonal or family history of psychosisHistory of manic episodesUnmanaged hypertension (consult your doctor first)Significant unprocessed physical or psychological trauma without adequate therapeutic supportThis is not a complete list. Always consult a physician and a licensed facilitator before pursuing a psilocybin journey.Resources MentionedSwimming in the Sacred — book on psychedelics, women, and ancient medicine wisdom ETC Healing Center, Golden, CO — website hereColorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Natural Medicine Program — dora.colorado.govColorado Department of Natural Medicine — dnm.colorado.govA Note on Legal Status Psilocybin is legal for adults 21+ in Colorado through licensed healing centers under facilitator supervision. It remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. Laws vary by state. Please research your local laws before pursuing access.