Living with depression can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional treatments like medications and talk therapy don’t bring relief. For those struggling with treatment-resistant depression, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato offer new hope. At Active Path Mental Health, these innovative therapies allow patients to reclaim their lives. Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover both.

Transformative TMS

Dr. Y. Pritham Raj, chief medical officer at Active Path Mental Health, describes TMS  as revolutionary.

“In just six weeks, patients often see curative results,” he said. “It’s changing the landscape of mental health treatment, offering another therapy tool for people who aren’t getting results with prescriptions and talk therapy.”

TMS is a noninvasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas involved in mood regulation. This FDA-approved treatment helps activate the brain’s mood centers, reducing depressive symptoms over time.

“The pulses get into the brain using magnetic energy which makes it ‘noninvasive,’ meaning we are not penetrating into body tissue, and it doesn’t affect the brain’s ability to think or remember,”  Dr. Raj said. “TMS is ideal for those who struggle with the side effects of oral antidepressants, and it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.” (Watch a short video about TMS.)

Reboot for the brain

Raj, who is board-certified in internal medicine and psychiatry, said TMS can help people ages 15 and older with anxious depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.

“If you think of the brain as your body’s computer, TMS  works like upgrading your operating system,” he said. “TMS creates new novel pathways in your brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area associated with depression. You can see the difference in before-and-after brain scans. The before image can look like a strand of lights with only one bulb working. The after scan is lit like a Christmas tree.”

What to expect with TMS

TMS sessions are quick, lasting three to 20 minutes, and allow patients to resume normal activities immediately afterward. Patients relax in a chair while a gentle tapping sensation stimulates their scalp. Significant improvements often appear by the fourth week of the six-week course. Clinical studies show that 67% of patients experience symptom reduction, with 45% achieving long-term remission.

Fast-acting Spravato

Another treatment option is esketamine, or the brand name of Spravato, the first FDA-approved nasal spray for adults 18 years and older for treatment-resistant depression or  major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. Administered under medical supervision, Spravato works quickly, with many patients noticing improvement within 24 hours. Dr. Raj said it can be a lifeline for those needing immediate relief, especially when experiencing a mental health crisis.

How Spravato works

Spravato augments an oral antidepressant. Patients self-administer the nasal spray during sessions at Active Path Mental Health locations. Treatment starts with two sessions a week for four weeks, then once weekly. Some patients may experience sleepiness or increased blood pressure. As a REMS-certified center, Active Path clinicians monitor patients for two hours after each dose to ensure the safe use of the medication.

A path to healing

Dr. Raj reassures patients experiencing depression that their brains are not deficient.

“Your brain is just fine,” he said. “But it’s struggling with how efficiently it uses its neurotransmitters. We want you to operate at peak capacity. You can get that in weeks, not years or even  decades.”

Dr. Raj emphasizes that mental health care needs innovation.

“There is not a one-size-fits-all mental health solution,” he said. “TMS and Spravato represent groundbreaking advancements, offering patients new hope and a better quality of life.”

As one Active Path patient said, “You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. And I think you’ll be surprised at what it can do for you.”

Take the first step

Active Path Mental Health makes these therapies accessible with clinics in Oregon and Washington. Both treatments are covered by insurance.

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, contact Active Path Mental Health at 503- 966-9705 to schedule a free consultation. Relief is within reach, and these treatments could be the turning point you’ve been searching for.

Comparing TMS and Spravato

Both therapies have clinical evidence of effectiveness and are covered by most health insurance plans.