Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is one of the safest and most effective treatments for major depression. The FDA has approved it to treat teenagers and adults but only for a time-limited course of care. For most people, that is all the treatment they need. For others, they require maintenance (continuation) TMS. This article reviews the research and rationale that shows the need for the FDA to approve maintenance TMS now.

The FDA got it right when they approved TMS therapy for adolescent depression (kids aged 15 and older). TMS is one of the most effective treatments for resistant depression. The decision to approve this treatment for kids is an absolute game-changer and will save many young lives. This article describes the dramatic impact of the FDA’s approval and covers research that shows TMS for kids to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective.

Pharmacists aren’t the bad guys, but the pharmacies they work for can take advantage of you when you have to pay the “cash” price (the full retail cost) for your prescriptions. When your prescriptions are lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged, your insurance company often won’t cover the replacement costs, which leaves you covering the whole tab. This article addresses how to protect yourself when paying for your prescription medications without insurance.

What is really happening behind the scenes at insurance companies to block patients from more expensive (and sometimes more effective) medical treatments? This article discusses the need for transparency and reform of the involvement of “hired gun” physicians in routine denials of medical coverage.

The Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (SBHPA) was a major step toward mental health parity in the US. Before its passage, many Americans, especially those with ERISA-based health plans, were not protected by federal and state mental health parity laws. This article describes the history of mental health parity and what people can do to advocate for themselves.

Many people with longstanding depression believe that they have tried every treatment out there. A detailed review of their history often reveals that they are mistaken and that there are several strategies that they have never tried. This article addresses what information is needed to make a well-informed decision about what treatment to try next and how a history of past treatments combined with a strategic, methodical approach can open up options to newer and potentially more effective treatments.