What is the Psychedelic Preparedness Scale?
The Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS) is a tool designed to assess an individual’s readiness for a psychedelic experience. It is based on key psychological, emotional, and practical factors that contribute to a safe and meaningful journey. By measuring preparedness across multiple domains, the PPS helps individuals determine areas of strength and areas that may require further attention before engaging with psychedelics.
This scale was developed by a team at the University College of London and published in early 2024 for public use. They began by assembling a team of experts and working through a methodology to put together assessment questions that would best measure “psychedelic preparedness.” They then reviewed and refined those questions down to the most important, necessary ones. Finally, they validated these questions by assessing the psilocybin journeys of 46 participants. They compared the results of the participants’ journeys (measured by other validated tools) agains the output of the PPS assessment. They concluded that there was a positive correlation between the PPS assessment and successful outcomes, meaning the PPS works as a good predictor for “psychedelic preparedness.”
How the Psychedelic Preparedness Scale Works
The PPS consists of 20 questions that evaluate five core areas identified as key to facilitating a successful experience:
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- Mental Health Stability – Assesses emotional well-being and psychological resilience.
- Intention and Motivation – Examines clarity of purpose and expectations for the experience.
- Knowledge and Education – Measures understanding of psychedelics, their effects, and associated risks.
- Support Systems – Evaluates the presence of trusted individuals who can provide guidance before, during, and after the experience.
- Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation – Assesses the ability to handle challenging thoughts, emotions, or difficult experiences that may arise.
Each section contributes to an overall score ranging from 0 to 140, with higher scores indicating greater preparedness.
How to Use the Psychedelic Preparedness Scale
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- Complete the Questionnaire – Answer each question honestly based on your current state of preparedness.
- We’ll calculate you your score – Your results report will be delivered to your email box. The sum of individual responses provides an overall score reflecting your level of readiness.
- Interpret Your Results – Use the scoring guide below to understand what your score means and what steps you may need to take before proceeding.
Interpreting Your Psychedelic Preparedness Scale Score
| Readiness Level | Interpretation | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal Preparedness 0-26 |
There are significant gaps in readiness across all domains. | Consider improving preparation, including mental health evaluation, education on psychedelics, and establishing a robust support network. |
| Low Preparedness 27-54 |
Limited readiness with notable areas needing improvement. | Focus on learning more about psychedelics, clarifying intentions, and developing coping strategies. |
| Moderate Preparedness 55-82 |
Basic readiness is present, but certain domains require attention. | Strengthen weaker areas, such as building support systems or improving emotional regulation techniques. |
| High Preparedness 83-111 |
Strong readiness with minor areas for refinement. | Refine existing preparation, ensure all support mechanisms are in place, and plan for integration post-experience. |
| Optimal Preparedness 112-140 |
Comprehensive readiness across all domains. You have a solid understanding of the experience, emotional resilience, and integration strategies. | Maintain current preparation levels, stay informed, and consider sharing insights to assist others in their preparation. |
Additional Considerations
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- Personalized Feedback: Beyond the total score, reviewing individual domain scores can provide specific insights into which areas need more attention. Reflect on questions where you self-scored lower and increase those scores.
- Resource Recommendations: In your results report, we’ll include resources that align to your results.
- Reassessment Over Time: Readiness can change based on personal growth, experiences, and new insights. Consider retaking the PPS periodically to track progress.
Final Thoughts
A key way I have prepared for psychedelic experiences is by ensuring that I’m giving myself the time and space to be fully present. I make sure that all other life-related tasks are off my plate for the day. In fact, I think about what else is going on in my life around that time. Is there any area of my life that is particularly overwhelming that will keep me from being present during the experience? The more I can create the space, the better I feel about being mentally and physically able to surrender and be fully present for the journey.
The PPS is not a pass-or-fail test but rather a guide to help individuals assess their level of readiness and take necessary steps toward a safer and more meaningful psychedelic experience. Proper preparation will enhance the likelihood of a transformative, insightful, and well-integrated journey.
Before proceeding with any psychedelic experience, always prioritize safety, education, and personal well-being.
