Alternative Depression Treatments in Boulder, Denver & Westminster

Mental Health & Wellness Clinics located in Aurora, Louisville and Westminster, CO

About Alternative Treatments for Depression

If you're feeling stuck with depression and traditional treatments haven’t worked, you’re not alone—and you're not out of options. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we specialize in evidence-based, alternative depression treatments that go beyond the typical pill-and-hope approach. Whether you're in Boulder, Denver, or Westminster, there are powerful therapies available that are covered by insurance and proven to work, even when other methods haven’t.

Alternative Treatments for Depression Q&A

Why Explore Alternative Depression Treatments?

Major depressive disorder affects more than 280 million people globally. About one-third of patients don’t respond to first-line antidepressants—a condition known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). If this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider alternatives designed to target the brain in new, more effective ways.

Spravato® (Nasal Esketamine): FDA-Approved and Insurance-Covered

Spravato is a nasal spray form of esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, approved by the FDA specifically for treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Spravato acts on the NMDA receptor, creating rapid changes in brain connectivity and mood regulation.

At Axis, Spravato treatment is provided under close medical supervision, with sessions lasting about two hours. Most patients begin to feel relief after just a few treatments.

Benefits of Spravato:

FDA-approved for TRD and depression with suicidal thoughts
Covered by most insurance plans
Often effective within weeks

Esketamine Therapy vs Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine and esketamine are closely related—esketamine is actually one half of the ketamine molecule, known as the "S-enantiomer." While both have shown rapid antidepressant effects, esketamine (brand name Spravato®) has a higher binding affinity to the NMDA receptor, meaning it more potently stimulates the brain’s neuroplastic response. Unlike IV ketamine, IM ketamine, or ketamine lozenges, which is used off-label for depression, esketamine is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation. At Axis, although we began as a ketamine infusion clinic, we prefer esketamine because it offers the same fast-acting relief with the added safety, consistency, and insurance coverage that come from rigorous clinical trials and regulatory approval. You can learn more about the differences between treatments in the articles below:

TMS & Deep TMS: Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation. Deep TMS goes even further, reaching deeper regions of the brain.

At Axis, we offer:

Standard and Deep TMS options
Covered by insurance
20-minute sessions, five days a week for 6 weeks

Patients often report increased clarity, energy, and relief from depressive symptoms—without the side effects of medication.

Learn more about TMS and Deep TMS in the following articles:

ADHD Treatment as an Overlooked but Powerful Approach to Depression

For many adults—especially women—what looks like depression may actually be undiagnosed ADHD. Studies show that up to 50% of adults with ADHD will experience major depressive disorder at some point in their lives (Kessler et al., 2006). When ADHD goes unrecognized, the chronic overwhelm, underperformance, and shame it causes can fuel persistent depressive symptoms. This is particularly true for women, whose symptoms are more likely to present as emotional dysregulation or internalized self-doubt rather than hyperactivity, leading to frequent misdiagnosis or being dismissed entirely.

A 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open found that ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in adult women, with many not receiving a correct diagnosis until their 30s or 40s. When ADHD is finally treated– through medication, behavioral strategies, and support – patients often see a marked improvement in mood, energy, and overall functioning. For those whose depression has not responded to standard antidepressants, evaluating for ADHD can reveal a root cause that’s been missed for years.

At Axis, we provide comprehensive ADHD testing for adults and teens, with follow-up treatment plans that address both attention challenges and co-occurring depression. In many cases, ADHD treatment isn’t just an add-on—it’s the breakthrough patients have been waiting for.

Your Personalized Treatment Pathway at Axis

What sets Axis apart isn’t just what we offer—it’s how we combine them for you. Every patient begins with a psychiatric consultation to review history, symptoms, and goals. From there, we develop a tailored plan that may include:

You’re not navigating this alone. Our integrated team walks with you every step of the way.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

At your intake, you’ll meet with a licensed psychiatric provider to explore your symptoms and medical history. We’ll review all available options, walk you through insurance coverage, and answer your questions. You’ll leave with a plan—no more guessing or waiting. Check out our free cheatsheet on how to prepare for your first psychiatric intake at Axis to maximize this opportunity to heal.

Real Patient Success: “I Got My Life Back”

“After years of trying meds that didn’t work, I finally tried Spravato at Axis. Within a month, I felt like myself again. Their team didn’t just treat my symptoms—they treated me like a person.”
— Axis Patient, Boulder

Read more patient stories on our blog.

How Spravato Helped Me Reclaim My Life After Decades of Depression

Spravato Gave Me My Life Back: A Real Depression Recovery Story

A Patient's Inspiring Journey with Long COVID Depression Treatment

Healing Through Empathy: A Journey with Spravato at Axis Integrated Mental Health

Not Sure What to Choose? Start Here.

At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we don’t do cookie-cutter care. We help you get back to living, with science-backed alternatives that work when others haven’t. We know this is a lot to take in. Book an appointment now with our award winning team and we can help you live to your full potential and your best life!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Spravato and ketamine infusions?
Is TMS painful or does it have side effects?
How long does it take to see results from Spravato or TMS?
Can I get treatment even if I’ve tried multiple antidepressants?
Do I need a referral to start treatment at Axis?