For individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression, the search for relief can feel exhausting. Traditional medications and therapy don't work for everyone — and that's where interventional psychiatry comes in.

At Pediatric and Family Behavioral Health on Park Road in south Charlotte, the outpatient psychiatry office now offers two advanced, brain-based treatments: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine).

What Is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS does not require anesthesia or medication and is typically administered in short outpatient sessions over several weeks.

Patients can return to school, work or daily activities immediately after treatment. TMS has been shown to improve depressive symptoms, concentration, motivation and overall functioning, with minimal side effects such as mild scalp discomfort or headache in some individuals.

What Is Spravato?

Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression and for adults experiencing severe depressive symptoms with suicidal thoughts. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Spravato works on the brain's glutamate system and may produce symptom relief more rapidly.

Some patients receiving Spravato report symptom relief within hours or days. Beyond speed, another key benefit is its potential to help patients who previously felt stuck after trying multiple medications without success.

A Family-Centered Approach

What sets Pediatric and Family Behavioral Health apart is its family-centered, evidence-based approach. The clinical team carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether interventional treatments are appropriate and integrates them into a comprehensive care plan that may include medication management, psychotherapy, school or family support and ongoing monitoring.

Both TMS and Spravato are covered by most major insurance plans, and the team assists with benefits verification and prior authorization to help make care accessible.

Not a Replacement — An Enhancement

These innovative treatments do not replace therapy or traditional psychiatric care — they enhance it. For many patients, TMS and Spravato offer renewed hope, improved quality of life and the possibility of meaningful recovery when other treatments have not been enough.

If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent depression, the team at Pediatric and Family Behavioral Health is here to help explore all appropriate options and guide you toward the most effective path forward.

Pediatric and Family Behavioral Health PLLC 10420 Park Road, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28210 (counseling/therapy) 10440 Park Road, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28210 (psychiatric care) pfbhnc.com | 980-237-4766

This article was originally published in the March 2026 issue of Stroll Firethorne magazine. Written by Dr. Javier Santos-Cubina.