Innovative Approaches to Mental Health: Exploring New Pathways for Wellness and Recovery

With the mental health crisis growing all over the world, the same treatment approaches may not be the best. Read on to learn about new techniques for better mental health outcomes and overall wellness from issues like depression and anxiety.

The medical field is constantly evolving and changing, particularly in mental health. The mental health crisis continues to grow, requiring new and innovative treatments to keep up with global change.

Medications and therapy aren't always enough to alleviate depression, PTSD, and anxiety. At Pacific Phoenix Psychiatry & TMS, Dr. Elia R. Gonzalez-Rodriguez offers cutting-edge therapies like TMS and IM ketamine injections to mitigate mental health disorders.

Innovative mental health treatments

Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are mental health disorders that plague people worldwide. Treatments typically involve a combination of medications, therapy, or both. However, these treatments aren't effective for everyone.

As medicine evolves, so do the treatments for mental health disorders. Technology has come a long way, providing these innovative mental health treatments:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

TMS is a noninvasive treatment option, utilizing magnetic coils and electrical pulses to stimulate specific brain areas. We use TMS treatments to alleviate symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and PTSD.

The magnetic pulses from the coil and electrical stimulation pass through the skull and stimulate nerves within the brain.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality isn't just for video gamers; it's a chance for people with anxiety, phobias, and PTSD to confront their fears in a simulated environment. It's an excellent option for exposure therapy that doesn't require leaving our office.

Digital monitoring

Technology has provided digital monitoring tools that allow you to track sleep and other symptoms for real-time feedback. Wearable devices and phone apps are just a few of the digital monitoring tools that help you keep track of symptoms to know when to seek treatment.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback treatment is an innovative brain training tool that utilizes real-time feedback to help individuals self-regulate their brain activity. It uses brain wave patterns to correct issues that lead to anxiety and other mental health issues.

How does GeneSight testing work?

Treatments aren't the only way mental health is evolving – GeneSight testing is another way we customize mental health therapy. The test analyzes your specific genetic makeup to determine how your body responds to certain psychiatric medications.

The GeneSight test allows us to skip the trial-and-error process of selecting an antidepressant or antianxiety medication. Understanding how your genes may interact with certain medicines helps us choose the most suitable option for your specific needs.

Telepsychiatry is an excellent tool

Telepsychiatry is another way we are helping patients who may not be able to leave the house. It offers everyone, regardless of their geographic location, access to mental health therapy, treatments, and care.

If you have a phone or computer, you can access telepsychiatry. We offer phone calls and virtual visits to discuss treatment options and progress so you don't have to fight traffic or leave your home.

All these tools are positively transforming the mental health world. Patients have access to customized treatment options and tools that promote overall well-being and mental health recovery.

Contact our team today to schedule an appointment for mental health treatment or request a consultation online. Our team offers services to those in the greater Portland area, including Salmon Creek, East Vancouver, and Steilacoom-Lakewood, Washington.