Interventional Psychiatry
Transformative Care for Depression
Struggling with depression that hasn’t improved with medication or therapy? UMass Memorial Health offers expert interventional psychiatry services designed to help patients find relief and restore quality of life. Our outpatient treatments include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS), Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Esketamine therapy, proven to target brain activity and improve mood safely.
Treatment Options
TMS Therapy
TMS therapy is a safe, drug-free way to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s FDA-approved, completely noninvasive, and done in an outpatient setting where each session takes less than 20 minutes. You can get back to your day right after treatment.
At UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, we’re proud to offer TMS for adolescents ages 15 and older, giving younger patients access to advanced care close to home.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for severe depression and certain other mental health conditions when medications and therapy haven’t worked. It uses controlled electrical stimulation under anesthesia to help reset brain activity and improve mood. ECT is often recommended for patients with treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, or those experiencing urgent symptoms like suicidal thoughts, offering relief when other options haven’t helped.
Esketamine Therapy
Esketamine therapy is a breakthrough treatment for adults with depression that hasn’t improved with traditional medications. Delivered as a nasal spray in a safe, supervised setting, it works differently than standard antidepressants, helping restore brain connections and relieve symptoms quickly. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, Esketamine could offer the relief you’ve been looking for.
Why Choose Us?
At UMass Memorial Health, we’re committed to delivering advanced care for mental health disorders through innovative therapies and compassionate support. Here’s what makes us different:
Expert Neuromodulation Team
Our experienced providers specialize in cutting-edge neuromodulation treatments not widely available in New England. With decades of combined expertise, we help patients find relief when traditional treatments haven’t worked.
Personalized, Seamless Care
We collaborate with your primary care provider and tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs, making your experience as smooth and effective as possible.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services
Beyond neuromodulation, we offer a full continuum of care—including outpatient programs, a dedicated Depression Clinic, and 24/7 emergency mental health services—so you have access to the support you need at every stage.
Commitment to Research & Innovation
Our team actively participates in clinical trials and research to advance neuromodulation therapies, ensuring you benefit from the latest breakthroughs in treatment for resistant mental health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Interventional Psychiatry is a modern, outpatient approach for individuals whose depression has not 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 (MDD), including treatment‑resistant depression
- Suicidal ideation associated with depression (Esketamine therapy)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (TMS therapy)
A comprehensive evaluation with our clinical team helps determine which treatment—or combination of treatments—is most appropriate.
Yes. Both TMS and Esketamine therapies are offered in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to receive care and safely return home the same day.
- TMS therapy uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is non‑invasive, medication‑free, and does not involve surgery or anesthesia.
- 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.
Yes. Clinical and real‑world studies show significant improvement for many patients:
- TMS demonstrates high response and remission rates for depression.
- 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 last about 20 minutes. You remain awake and alert while a cushioned coil delivers magnetic pulses. Patients commonly feel a gentle tapping, tingling, or warming sensation. You may resume normal activities immediately afterward.
- Esketamine sessions involve 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.
Yes. Esketamine therapy is commonly used alongside an oral antidepressant, and TMS can be provided while patients remain on existing medications, as determined by your clinician.
- TMS therapy: Usually administered five days a week over several weeks.
- Esketamine therapy: Typically given twice weekly for four weeks, followed by reassessment to determine next steps.
Yes. Both treatments are delivered in a controlled medical environment with ongoing monitoring to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- 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 Major Depressive Disorder and reimburse Esketamine therapy. Our behavioral health coordinators work directly with patients and insurance providers to help obtain authorization and simplify the process.
Interested in Learning More?
Your health matters. Connect with us to find out if you qualify and determine which treatment option is right for you.