Headquarters Mental Wellness

Overview

What is medically assisted treatment?

Some mental health conditions benefit from medical intervention — sometimes alongside therapy, sometimes instead of it. Medically assisted treatments include psychiatric medication, FDA-cleared devices like TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use, and ketamine therapy.

These options are especially valuable for treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders — conditions where talk therapy alone often isn't enough. They're prescribed and overseen by psychiatrists and other qualified prescribers, and most work best in combination with ongoing therapy.

Coverage and access vary widely. TMS and ketamine are increasingly covered by insurance for specific indications. Psychiatry and MAT are generally covered, though out-of-network providers are common.

Approaches

Within this category

TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation — non-invasive treatment using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions. FDA-cleared for treatment-resistant depression and OCD. Typically 30-40 minute sessions, 5 days/week for 4-6 weeks.

Ketamine Therapy

A medical treatment using low-dose ketamine in a clinical setting, often alongside therapy. Esketamine (brand name Spravato) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression; IV ketamine is used off-label for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Both require a prescription and medical monitoring. Other options (psilocybin, MDMA) remain in clinical trials as of mid-2026.

Psychiatry

Medical management of mental health, including assessment, medication prescribing, and ongoing monitoring. Provided by psychiatrists (MD/DO) or psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

MAT for substance use disorders — medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder; acamprosate and naltrexone for alcohol use disorder. Decades of research show MAT dramatically improves recovery outcomes. Typically combined with counseling and other support.

Spravato

Esketamine nasal spray, FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. Administered in a clinical setting under medical supervision, typically twice a week for the first month, then less often. Covered by many insurance plans (unlike off-label IV ketamine).

Other Medically Assisted

Other medically-supervised mental health treatments not listed above — neurofeedback, emerging therapies in clinical trials, and integrative medical-psychiatric approaches.

Common Questions

Things people ask

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

No. Psychiatrists evaluate and recommend; you decide what to do with their recommendation. Many people see a psychiatrist for a one-time consultation and decide medication isn't right for them.

Is TMS painful?

Mildly uncomfortable for the first few sessions — most people describe it as a tapping sensation on the scalp. There's no anesthesia, no recovery time. You can drive yourself home afterward and return to work.

What is ketamine therapy?

A medical treatment using ketamine in a clinical setting, often paired with therapy. Esketamine (Spravato) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression; IV ketamine is used off-label for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Both are given with medical monitoring — not the same as recreational use.

Will insurance cover these treatments?

Psychiatry is usually covered. TMS is increasingly covered for depression after other treatments have been tried. Ketamine therapy coverage varies — some forms (like Spravato, the FDA-approved nasal spray) are covered, while IV ketamine is often not.

How long do these treatments take to work?

Medication: weeks to months for SSRIs; sometimes faster for specific drugs. TMS: improvements often start in week 2-3 of treatment. Ketamine: many people notice shifts within hours of the first session, though the full course takes several treatments.

Is medication a last resort?

No — and that idea is a stigma, not a medical guideline. For some conditions like bipolar disorder, severe OCD, and schizophrenia, medication is often the first and most effective treatment. For others it works best alongside therapy. There is no award for waiting longer than necessary to feel better. A psychiatrist can help you figure out what makes sense for your situation.