Psychedelic Assisted Therapies

Psychedelics like psilocybin — the active compound in “magic mushrooms” — and 5-MeO-DMT are emerging as some of the most promising options for people who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments. Unlike antidepressants that take weeks to work, these therapies may improve mood after just one guided session. For people with treatment-resistant depression, psychedelic-assisted care can offer a breakthrough when other options fail.

Momentum is also building globally: New Zealand recently approved psilocybin for specialized clinical use under the care of trained psychiatrists, and the largest controlled trial to date reported positive outcomes for depression. Meanwhile, biotech companies are developing next-generation psychedelic medicines to expand access and standardize care. Beyond psilocybin, compounds like 5-MeO-DMT show ultra-rapid antidepressant effects within minutes. Together, these advances may soon bring psychedelic-assisted therapy into mainstream psychiatric care.

Next-Generation Medications

Most antidepressants, like SSRIs, can take several weeks before you start to notice any changes. For someone struggling in the moment, that wait can feel endless. The good news is that a new generation of medications is being developed to work much faster — sometimes within just a few days, or even hours. This is especially important for people who are in crisis or who haven’t found relief from traditional antidepressants, as quicker results can genuinely make a difference. One example already available is esketamine nasal spray (Spravato), which became the first FDA-approved treatment of its kind for hard-to-treat depression in 2025. Unlike older medications that mainly work on serotonin, these new options act on other brain systems, such as glutamate and GABA, that play essential roles in mood and emotion. Researchers are also studying several new oral medications, like DT-101, Gepirone, Zuranolone, Auvelity, and Lumateperone, which could expand the options available in the near future.

Brain Stimulation & Neuromodulation Devices

For people living with depression, non-invasive brain stimulation devices are opening new doors, especially for those who want options beyond medication or want to avoid side effects. These devices gently stimulate specific parts of the brain to help improve mood and ease depressive symptoms. One promising option is a new brain stimulation tool called tACS, which recently received Breakthrough Device status from the FDA because of its potential to transform treatment. Researchers are also testing at-home brain stimulation caps, like Sooma Medical’s tDCS system, which could allow clients to use therapy safely from home with guidance from their care team. Even more advanced, a robotic TMS system in Australia has helped some patients fully recover in early trials, showing how precise stimulation can make a real difference. These innovations give hope for safe, non-drug ways to feel better, often faster and more personally tailored to each individual.

Digital & Neurofeedback Therapies

In addition to medications and brain stimulation, technology is creating exciting new avenues to support mental health. Digital therapies allow people to actively engage with their own brain function, often through interactive, game-like programs that are drug-free and, in some cases, usable at home. These tools make therapy more accessible, personalized, and empowering, giving clients a hands-on way to work toward improved mood and emotional balance.

One example is GrayMatters Health’s Prism, an EEG-based “video game” that tracks brain activity and provides real-time feedback to help clients strengthen healthier brain patterns. In clinical studies, Prism led to remission in nearly one-third of people with chronic depression after just 10 sessions, demonstrating that even a relatively short course can have meaningful results. By combining technology, neuroscience, and active client participation, digital therapies offer a hopeful alternative or complement to traditional treatment, empowering people to take an active role in their own recovery.

Novel-Fast Acting Alternatives

For people experiencing severe depression, especially during moments of crisis, treatments that provide rapid relief can be life-changing. One such option is nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas.” Early studies suggest that a single, carefully supervised session can lift mood and reduce depressive symptoms for up to two weeks. While research is still ongoing to fully understand its safety and long-term effects, these early results are promising, showing that fast-acting treatments could become an essential part of the mental health toolkit. By offering immediate relief, these therapies provide hope for clients who have struggled to find help through conventional methods, and they highlight the expanding range of options in modern depression care.