For the OP's purposes, you've got the right idea with low-strength extracts. You don't want to blast off into other worlds. A mere alteration of this reality would suffice.
I've also found that the quid method is a wonderful way to explore your consciousness productively and safely, still keeping the anti-depressant effects, for sure. It takes longer: ~30 min to rehydrate dry leaves, +30 min of chewing, +30 min of coming down. But if you can find the time and space to do it, it's great.
I consider most psychedelics to be a "gamble," in the sense that the experience could take a turn for the worse and take a toll on your mental/emotional stability. However, low-dose Salvia seems to be an exception. I rarely, if ever experience real anxiety on Salvia. Uneasiness, yes. Fear, no, not if you treat the plant with respect.