Magic mushrooms, long associated with the antics of the American counterculture, is now being explored in Oregon for its potentially therapeutic benefits. Their active ingredient, psilocybin seems promising for treating severe depression, certain addictions or post-traumatic stress. A pioneer in the country, Oregon is defying the federal ban still in effect in the United States. People over 21 years old can now access "magic" mushrooms without a medical prescription, but must ingest them under the supervision of a certified supervisor. The "trip" lasts about six hours and must be followed by at least one session of introspection with this "facilitator." "We have to shift the way we think about mental illness," says Darlene Costello, a nurse practioner who's training to be a psilocybin facilitator. Army veteran Tobias Shea says psilocybin therapy has helped him work through depression and social anxiety, "kind of brought me back to a place of feeling centered and myself." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES