A different approach to depression
You've tried the medications. You've done the work. If depression is still there, it’s a signal that you need different tools. We offer advanced life-changing treatments including TMS and Spravato.
What is treatment-resistant depression?
Treatment-resistant depression, also called refractory depression, is diagnosed when standard antidepressants and therapy don't work. It affects roughly one in three people with depression, which means it is far more common than most people realize.
This tells us you need a different approach. At Emerald, we offer both TMS and Spravato for treatment-resistant depression.
Advanced treatments: TMS & Spravato
For those who stopped believing it could get better, Emerald's FDA-approved breakthrough treatments can provide life-changing hope and relief. The results speak for themselves.
Focused magnetic pulses that stimulate the brain regions involved in mood regulation.
A nasal spray that works through a completely different mechanism than traditional antidepressants.
saw a reduction in symptoms.*
experienced remission from depression.*
What is TMS?
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a proven and highly successful treatment for major depressive disorder in adults who have failed to receive satisfactory improvements from prior antidepressant medications and therapy.
Cleared for use by the FDA in October 2008, TMS uses a noninvasive magnetic field, similar to that of an MRI, to stimulate the natural function of the brain.
TMS is an in-office treatment but requires no sedation. A standard course is 36 sessions over eight weeks, and it's covered by most major insurance plans for those who qualify.
The TMS process
Step 1: Evaluation
First, you will meet with one of our trained providers to review your medical history. They will ask questions about your past and your symptoms to determine if TMS is right for you.
Step 2: Insurance Authorization
Once we've determined that TMS is right for you, our Emerald team will submit a prior authorization to your insurance company and determine your coverage. We can review all payment options available to you as needed.
Step 3: Mapping
Next, you will have your first session, where we'll perform tests with you in the TMS chair to ensure everything is set up correctly to provide the best results. This mapping takes about an hour, and once it's complete, you move on to daily treatments.
What is TMS treatment like?
The full course of TMS treatment lasts about eight weeks, for a total of 36 sessions:
Sessions 1-30: Monday through Friday, completed over six weeks.
Sessions 31–36: Taper sessions, completed over your final two weeks.
At each appointment, you'll be escorted to one of our TMS chairs, which is similar to a dentist chair.
Your provider will apply your cap and begin the session, which lasts about 20 minutes.
You're allowed to bring a book, phone or music, but we ask that you please do not fall asleep during treatment.
TMS requires no sedation and has no systemic side effects or impact on memory. You can return to normal daily activities immediately after each treatment — which means yes, you can drive yourself home.
What is Spravato?
Spravato, or nasal esketamine, is a prescription medication used alone or with an antidepressant to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression.
Administered through the nose, Spravato works through a different pathway than traditional antidepressants and may provide relief from depressive symptoms more quickly. Some patients begin noticing improvement within 24 hours.
You will need a ride to and from Spravato treatments, as you are not allowed to drive or operate heavy machinery until you've had a full night's sleep after treatment.
Potential side effects may include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, spinning sensation, numbness, anxiety, lack of energy, increased blood pressure, vomiting, or feeling drunk, very happy, or excited. If these side effects occur, they usually happen shortly after dosing and typically resolve the same day.
The Spravato process
Step 1: Evaluation
First, you will meet with one of our trained providers to review your medical history. They'll ask questions about your symptoms, explain the process of Spravato, and determine if the treatment is right and safe for you.
Step 2: Insurance
Next, our Emerald team will submit a prior authorization to your insurance company and determine your coverage. We can review all payment options available to you as needed.
Step 3: Treatment
Once our provider has created your individualized treatment plan, you are ready to start Spravato. Each treatment session takes place in our office and lasts approximately two hours.
Treatment schedule
First four weeks: 2x weekly
Next four weeks: 1x weekly
After that you'll meet with your provider to tailor any follow-up treatment based on your response and tolerance to Spravato.
What is Spravato treatment like?
Spravato must be self-administered and supervised in our office. When you arrive for treatment, a staff member will escort you to a designated room and seat you in a comfortable chair.
After checking your vital signs — including your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation — your provider will guide you through the self-administration process and assist throughout the treatment.
Spravato treatment at Emerald is usually done in small groups, with individuals separated by privacy screens. The room is typically darkened, and a projector shines light patterns on the ceiling.
Staff members will monitor you over two hours and continue to track your vital signs. During this time, you may listen to music, read a book, or use your phone.
Reclaim your hope.
If nothing else has worked, let's try something new. See if TMS or Spravato is right for you.
FAQ
Common questions about getting started with Emerald Psychiatry
We accept most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna/Evernorth, CareSource, Medical Mutual, Humana, Tricare, AmeriHealth, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call us to verify your specific coverage — we'll find out before your first visit.
A real conversation with someone who is eager to listen. Your first appointment is about sharing your history, your symptoms, and what you actually want from care. We don't run through a form and send you on your way. We ask questions and build a plan together. First appointments typically take 60 minutes.
Yes — from first grade and up. We're one of the few outpatient psychiatric practices in central Ohio that serves children, adolescents, and adults with the same clinical depth.
That’s a clinical signal that you need different tools — and we have them. We offer FDA-approved TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and Spravato (nasal esketamine) for depression that hasn’t responded to first-line treatments. People who try these methods often see drastic improvements.