Mindful Health Solutions and Mental Health Through TMS

Mindful Health Solutions treats a variety of mental health conditions that can be painful and isolating, especially treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We provide patient-centric experiences to help you find relief from your symptoms. Mindful HealthSolutions offers a variety of modern treatment options, although we specialize in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We have many locations in southern California, but we also offer telepsychiatry.

TMS

TMS is a noninvasive method of stimulating the brain with a variable magnetic field. A technician connects an electric pulse generator to a magnetic coil, and then connects the coil to the scalp. The stimulator generates an alternating electrical current in the coil, which induces a magnetic field that creates a second electric field within the brain. The strength of this field is similar to that of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which is a very low level. TMS is effective in diagnosing and treating a variety of mental and neurological conditions, especially depression.

Approximately 350 million people in the world suffer depression, including 16.1 million Americans. Medication and psychotherapy are ineffective in about 25 percent of these cases, but TMS is often effective when traditional methods fail. About half the patients who undergo TMS improve significantly, and one patient in three becomes completely free of all symptoms of depression. Patients can receive this treatment in an office environment, and each session lasts about 45 minutes.

One of the greatest advantages of TMS is that its effects are more highly localized than medication. These chemicals circulate throughout the entire body, allowing them to affect every organ system. TMS acts very precisely on a specific region of the brain, resulting in a much lower risk of adverse side effects. Dr. Richard Bermudes, medical director at Mindful Health Solutions, says “It’s exciting to see the positive results of this drug-free, non-invasive treatment for patients [with TRD].”

Practice

Dr. Bermudes founded Mindful Health Solutions in 2007, he wanted to develop a practice that focused on patient-centric care with an academic approach that incorporates the latest techniques as they become available. Dr. Bermudes’ passion for TMS also resulted in him writing a book with his colleague Dr. Karl Lanocha, Director of TMS Education for Mindful Health Solutions. This book is entitled “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Clinical Applications for Psychiatric Practices,” which the American Psychiatric Association published in 2018.

Mindful Health Solutions collaborates with the patient’s primary psychiatrist or primary care provider to help provide the best treatment outcome. We develop treatment plans and confer with referring physicians to ensure that plan aligns with patient needs. We also provide regular updates on the patient’s progress to the referring clinician as treatment continues. In addition, we check in with the patient as needed and provide the referring physician with a final report.

Part of Mindful Health Solutions’s mission is to make all psychiatric treatments accessible to patients, including TMS. Most health insurance plans already cover this therapy, but we continue to work with providers on a case-by-case basis to ensure adequate coverage for all patients. We also help patients obtain financial assistance when insurance fails to cover TMS.

Telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry is the use of video conferencing and other technology that allows patients to connect with their doctors remotely. Patients typically use devices with audio/visual capabilities such as a smartphone, laptop or desktop computer to connect over the internet. Telepsychiatry allows you to talk to psychiatrists from your home or office instead of meeting with them in person. Your psychiatrist can help you decide if telepsychiatry is an appropriate option for you.

You can login to the Mindful Health Solutions’ patient portal with most internet-enabled devices that have a camera function. In addition to this technology, the only other thing telepsychiatry requires is a private space free of interruptions. These appointments allow you access to care when it’s inconvenient to travel to one of our clinics, such as when you’re traveling or sick. This capability thus helps reduce the risk of missing an appointment and needing to reschedule it. Our staff members are available to answer any questions you may have about telepsychiatry before your first session.

Our patients have expressed great satisfaction with the care they receive through telepsychiatry, especially its convenience. We’re happy to offer this service as part of our overall commitment to provide care that’s both effective and convenient. Insurers don’t always cover telepsychiatry, but we can also provide other options for patients who need to pay out-of-pocket.

Physical Locations

Mindful Health Solutions’ is based in San Francisco, but it has offices in many other cities in southern California that ensure a psychiatrist near me. These locations include the Bay Area, Sacramento and Orange County.

In addition to San Francisco itself, Mindful Health Solutions has locations in the following cities within the Bay Area:

• Burlingame
• Fairfield
• Oakland
• San Rafael
• Walnut

Mindful Health Solutions has multiple offices in Sacramento and the following nearby cities:

• El Dorado Hills
• Elk Grove
• Roseville
• Stockton

We also have an office in Newport Beach within Orange County. Mindful Health Solutions also opens new offices in California and other states on a regular basis. In addition to our telepsychiatry services, these offices ensure there will always be a psychiatrist near me.