Most of us go through some level of mental instability throughout our lives but for some, it’s devastatingly paralyzing and can affect our physical health, relationships and careers. Traditional thought is that only medication can treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc. but that’s no longer true thanks to a new breakthrough in diagnosing and treating the brain in a non-pharmaceutical manner. Think of it as a technology based approach and it’s appropriate for both short-term and long-term treatment of a varietal of mental health issues. These treatments are non-invasive (no surgery), non-systemic (nothing is ingested and circulating into the blood stream), and do not require any anesthesia or sedation.
Confirming a proper diagnosis faster and more accurately
Beginning with a patient’s diagnosis we employ a tool called a Referenced Electroencephalogram (rEEG) which takes a look at a patient’s brain waves in order to expose any abnormal functionality. A rEEG can detect a range of brain abnormalities from negative behavior characteristics to mood and personality disorders, however severe. Once the evaluation and diagnosis are determined, a course of action can be prescribed for the patient that is more accurate and personal than when just using traditional diagnosis methods alone.
Treating Clients in a Non-Pharmacological Manner
At Mind Therapy Clinic we use two different types of technology treatments for patients, the first is called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS. This is a non-drug treatment for depression and other mental disorders that uses a magnetic field to stimulate areas of the brain known to regulate mood. This stimulation increases the activity of neurons in this area of the brain and has proven through clinical studies to lessen the effects of depression. Sessions last from 30-40 minutes with little to no side effects and are facilitated in our offices in Marin, CA.
Neurofeedback also known as EEG-biofeedback is a painless procedure that is used to train the brain to learn to function more efficiently. Patients often have better control and focus after treatments which in turn gives them more control over their emotions. By applying electrodes to the scalp, we can listen in on brainwave activity. This activity is then processed by a computer which can pinpoint inefficiencies in the brain. Using video technology, eventually the brainwave activity is “shaped” toward more desirable, more regulated performance. The frequencies we target, and the specific locations on the scalp where we listen in on the brain, are specific to the conditions we are trying to address, and specific to the individual. Neurofeedback therapy is a treatment that has shown to be helpful in a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
These treatments may be right for you if:
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Symptoms continue to interfere with your daily life
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You have had, or have worried about side effects from medications
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You are interested in a proven, nonpharmacological treatment
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Antidepressants and therapy have not yielded desired results
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Want a non-invasive outpatient treatment
Read more about TMS treatments here.
Read more about rEEG and Neurofeedback here.