Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional antidepressants have been the primary treatment for depression, alternative therapies have emerged as effective options for those who have not responded to traditional medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's).
If you are looking for depression treatment in Denver, Axis Mental Health specializes in treatment-resistant depression and offers an innovative range of traditional and alternative treatments to help alleviate depression symptoms.
Traditional antidepressants work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. While they can be effective, they may take several weeks to take effect and can cause side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and gastrointestinal problems.
Antidepressants can be prescribed in combination with other mental health medications like mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics as well as talk therapy.
Axis Mental Health offers several alternative treatment options for depression that have shown promising results. These depression treatment options for different types of depression including ketamine infusions, Spravato, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Ketamine infusions involve the administration of a low dose of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, to quickly alleviate depression symptoms. Ketamine has been used for many years as an anesthetic in medical procedures, but recent studies have shown that it can also be effective in treating depression. Ketamine works by binding to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, leading to an increase in glutamate levels, which can help alleviate depression symptoms.
While ketamine infusions are effective, they are not covered by insurance and can cost between $450-$750 per infusion. Additionally, ketamine infusions may have side effects such as dissociation and nausea. Some patients may experience a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate during the infusion. These side effects typically resolve quickly once the infusion is complete.
Spravato is a nasal spray that contains esketamine, a type of ketamine, and is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. Spravato is covered by insurance but can cost between $700-$1,200 per dose. The benefits of Spravato include its rapid onset of action, with some patients experiencing relief within hours. However, Spravato may cause side effects such as dissociation and nausea. As with ketamine infusions, some patients may experience a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate during the treatment.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain that are involved in mood regulation. TMS is covered by insurance and can cost around $300-$500 per session. TMS is a non-invasive treatment that does not require sedation or anesthesia. The benefits of TMS include its non-invasive nature and lack of significant side effects. However, TMS may take several weeks to take effect. Patients typically undergo TMS sessions for several weeks, with each session lasting around 30 minutes.
We strongly believe that no two depression cases look alike, and therefore, there is no single depression treatment option that is "better" than another treatment. Every patient deserves a plan customized to their situation and we strive to meet patients where they are, not where we want them to be. In some cases, people need a combination of medications, treatments, therapy, and lifestyle coaching to help them recover from complex psychiatric issues. Our goal as one of the few BIPOC mental health clinics in Denver is to make it as easy as possible to get the mental health care people need with empathy and lived experience.
Axis Integrated Mental Health offers holistic, integrative psychiatry and mental health support including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help patients develop coping mechanisms to manage their depression symptoms. We believe that mental health is more than meds. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, meditation, journaling, and a healthy diet, can also help alleviate depression symptoms and we coach our patients in multiple dimensions to get the best results.
In conclusion, if you are looking for alternative depression treatment in Denver, Axis Mental Health offers several effective options. Ketamine infusions, Spravato, and TMS are all viable options with unique benefits and drawbacks. It is important to discuss these treatments with your healthcare provider to determine which depression treatment option may be right for you. In addition to these alternative treatments, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can also help alleviate depression symptoms. If you want to learn more, book a telehealth intake appointment or call (720) 400-7025 for an in-person appointment with one of our psychiatrists.
