More people are exploring psychedelics for everything from easing mental health conditions to boosting creativity. Two states have legalized guided psychedelic therapy, but most people are taking drugs like LSD or psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms) without support. Some turn to AI chatbots to guide their trip, but the practice could be risky. Now, a new app called TripCheck is offering psychonauts a pre-scheduled check-in to help ensure their experience is safe.
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TripCheck is the latest offering from Fireside Project, a non-profit that provides psychedelic support and education. The organization’s hotline launched in 2021, seeing over 30,000 calls come in over the last four years.
The new app was the natural progression of the hotline, as many people find it difficult to make a phone call during a psychedelic experience. Now, they can anonymously schedule a check-in with trained volunteers days or weeks before the journey.
“TripCheck flips the script—instead of hoping people will reach out when they’re struggling, we proactively check in on them. It’s like having a caring friend who remembers to call exactly when you need them most,” said Joshua White, founder and executive director of Fireside Project, in a press release.
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The proactive support model is meant as a harm reduction tool. In typical crisis intervention scenarios, a person (or those around them) must recognize they need help. TripCheck removes barriers and offers peace of mind during what can be an especially vulnerable event.
“This proactive model acknowledges the unique challenges of psychedelic states,” said Cené Salsedo Bryant, Fireside Project’s lead supervisor, in the release. “By scheduling support in advance, we’re meeting people exactly where they are, when they need us most.”
The Fireside team hopes to see TripCheck as another part of people’s psychedelic preparation, which may also include designing the perfect setting or trip playlist.
“Think of it as a gift from your present self to your future self,” White concluded.
