Finding the right treatment for depression can be deeply personal, and for some, it’s not as simple as starting a new medication or attending therapy. You’re not alone in the United States if you’ve tried traditional methods without finding relief. Up to 30% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience treatment-resistant depression (TRD), meaning standard antidepressants and talk therapy haven’t been effective for them.¹

At Northeast Health Services, we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and Spravato®—two advanced treatment options that offer hope for those navigating TRD. Both are available in Massachusetts and may be the next step in your healing journey. Our team is proud to serve our communities throughout Massachusetts with treatment that can support you. Call 508.794.8711 today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

What is treatment-resistant depression?

Treatment-resistant depression doesn’t mean you’ve failed treatment—it means your depression hasn’t responded to at least two different antidepressants taken at an adequate dose and duration. This is more common than many people realize, and it can feel frustrating, isolating, and even discouraging. But it also means it might be time to try a different approach.

For some people, exploring interventional psychiatry options like transcranial magnetic stimulation or Spravato® offers new pathways to relief. These treatments target the brain differently than traditional medications, often with faster or more noticeable improvements.

TMS vs ketamine: What you should know

When it comes to choosing between transcranial magnetic stimulation vs ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, it helps to understand how each treatment works, what the experience is like, and what kind of results you might expect.

TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. On the other hand, Spravato® involves using a fast-acting medication that targets glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain, to help restore neural activity affected by depression.

Both options have proven effective in treating TRD, though they operate through distinct mechanisms and are delivered differently. Patients typically attend daily outpatient sessions for TMS over several weeks, while clinicians administer Spravato® as a nasal spray in a supervised clinical setting.

What is TMS therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that has been helping clients with depression for over a decade. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that regulates mood. Studies show that TMS is effective in relieving symptoms for approximately 83% of clients with treatment-resistant depression, with about 62% achieving complete remission.²

Unlike medications, TMS doesn’t involve systemic side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or sleep issues. Sessions are typically 20–30 minutes long and don’t require sedation or recovery time, meaning you can drive yourself to and from appointments. Many of our clients in Massachusetts find that TMS offers an empowering option: treatment on your terms, without the added stress of more medications.

What is Spravato® treatment?

Spravato® is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, explicitly approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato® works on the glutamate system, offering a new avenue for those who haven’t found relief with other treatments.

Trained staff administer Spravato® in a clinic setting, and patients remain for observation after each dose. Treatments start twice a week and gradually taper down, depending on your response. According to Yale Medicine, it’s not uncommon to feel effects within hours or days—a welcome change for those used to waiting weeks for traditional medications to take effect.

Benefits of TMS therapy for TRD

While both Spravato® and transcranial magnetic stimulation are proven tools for treatment-resistant depression, many people find that TMS therapy offers unique benefits, including:

• Non-invasive care: No medications or anesthesia involved
• Minimal side effects: Most clients experience only mild discomfort or scalp sensitivity during treatment
• Lasting results: Studies have shown that TMS can provide long-term relief from depression, even after treatment ends³
• FDA-cleared: Backed by years of research and approved for use in major depressive disorder

TMS is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and it’s available at several Northeast Health Services clinics across Massachusetts. Whether you’re in Quincy, Taunton, or Hyannis, there’s a local clinic ready to provide compassionate care for your mental well-being.

Connect with Northeast Health Services and Find What Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care. We’re proud to offer both transcranial magnetic stimulation and Spravato® at Northeast Health Services—because different people benefit from different paths. Our team will work with you to understand your history, symptoms, and preferences before recommending a treatment plan. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. Call 508.794.8711 today to learn more.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.

Footnotes:

1. PubMed Central. “Treatment-resistant depression: therapeutic trends, challenges, and future directions.” Accessed May 5 2025.
2. PubMed Central. “Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of acute treatment outcomes in clinical practice.” Accessed May 5 2025.
3. PubMed Central. “Efficacy and safety of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for major depression: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial.” Accessed May 5 2025.