mission prep logo
GET HELP
mission prep logo

Innovative Treatments in Mental Healthcare

Author:
Jemma Strain
Jemma Strain
B.S. Psychology
Editor:
Emma Loker
Emma Loker
B.S.
CALL (866) 901-4047
INSURANCE VERIFICATION

Innovative treatments in mental healthcare can help provide much-needed treatment for millions of teenagers in the U.S. 

Whereas, at one time, options for mental health treatment were limited to traditional techniques, professionals around the world have stepped up to the challenge of improving how mental health care is delivered to increase outcomes for recovery. 

However, to many people, the idea of innovative mental health treatments – such as the use of technology in mental health treatment – might seem scary. Yet, when these approaches are explained, these people can make an informed choice about the best route of care for themselves or a loved one. 

If you’re curious about advances in mental health treatments, a mental health professional can talk you through the best options of care for your or a loved one’s needs. This article can also help by covering:

  • What innovative mental health treatments are
  • New mental health therapies 
  • How technology is used in mental health treatment and therapies
  • Holistic mental health innovations
  • Personalized mental health treatments that involve innovative approaches
Innovative Treatments in Mental Healthcare

What Are Innovative Mental Health Treatments?

Mental health conditions such as depression have been on the rise for at least the last decade. One survey that looked at rates of depression in teenagers found that percentages almost doubled from 8.1% in 2009 to 15.8% in 2019 – and this statistic isn’t taking into account the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.1

Based on the increase in mental health issues and the challenges that the pandemic brought, researchers and professionals around the world united to tackle these issues. What has resulted from this interest is new, innovative ways to treat mental health.2

These innovations include changes in public attitudes towards mental health, advances in technology, new treatment options, and policy reforms, amongst others. However, many people don’t fully understand what these innovations in mental health treatment mean for their or their loved one’s mental health care. 

In a nutshell, what the advent of innovative treatments means is that there are more options than ever for finding suitable and personalized options for therapy programs. In other words, people don’t have to rely only on traditional treatments to improve their recovery outcomes. 

Mental health professionals are well-versed in advances in mental health treatments, so they’re happy to discuss any queries you may have. The next section of this article covers the new mental health therapies that are currently changing the landscape of mental health treatment. 

New Mental Health Therapies

New mental health therapies based on recent research include advancements in medications, better understanding of psychedelics, and improvements in how psychoeducation is delivered. We discuss these advancements below. However, there are also technological developments in treatment, which we talk about in the next section.

Innovative Depression Medication Therapies:

More than 264 million people around the world suffer from depression. Yet, evidence shows that roughly one-third of these people don’t respond to at least one form of medication – leading to the label of being “treatment resistant.”3

While medication alone isn’t the “gold standard” of treatment for depression (a combined approach of medication and therapy is considered best), certain people do need effective drugs for their symptoms. For this reason, research has led to the development of innovative medications that target depression through different pathways of the brain than previous choices. 

For instance, a drug called “esketamine” – an anesthetic – has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Specifically, under the brand name “Spravato,” esketamine is used in nasal spray form to target treatment-resistant depression.4

Appreciation of Psychedelics for Treating Mental Health Conditions

Psychedelics, specifically psilocybin and MDMA, have been experiencing a recent appreciation for their effectiveness in treating conditions such as major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Psilocybin is the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms and isn’t currently used in standard practice for treating mental health conditions. In fact, it’s currently illegal in the U.S. – but many states are fighting to have it legalized. 

The reason why psilocybin has recently been having a renaissance comes down to how many studies are showing its long-term success in treating mental health conditions. For instance, one such study used psilocybin to treat moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression in patients and found that nearly 70% had a clinical reduction of symptoms. Similar results were found in people with treatment-resistant PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Additionally, these benefits could last for up to a year between treatments. 5,6

Advancements in Mental Health Education

In recent years, novel approaches to how mental health education is delivered in schools and workplaces have emerged. How research is conducted in schools and workplaces has evolved, and education now typically involves both online and offline modes of delivery. Through these advancements, there tends to be more active participation in learning about mental health conditions, more personalized care, and improved performance.2

Aside from these new mental health therapies and advancements, technology has helped carve novel approaches to how mental health is both considered and treated. We discuss how technology in mental health treatment has led to increased therapy options next. 

Technology in Mental Health Treatment

Digital tools, such as computers and machines, are being integrated into mental health treatment in evolving ways. These advancements can increase access to therapies, mean more personalized forms of treatment, and could even have a global impact on well-being. However, while there are some clear benefits to how technology is used in mental health treatment, there are also some challenges – and potential ethical concerns. 

We discuss each of these benefits and concerns under each of the following innovative technological treatments for mental health. 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy for mental health conditions that uses a magnetic field to stimulate the parts of the brain associated with mood regulation. TMS therapy uses a machine to deliver magnetic pulses through a coil to targeted areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation – which are underperforming in people with mood disorders. By reactivating certain areas of the brain, TMS allows for new neural pathways to be created and eases symptoms of distress. 

TMS therapy has been shown through research to improve the symptoms of many treatment-resistant mental health conditions. For example, studies have demonstrated that repeatedly delivering TMS can have significant antidepressant effects for those with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.7-9

There are major downsides to TMS in regards to side effects. However, it’s not suitable for everyone, such as people with a history of epilepsy or seizures. A mental health professional can talk to you or a loved one about any concerns or costs. 

Telehealth Treatment for Mental Health Issues

One of the biggest barriers to receiving much-needed mental health treatment in the U.S. is being able to access it. Many peoples’ busy schedules or remote locations mean that scheduling therapy into their lives just isn’t feasible. However, with the advent of telehealth services, including virtual therapy and counseling, getting treatment can be as easy as opening a laptop. This means that people now have the option of flexible treatment that they can organize around their schedules, budget, and location. Plus, additional benefits of telehealth treatments are that they can bypass concerns about stigma or being judged for needing therapy. 

Digital Research for Better Understanding Mental Health

Aside from technology’s direct involvement in the delivery of mental health therapies, it has also opened doors to a better understanding of mental health issues. By tracking information from smartphones and wearable devices (such as smartwatches), researchers can get insight into “real-world” problems and needs. Additionally, this type of research overcomes professional bias and allows for more objective observations of what is needed in mental health treatment.10

Artificial Intelligence in Delivering Therapy

A very recent innovation in mental health treatment comes from research into using AI “chatbots” for delivering one-to-one therapy. While the results of a study published in March 2025 showed surprisingly positive outcomes from an early study, this recent avenue in mental health treatment sparks some concerns.11

As AI is based on previous observations and data, there is a risk that therapy chatbots could reinforce harmful biases – especially for cultural groups that have limited access to treatment. There are also concerns about data breaches or unauthorized access to patients’ information – which would violate their rights to confidentiality. 

And, finally, the therapeutic relationship between a patient and their therapist is often the biggest motivator of change, sometimes even more so than the type of therapy used. For this reason, using AI in delivering therapy requires thoughtful and careful deliberation. While there may be some benefits, such as increasing access, its future may be more suitable as a tool for complementing and enhancing other forms of treatment.12

In light of the new mental health treatments and technological advances in how therapy is understood and delivered, you may be wondering what the best choice for you is. Well, the choice may not involve simply choosing one mode of treatment. Instead, a holistic approach to mental health may work best. 

Holistic Mental Health Innovations

Holistic approaches to mental health care involve taking a “whole” body stance on treatment – not just looking at the symptoms of a mental health condition. This means taking mental, physical, and environmental factors into consideration when creating a treatment plan. 

The benefits of a holistic approach to mental health include that they are cost cost-effective and proven to work for treating a wide range of mental health conditions. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to reduce psychological distress and improve physical health, relationships, and medication adherence.13

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as quality of sleep and a balanced diet are taken into consideration in a holistic approach. A poor diet and lack of sleep have been proven to contribute to mental health conditions, so targeting these, along with providing therapy, could improve recovery outcomes.14,15

Finally, eastern approaches to treating mental health have been instrumental in improving peoples’ self-awareness and ability to relax – reducing the symptoms of psychological distress as a result. Therefore, therapies such as mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) incorporate mindfulness techniques into their treatment protocols. However, when taking a holistic approach to treatment, many therapists will factor in mindfulness and meditation to treat mental health from a body-mind perspective.16

Personalized Mental Health Treatments

With consideration of new therapies for and technological advances in treating mental health conditions, many people may be left wondering what the best options for their treatment are. Trying to weigh up the pros and cons of certain treatments could cause decision fatigue and stress – but it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Mission Prep’s team can discuss innovative treatment options with you or a loved one, as well as how to take a holistic approach to mental health interventions. For instance, we can talk to you about the following therapy options. 

Therapy Options for Personalized Mental Health Treatments:

The following therapy options can be included in a holistic mental health treatment plan and can be delivered as part of an inpatient or outpatient program. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT has been proven to target both the body and the mind, providing relief from psychological distress and physical symptoms. It can also improve relationships with family and benefit performance in school. CBT works by targeting teens’ thoughts and actions, identifying negative patterns, and helping them build healthy ways of coping. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a relatively recent innovative treatment for the effects of previous experiences, such as trauma, on mental health. EMDR is an effective way of treating trauma as it changes how these memories are stored in the brain, helping a teen move past trauma and form more positive beliefs.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: As discussed, TMS therapy is a relatively recent technological innovation in mental health treatment. It’s a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific brain areas, helping improve mood in treatment-resistant conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression. 

Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT): MBT takes a holistic approach to mental health treatment, combining elements of CBT with non-judgmental mindfulness techniques to help teens combat negative emotions and moods. 

Interpersonal therapy: Therapy that targets a teen’s relationships with others can facilitate a body-mind approach to treatment. For instance, interpersonal therapy helps families work through issues in communication and figure out better ways of coping to improve mental health. 

Alongside these therapy options, Mission Prep can talk to you and your child about making lifestyle changes to improve mental health recovery outcomes. For instance, we can suggest dietary changes, sleep schedules, or exercise plans. 

Innovative Treatments in Mental Healthcare

Mission Prep: The Future of Mental Health Care

At Mission Prep, our team of licensed, empathetic mental health professionals consistently endeavors to keep up to date with innovative treatments in mental health care. This way, we can create effective personalized mental health treatment plans that hold a teen and their family’s needs at their core. 

We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment in a variety of locations, taking a flexible approach whenever possible when delivering care. The idea of innovative treatments for mental health might sound scary, but with increased understanding, you can make an informed choice about your treatment options. Contact us today to find out more. 

References

  1. Wilson, S., & Dumornay, N. M. (2022). Rising Rates of Adolescent Depression in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities in the 2020s. The Journal of Adolescent Health : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 70(3), 354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.12.003
  2. Fox, C. (2021, September 14). These are the top 10 innovations tackling mental ill health. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/09/these-are-the-top-10-innovations-tackling-mental-ill-health/
  3. Rush, A. J., Trivedi, M. H., Wisniewski, S. R., Nierenberg, A. A., Stewart, J. W., Warden, D., Niederehe, G., Thase, M. E., Lavori, P. W., Lebowitz, B. D., McGrath, P. J., Rosenbaum, J. F., Sackeim, H. A., Kupfer, D. J., Luther, J., & Fava, M. (2006). Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: A STAR*D report. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(11), 1905–1917. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905
  4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression
  5. Aliouche, H. (n.d.). What is psilocybin-assisted therapy? News-Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Psilocybin-Assisted-Therapy.aspx
  6. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2022, February 15). Psilocybin treatment for major depression effective for up to a year for most patients, study shows. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2022/02/psilocybin-treatment-for-major-depression-effective-for-up-to-a-year-for-most-patients-study-shows
  7. Fava, G. A., & Tomba, E. (2021). A clinical perspective on the early diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(9), 983-991. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/204901
  8. The Psychiatrist. (2023). Right versus left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. The Psychiatrist, 47(3), 67-70. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/right-versus-left-prefrontal-transcranial-magnetic/
  9. George, M. S., & Risch, S. C. (1998). Transcranial magnetic stimulation: A tool for clinical neuropsychopharmacology. Biological Psychiatry, 43(5), 287-298. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(98)00016-X
  10. Insel, T. R. (2018). Digital phenotyping: A global tool for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 17(3), 276. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20550
  11. Kumar, S., Patel, V., Smith, J., & Lee, A. (2025). Randomized trial of a generative AI chatbot for mental health treatment. NEJM AI, 1(2), Article e2400802. https://doi.org/10.1056/AIoa2400802
  12. Bloch-Atefi, A. (2025). Balancing ethics and opportunities: The role of AI in psychotherapy and counselling. Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia. https://doi.org/10.59158/001c.129884
  13. Shafran, R., Bennett, S. D., & Smith, M. M. (2017). Interventions to Support Integrated Psychological Care and Holistic Health Outcomes in Paediatrics. Healthcare, 5(3), 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare5030044
  14. Herbison, C. E., Hickling, S., Allen, K. L., O’Sullivan, T. A., Robinson, M., Bremner, A. P., Huang, R., Beilin, L. J., Mori, T. A., & Oddy, W. H. (2012). Low intake of B-vitamins is associated with poor adolescent mental health and behaviour. Preventive Medicine, 55(6), 634-638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.09.014
  15. Hafner, M., Stepanek, M., Taylor, J., & Troxel, W. M. (2017). Why sleep matters—The economic costs of insufficient sleep: A cross-country comparative analysis. Rand Health Quarterly, 6(4), 11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5627640/
  16. Janssen, M., Heerkens, Y., Kuijer, W., & Engels, J. (2018). Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on employees’ mental health: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 13(1), e0191332. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191332

WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR INSURANCES

aetna logo
anthem logo
healthnet logo
firsthealth logo
beacon logo
bluecross blueshield logo
magellan health logo

We Also Work With Many Other Insurance Carriers

PLEASE REACH OUT TO VERIFY YOUR BENEFITS

ARE YOU OR A
LOVED ONE STRUGGLING

with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns?

Find out if Mission Prep is right for you by reaching out to us and speaking with one of our admissions representatives.

CALL (866) 901-4047
VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE
mission prep logo

QUICKLINKS

Facilities

What We Treat

What Makes Us Different

Privacy Policy

Phone: 866-845-1391

Email: info@missionprephealthcare.com

Corporate Office: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. San Juan Capistrano CA 92675

Facebook Instagram Tiktok

Copyright 2024 © Mission Prep Healthcare. All Rights Reserved