The Most Important Decision
Psychedelic medicine is not like taking an aspirin. You are entering a profoundly vulnerable state — one in which your defenses are lowered, your unconscious is accessible, and your nervous system is highly sensitive to the environment around you. The quality of your guide and your setting will shape your experience as much as the medicine itself.
The global expansion of psychedelic medicine has brought extraordinary healers into the field — and it has also attracted providers who are underprepared, undertrained, or motivated primarily by profit. Learning to tell the difference is not optional. It is essential.
The following guidelines are drawn from the collective wisdom of the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance (GITA), the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and the clinical experience of our own medical team. Use them as your compass.
What to Look For
Medical Screening Protocol
A legitimate provider will always conduct a thorough medical and psychological screening before accepting any guest. If they skip this step, walk away.
Cardiac Safety for Ibogaine
Ibogaine can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Any reputable ibogaine provider requires a 12-lead EKG and full cardiac workup before treatment. No exceptions.
Licensed Medical Staff On-Site
A physician, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse should be present during all ibogaine sessions. Ketamine and MDMA sessions should have trained medical oversight.
Integration Support Included
The session is only the beginning. A quality provider includes structured integration support — not just a pamphlet, but actual follow-up contact and resources.
Transparent Pricing
All costs — including lodging, meals, transportation, and follow-up — should be clearly stated upfront. Hidden fees are a red flag.
References and Testimonials
Ask for references from past guests. A reputable provider will have them and will be willing to connect you with former guests who can speak to their experience.
Clear Contraindication Policy
They should be willing to turn away guests for whom the medicine is not appropriate. A provider who accepts everyone regardless of medical history is not prioritizing your safety.
Red Flags — Walk Away
If you encounter any of the following during your search for a provider, treat it as a serious warning sign. Your safety is not negotiable.
Questions to Ask Every Provider
A reputable provider will welcome these questions. Evasive or dismissive answers are themselves a red flag.
What is your medical screening process, and what conditions would disqualify a guest?
Who is the physician on your team, and what is their background?
What cardiac safety protocols do you follow for ibogaine?
What does your integration support look like after the session?
Can you connect me with a former guest who would be willing to speak with me?
What is your emergency protocol if something goes wrong during a session?
What is your training and lineage as a guide?
How many sessions have you facilitated, and what is your safety record?
What is included in the price, and what is not?
How do you honor the indigenous origins of these medicines?
How Pō a Ao Measures Up
We hold ourselves to every standard on this list — and we invite you to ask us every question above. Here is how we answer them:
Medical screening?
Full intake, EKG, blood panel, and physician review for every guest
Physician on-site?
Yes — a licensed physician is present for all ibogaine sessions
Integration support?
30 days of structured support included with every program
Transparent pricing?
All-inclusive pricing — no hidden fees, ever
References?
Yes — we will connect you with former guests upon request
Emergency protocol?
Full medical emergency protocol; hospital relationship in place