Interventional Psychiatry

For patients with depression who prefer a non-invasive option or do not tolerate medications, TMS offers a revolutionary outpatient treatment.

How it works: Approved by the FDA, TMS uses a specialized coil placed against the scalp to deliver magnetic pulses that stimulate targeted regions of the brain involved in mood regulation.

The treatment is done while the patient is awake and seated; it does not require anesthesia or any form of sedation, and one session typically lasts about 20 minutes. A typical course involves daily sessions (Monday–Friday) for about 4-6 weeks.

At Lakeland Regional Health, our Interventional Psychiatry team will first evaluate if TMS is right for you, considering factors like your treatment history and any medical contraindications. If you embark on TMS, you’ll do so in the comfort of our clinic, under the supervision of caring technicians and physicians who track your progress. Patients often appreciate that they can drive themselves to and from sessions and resume normal activities immediately after.

Is it effective? Patients with treatment-resistant depression respond well to TMS and can achieve results where medications have failed.

Ketamine, a medication historically used as an anesthetic, has emerged in recent years as a fast-acting antidepressant, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and those experiencing active suicidal thoughts.

How it works: We offer IV ketamine infusion therapy on a case-by-case basis under strict medical supervision. The infusions are done in a calm, monitored setting. Patients are observed during and after the infusion by our trained staff until any acute effects wear off (ketamine can cause temporary dissociative sensations or changes in perception during the infusion).

Is it effective? Our team in Polk County is at the forefront of utilizing these therapies, combining compassion with careful protocol. For someone who has been in despair after many treatments, ketamine can be life-changing by rapidly lifting the fog of depression or curbing suicidal ideation so longer-term treatments can take hold.

ECT is often the gold-standard treatment for severe depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments, as well as for certain cases of persistent suicidality, catatonia, or refractory mania. Despite outdated stigmas, modern ECT is a safe, humane procedure performed under general anesthesia.

How it works: Small electrical impulses are delivered to the brain to induce a brief controlled seizure, which can “reset” brain chemistry in beneficial ways.

At Lakeland Regional Health, ECT is administered by our credentialed psychiatrists in a dedicated suite within our behavioral health center. Patients undergo a thorough medical clearance beforehand, and each treatment is closely monitored by an anesthesia team for comfort and safety.

Our ECT program is distinguished not only by being the sole provider in the area, but also by the level of personalized care. Our ECT coordinator guides patients and families through the process, answers questions, and provides support with empathy and expertise. 

Is it effective: Overall, ECT is approximately 80% effective for appropriate candidates, making it one of the most effective treatments in all of psychiatry. Many patients begin to notice mood improvements after just a few sessions.