7 ways TMS and esketamine are changing mental health care for veterans

Military service often means facing extreme stress, trauma and the difficult transition to civilian life when enlistment contracts end. Because of this, our veterans face higher rates of mental health struggles. For many veterans, these struggles continue long after their military service has ended. About 30% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. Approximately 30% of veterans also experience symptoms of depression. Each veteran who is struggling is someone’s loved one. They’re a parent, spouse, friend or battle buddy. 

As awareness grows around veteran mental health needs, so does the push for more effective treatment options. Traditional therapy and medications help many people, but some veterans need additional support. That’s where transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and esketamine (Spravato®) come in. These innovative treatments are offering fresh hope, especially for veterans who haven’t found relief through standard options. 

Changing the game: TMS and Spravato® are leading veteran mental health to a new era of care

Here are seven key ways TMS and Spravato® are transforming mental health care for our veterans:

1. They offer relief when medications haven’t worked.

Many veterans have complex mental health issues, often dealing with PTSD, anxiety and depression all at once. Having many problems at once can make standard medications less effective, resulting in up to 30% of people with depression not seeing improvement. 

TMS and Spravato® were designed specifically with this group in mind. TMS has been approved by the FDA since 2008 for major depressive disorder and is now being used more often for problems like PTSD, too. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain linked to mood regulation, helping nerve cells communicate better. Studies on veterans with depression, many of whom also had PTSD, showed that around 41% saw major symptom improvements with TMS. Because of the proof of its success, the VA is growing its TMS programs across the nation. 

Spravato® nasal spray is FDA approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior. It can lead to a reduction in severe symptoms within 24 hours of the first dose. 

For veterans who have tried “everything” and still feel stuck, these treatments open the door to a long-awaited breakthrough. 

2. They work quickly, especially for severe symptoms.

One of the hardest parts of depression, anxiety or PTSD is how long it can take to feel better. Most antidepressants can take up to four weeks or longer to show improvement. 

Spravato®, however, often works faster. For veterans in crisis, this rapid action can be life saving. It gives care teams a critical window of time to help stabilize the veteran and start longer-term care and safety planning. 

TMS also offers steady and measurable improvements over several weeks. For veterans balancing families, jobs and the transition back to civilian life, quicker relief can make daily functioning more manageable and provide a starting point for deeper healing. 

3. They treat the brain directly, not the whole body.

One of the major complaints about traditional antidepressants is the side effects, such as weight gain, fatigue or sexual side effects, that affect the whole body. TMS is changing that. TMS magnetic pulses target only the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the specific area of the brain involved in mood regulation. Side effects are rare and limited. It may result in mild, temporary headaches at the treatment site which can be addressed with low-dose ibuprofen or tylenol.

For veterans who are wary of taking more pills or dealing with unwanted side effects, TMS may be a preferred option. It can allow them to get powerful relief without the concerns of chemical interactions or side effects. 

4. They support PTSD symptoms linked to treatment-resistant depression.

Many veterans live with both PTSD and depression at the same time. According to the VA, about 50% of people with PTSD also develop major depression. These overlapping conditions can make treatment more difficult. 

TMS and Spravato® can meaningfully reduce depressive symptoms that make PTSD harder to manage. TMS may help with intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances and emotional numbing. 

When depression eases, veterans are often better able to participate in psychotherapy and build healthy coping skills that support long-term stability. 

5. They can reduce suicidal thinking.

This is one of the most important ways these treatments are helping veterans. 

The VA reports that nearly 17 veterans die by suicide each day. Reducing suicidal thinking is an urgent national priority. 

Spravato® is the first FDA-approved medication shown to rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts in adults with major depression. The structured, supervised treatment process also ensures that veterans receive care in a safe, supportive clinical environment. 

TMS has also been shown to lower suicidal thinking for many people with severe depression, making it a valuable part of a veteran’s safety-focused care plan. 

6. They fit into a larger, whole-person treatment approach.

Veterans often make the most progress when these treatments are paired with:

• Trauma-informed therapy
• Medication management
• Supportive services
• Skill-building and healthy coping strategies

This integrated approach respects the complexity of military experience. It honors the truth that healing isn’t one size fits all, but with the right tools, it’s possible. 

7. They help veterans reconnect with daily life. 

The benefits of TMS and Spravato® can touch veterans in personal, meaningful ways, leading them to:

• Feel motivated again
• Reconnect with family
• Sleep more consistently
• Enjoy hobbies they once cared about
• Feel more emotionally steady

When depression or PTSD symptoms ease, everyday tasks feel more achievable. Veterans can feel more like themselves again, which is a powerful sign that treatment is helping. 

Psychiatry Treatment Centers is helping advance veteran mental health care

At Psychiatry Treatment Centers, we’re committed to giving compassionate, clinically informed care to our veterans who are carrying the invisible wounds of trauma, depression and PTSD. We understand that finding hope requires new, smart solutions. We proudly offer advanced outpatient mental health treatments like TMS and Spravato®.

We actively work with VA clinics to make sure our veterans and military families have clear access to our specialized services. With clinics in California and Georgia, we’re here to support you in taking back your health and finding the peace you deserve. 

Reach out to our team by phone today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. You can also book your initial appointment online now.