Advanced Psychiatric Treatment Options

Interventional Psychiatry at BIDMC

At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), our Interventional Psychiatry program offers advanced treatment options for people whose mental health symptoms have not improved with standard care.

These evidence-based therapies are designed for individuals with treatment-refractory depression, schizophrenia, or other severe mood or psychotic disorders, and are delivered by experienced psychiatric specialists in safe, closely monitored settings.

Our team works closely with you and your current mental health provider to recommend the right treatment plan for you and to support your care every step of the way.

Candidates for Interventional Psychiatry

Our Interventional Psychiatry program may be an option if you:

• Have tried multiple medications without adequate symptom relief
• Continue to experience severe or disabling symptoms
• Are looking for additional treatment options beyond traditional therapy and medication

A psychiatric provider can evaluate your symptoms and history and recommend the most appropriate interventional approach.

Interventional Psychiatry Services

Our advanced treatment options include:

Esketamine Treatment

Esketamine is an FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant depression. It is administered as a nasal spray that you self-administer under medical supervision in an outpatient clinic.

Esketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants and may help improve symptoms by supporting new brain connections. Each visit includes close monitoring to ensure safety and comfort.

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Noninvasive brain stimulation treatments, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), use targeted magnetic or electrical stimulation to modulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. These treatments do not require surgery or anesthesia and are typically provided in an outpatient setting.

Noninvasive brain stimulation may be an option for people whose symptoms have not improved with medications or who prefer a non-medication treatment approach.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a highly effective, well-established treatment for severe depression and other serious psychiatric conditions. ECT is performed under anesthesia and involves carefully controlled electrical stimulation of the brain.

At BIDMC, ECT is delivered by a specialized team in a hospital setting with close medical monitoring. It is often recommended when rapid symptom improvement is needed or when other treatments have not been effective.