Transformative Care for Depression

Interventional Psychiatry is a modern, outpatient approach for individuals whose depression hasn't improved with traditional medications or psychotherapy. At UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, this includes advanced, evidence‑based treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and esketamine therapy. Both services are provided in a supervised clinical setting, and patients return home the same day.

These treatments may be recommended for patients with:

• Major depressive disorder, including treatment‑resistant depression
• Suicidal ideation associated with depression (esketamine therapy)
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (TMS therapy)

A comprehensive evaluation with our clinical team helps determine which treatments may be most appropriate.

• TMS therapy uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is non‑invasive, medication‑free, and doesn't involve surgery or anesthesia. TMS demonstrates high response and remission rates for depression.
   

• Esketamine therapy is an FDA approved nasal spray administered under medical supervision. It works differently from traditional antidepressants by helping restore communication between brain cells. Esketamine has shown rapid symptom improvement — sometimes within 24 hours — when used with an oral antidepressant.

  Individual results vary, and your provider will monitor progress closely.
   

• TMS sessions are usually administered five days a week over several weeks. Each session lasts about 20 minutes. You remain awake and alert while a cushioned coil on your head delivers magnetic pulses. Patients commonly feel a gentle tapping, tingling, or warming sensation. You may resume normal activities immediately afterward.
   
• Esketamine sessions are typically given twice weekly for four weeks, followed by reassessment to determine next steps.Each session involves self‑administering a nasal spray under supervision, followed by a monitored observation period. Temporary side effects such as dizziness or dissociation may occur but typically resolve before discharge.

• TMS therapy: Available for adolescents ages 15 and older.
   
• Esketamine therapy: Available for adults ages 18 and older.

Most major insurance plans cover TMS therapy for MDD and reimburse esketamine therapy. Our behavioral health coordinators work directly with patients and insurance providers to help obtain authorization and simplify the process.