AI chatbots are replacing human psychedelic trip sitters as more users turn to bots like TripSitAI and The Shaman for psychedelic journey support. The move comes as traditional mental health care and licensed psilocybin therapy skyrocket in cost and remain out of reach for many.
A licensed psilocybin session in Oregon costs between $1,500 and $3,200. ChatGPT and similar AIs are free or low-cost alternatives guiding people through tripping experiences. Users rely on these chatbots for music suggestions and calming reassurances while under the influence.
Peter, who tripped on eight grams of mushrooms in 2023, told MIT Technology Review how ChatGPT helped him reach a mental state where he imagined himself as a "multi-eyed ‘higher consciousness beast.’" But the AI can’t handle the messy realities of a trip — no hair-holding, no puke support. 
The problem: AI trip sitters lack oversight and moral judgment. They’re supportive but blindly agree with users’ wild thoughts — including delusions of godhood.
MIT Technology Review noted:
“You have to wonder how good a psilocybin trip guide it can be when it’s been known to reinforce people’s worst, most delusional beliefs about themselves and how the world functions.”
AI tripsitters fill a gap left by overpriced therapy and mental health system failures but pose risks as unregulated digital companions.
Read more at MIT Technology Review
