Explore holistic and alternative depression treatments in Denver, including SSRIs, ketamine infusions, Spravato, and TMS. Learn how Axis Integrated Mental Health customizes care to meet your unique needs. Book your consultation today.
Depression Treatment in Denver: Traditional & Alternative Options That Work
What Is the Best Depression Treatment in Denver?
If you’re struggling with depression in Denver, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we understand that no two cases of depression are the same. Whether you’ve tried standard antidepressants without success or you’re looking for something that works faster, we offer personalized care that includes both traditional and alternative treatments to help you reclaim your life.
Traditional Depression Treatments: How They Work & Where They Fall Short
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first-line treatment for depression. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood. While they work for many, they often take weeks to show results and can come with side effects like weight gain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and gastrointestinal issues.
In many cases, SSRIs are combined with mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or psychotherapy. For patients who respond well, this can be enough. But for those with treatment-resistant depression, it’s time to look beyond SSRIs.
Why More People Are Turning to Alternative Depression Treatments
If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants with little relief, you’re not alone. Up to 60% of people with depression experience limited or no improvement with traditional medications. That’s where alternative treatments like ketamine, Spravato, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) come in.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Fast Relief When You Need It Most
Ketamine works differently from SSRIs. By targeting NMDA receptors and boosting glutamate in the brain, it creates new neural connections and often provides rapid relief, sometimes within hours. However, infusions are expensive and many patients find it difficult to stay on treatment when every infusion costs between $400-$650 out of pocket. Most studies on efficacy have not been done in real-world scenarios and only in clinics where patients aren’t paying for treatment. In our experience, when treatment is covered by insurance, it’s much easier to stay on a regular schedule, which is why we have switched all ketamine therapy to Spravato.
Spravato (Esketamine): Insurance-Friendly and Effective
Spravato is a nasal spray version of esketamine that offers similar benefits to ketamine infusions. It’s FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and typically covered by insurance, sometimes costing as little as $10 per visit for eligible patients.
Spravato treatments occur under supervision in our clinic and last about two hours. Side effects are similar to ketamine infusions, including nausea and temporary dissociation.
TMS for Depression: The Highest Efficacy and Remission Rates
TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It doesn’t require medication or sedation, and sessions are short—around 30 minutes. TMS is covered by most insurance plans and typically costs $300–$500 per session.
While TMS takes several weeks to work, it has virtually no systemic side effects, making it an excellent option for people seeking a non-pharmacological treatment. Clinical data shows that Deep TMS, which is more advanced than rTMS, also delivers the highest efficacy rates and remission rates of any depression treatment available on the market today. Data aggregated from 1,753 patients over 21 sites showed an 82% response rate and 65% remission rate.
What Role Does Therapy Play in Depression Treatment?
Therapy is a cornerstone of effective depression treatment, but it’s important to understand that talk therapy alone may not be enough to address the biological components of depression. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we combine the expertise of our in-house therapists with our premier partner therapy practices, to ensure you have access to specialized therapeutic support that complements your psychiatric care. While therapy helps you develop coping strategies, process emotions, and change thought patterns, some people need additional interventions to address neurochemical imbalances. This is why we take an integrated approach: therapy provides the psychological tools you need, while treatments like Deep TMS or medication target the biological factors that may be preventing those tools from working effectively. Depression treatment doesn’t mean you have to go on medication. Completely drug-free options like combining therapy with Deep TMS are highly effective, but it’s worth noting that insurance coverage for TMS typically requires trying two or more antidepressants first, which may increase out-of-pocket costs for those choosing to bypass traditional medication trials.
Understanding the Cost of Depression Treatment
The cost of depression treatment varies significantly depending on the approach you choose and your insurance coverage. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we accept most major insurance plans and work with you to understand your benefits before starting treatment. For detailed information about what your specific plan covers, visit our comprehensive insurance guides including Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, United Healthcare, Denver Health Medicaid and POS+ plans, and Colorado Medicaid. Therapy sessions are typically covered with a copay ranging from $20 to $60, while advanced treatments like Spravato can cost as little as $10 per visit for eligible patients. TMS therapy costs between $300 and $500 per session when covered by insurance, though the total course of treatment involves multiple sessions over several weeks. If you’re pursuing drug-free options like TMS without first trying antidepressants, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs since insurance companies often require documentation of failed medication trials before approving coverage. We believe cost should never be a barrier to getting the help you need, which is why our team will work with you to explore all available coverage options and payment plans.
Integrative Psychiatry: We Treat the Whole Person
At Axis, we believe mental health is more than just medication. Our holistic approach includes psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle coaching. It also means being cognizant of gender biases that can sometimes lead to false diagnoses like depression, when undiagnosed ADHD can easily mimic depression symptoms.
We help our patients develop sustainable habits like exercise, journaling, mindfulness, and improved nutrition—all of which play a vital role in managing depression.
What Makes Axis Different: Inclusive, Empathetic Mental Health Care
Axis Integrated Mental Health has earned recognition as Colorado’s best mental health clinic for advanced depression care through our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, community impact, and accessible treatment. We’ve been honored as ColoradoBiz Top Startup 2024 (and fastest growing woman-owned business), a Denver Business Journal Partners in Philanthropy Award winner, named a Colorado Company to Watch 2024, and won the Best of Mile High™ Mental Wellness award in both 2024 and 2025. Beyond awards, we’ve donated more than $400,000 in pro bono care to underserved communities and founded The 266K Project, our suicide prevention initiative serving all of Colorado. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to offering the most advanced, evidence-based treatments available. We exclusively use Deep TMS technology rather than traditional rTMS because Deep TMS reaches broader and deeper brain regions, providing more comprehensive stimulation of mood-regulating networks with proven superior outcomes for treatment-resistant depression. We accept most major insurance plans and work tirelessly to make cutting-edge treatments like Deep TMS, Spravato, and comprehensive therapy services accessible and affordable for every patient. Our reputation is built on real results, with countless patient testimonials and patient stories demonstrating the life-changing outcomes our integrated approach delivers.
Drug-Free Depression Treatment Plans: Therapy Combined with Deep TMS
For those seeking alternatives to medication, combining therapy with Deep TMS offers a powerful, drug-free approach to treating depression. Research shows that this combination can be as effective as antidepressant medication, particularly for treatment-resistant depression, though results may take more time to fully develop, typically several weeks rather than days. Deep TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, while therapy helps you build the cognitive and emotional skills needed to maintain your progress long-term. This approach works best when patients can commit to the full treatment protocol: daily or near-daily TMS sessions for 4 weeks, followed by twice a week treatments for another 8 weeks and combined with regular therapy appointments. Because this intensive schedule can be difficult to maintain while working full-time, taking medical leave through Colorado’s FAMLI program may be an appropriate option, which assist many patients to access. FAMLI provides up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for qualifying health conditions, including depression, allowing you to fully focus on your recovery without worrying about lost income. At Axis, we can provide the documentation you need to support your FAMLI leave application and help you create a comprehensive treatment plan that maximizes your time away from work for healing.
Medication Isn’t Magic—It’s One Piece of the Puzzle
Too often, people view medication as a “cure” for depression, but this doesn’t mean it’s not effective. At Axis, we see it as one tool in a comprehensive, long-term strategy. We coach you in behavioral change, self-awareness, and resilience—so that even after the treatment ends, your progress doesn’t.
Get Personalized Depression Treatment in Denver Today
If you’re ready to explore traditional and alternative treatment options for depression in Denver, we’re here to help. Book a telehealth intake or call us at (720) 400-7025 to schedule an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most effective treatment for depression in Denver?
The best treatment depends on your unique needs. Some people respond well to SSRIs and therapy, while others benefit more from alternative treatments like TMS or Spravato. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we tailor your care based on your history, goals, and how your body responds, not just standard protocols.
2. What are the alternatives if antidepressants don’t work?
If traditional medications haven’t helped, options like Spravato (esketamine), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and integrative psychiatry can offer relief. These treatments work differently than SSRIs and are often effective for treatment-resistant depression, especially when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes.
3. Is Spravato covered by insurance in Colorado?
Yes, Spravato is FDA-approved and covered by many insurance plans in Colorado. Eligible patients often pay as little as $10 per visit. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we work with your insurance provider to make this treatment as accessible and affordable as possible.
4. How does TMS compare to medication for treating depression?
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate mood-related areas of the brain. Unlike medication, it has no systemic side effects and doesn’t involve daily pills. It’s a great option for those who prefer a drug-free approach or haven’t found success with medication alone. And with Deep TMS, it boasts an 82% efficacy rate and 65% remission rate.
5. What makes Axis Integrated Mental Health the best mental health clinic for depression in Denver?
Axis Integrated Mental Health has earned multiple honors for its innovative and compassionate approach to mental health care. Named a Colorado Company to Watch 2024, and winner of the Best of Mile High™ Mental Wellness award in both 2024 and 2025, Axis has been widely recognized for its clinical excellence and community impact. Additional accolades include the ColoradoBiz Top Startup 2024, Top 100 Woman-Owned Business, and Top Family-Owned Companies. Beyond the awards, Axis patient testimonials are proof about treatment results found at Axis and the compassion and empathy this clinic demonstrates. Axis provides comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care and therapy for adults and children over 5 at its offices near Boulder, Denver, and Westminster, as well as via telehealth across Colorado. The clinic is also known for its philanthropic commitment, having donated more than $400,000 in pro bono care to underserved communities and its commitment to preventing suicide in Colorado by establishing the 266K Project.
