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Overview
Comparing TMS, Ketamine, Therapy and Medication
Choosing the type of therapy approach that best suits your needs, goals, and lifestyle can be a difficult task, but we hope this guide can help you in your decision-making process. We offer a selection of treatments that allow us to support clients’ mental health recovery and empower them to achieve their therapy goals. For some individuals, a multi-modal approach may be an option as research has demonstrated improved efficacy when certain modalities are combined.
We specialize in TMS, Spravato, ketamine therapy, psychotherapy, and medication management.
TMS
Non-invasive brain stimulation technique, capable of activating specific areas in the brain to restore healthy functioning
Spravato
A nasal spray that delivers esketamine (a drug derived from ketamine) through the nasal mucosa to act on the glutamate system and modulate neurotransmitter activity
Ketamine therapy
intravenous, intramuscular, or oral delivery of ketamine to modulate glutamate levels in the glutamate system
Psychotherapy
A variety of ‘talk therapies’ that use different strategies to understand the connection between cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes related to mental health symptomology, and develop coping mechanisms
Medication
Psychiatric drugs that are used to target neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain and reduce mental health symptoms
Below, we have highlighted critical elements of our treatments to help you make a well-informed decision.
| TMS | Spravato | Ketamine | Medication | Psychotherapy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDA Approval | Yes* | Yes | No | Yes | N/A |
| Duration of Treatment | One course of treatment extends over 4 to 6 weeks. This involves one 20-minute session for 5 days each week. The option for maintenance TMS courses is available for the following months | The first two stages of treatment occur over 8 weeks. Induction stage (weeks 1-4) consists of two treatment sessions per week. Maintenance stage (weeks 5-8) consists of one session per week. Long-term maintenance (week 9+) consists of one session every one to two weeks. | Ketamine is administered in 6 sessions over 2 to 3 weeks. This is followed by ongoing maintenance sessions at reduced intervals. Maintenance intervals are determined based on each individual client's clinical need. | Medication may be implemented to manage acute mental health symptoms or may be life-long therapies, depending on the nature of the clients’ symptom profile. | Treatment length may vary from weeks to years. It depends on one’s therapy goals and can be a collaborative decision between the therapist and the client, based on the client’s needs. |
| Time Until Therapeutic Effects are Observed | Some clients observe a decrease in symptoms as early as 2 to 3 weeks into treatment. Many report that the full extent of therapeutic benefits occurs after the completion of a course of TMS (4 to 6 weeks). | Spravato and ketamine therapies are known for their rapid effects. Symptom relief of low mood and suicidality can take place just hours after a dosage is administered. | Spravato and ketamine therapies are known for their rapid effects. Symptom relief of low mood and suicidality can take place just hours after a dosage is administered. | It can take up to 4-8 weeks for the effects of medication to settle in as the body adjusts. For those who need to trial different medications to find the perfect fit, it can take even longer for full therapeutic effects to occur. | The timeline of progress when undergoing psychotherapy is highly dependent on the individual, the therapist, and the approach taken. Some clients find immediate relief in externalizing their previous or current challenges. However, other times it may take weeks to develop coping strategies to effectively manage symptoms. |
| Most Common Side Effects | Side effects are generally short-lived and decrease in frequency over the course of the treatment. Clients report scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation, though this can be ameliorated with over-the-counter pain relief. | Many side effects are shared between Spravato and ketamine therapies. Side effects may occur hours after administration but tend to dissipate within the same day. Experiences may include: dizziness, numbness, dissociation, and nausea. More severe, but rarer, risks include drug-induced cystitis and the potential for drug misuse. To ensure safety, clients remain in the clinic for 2 hours for monitoring of adverse reactions before being cleared to leave. To reduce the risk of drug misuse, administration occurs only at the doctor’s office. | Many side effects are shared between Spravato and ketamine therapies. Side effects may occur hours after administration but tend to dissipate within the same day. Experiences may include: dizziness, numbness, dissociation, and nausea. More severe, but rarer, risks include drug-induced cystitis and the potential for drug misuse. To ensure safety, clients remain in the clinic for 2 hours for monitoring of adverse reactions before being cleared to leave. To reduce the risk of drug misuse, administration occurs only at the doctor’s office. | Side effects are highly dependent on the drug type. They can range from headaches to a change in appetite to increased suicidality. | There may be some emotional distress when clients discuss sensitive topics, such as previous trauma. Our skilled physicians approach emotionally charged topics with great care and compassion. |
| Accessibility | In office/clinic only. | In office/clinic only. | In office/clinic only. | In office or via telehealth | In office or via telehealth |
Explore Your Options With Us
At Elevium Health, our mission is to provide patient-centered care to cater to individual needs and preferences. We welcome you to reach out for a consultation to begin your mental health journey. Our clinicians are dedicated to guiding you through the process and helping you find a treatment approach that works for you.
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What to Expect
Ketamine therapy, TMS, Spravato, psychotherapy, or medication, here’s what you can expect before, during, and after each type of care.
How Spravato Works
A fast-acting nasal spray for depression. FDA-approved and administered under medical supervision to reduce symptoms quickly and safely.
How TMS Works
FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for depression, offering a safe, drug-free alternative for those who haven’t responded to medication or therapy.
