In “Embracing Better with PTSD,†we interview Anna McCurdy, a trauma-focused therapist, covering her work with PTSD and how it pairs with the Ketamine Infusion and TMS Therapies offered at Scenic City Neurotherapy. We also welcome Josh, a veteran and special guest, who shares his firsthand experiences with Ketamine Infusion Therapy and PTSD, explored further in this blog post. Listen now on our Research & Resources page.
Josh, a veteran, battled with PTSD and severe depression for years, trying various medications and treatments with little success. His journey towards healing took a significant turn when his wife found Scenic City Neurotherapy (SCN) after more than a decade of struggles. Despite initial reluctance and skepticism, Josh wound up at our clinic, motivated by the support of his loved ones. Josh shared that he had exhausted a long list of medications and treatment methods that led only to disappointment. He had reached a point of resignation and felt indifferent towards finding relief. However, willing to appease his wife’s determination, Josh decided to give ketamine infusion therapy a try. He completed the Stabilization Phase at our clinic, consisting of six infusions over three weeks.
“It took multiple attempts of not coming or refusing before they got me down there. It’s been the best by far [in terms of] effectiveness on a long term basis,†says Josh.
Josh didn’t notice immediate changes, but gradually, he began to experience a subtle shift. He described feeling “better†and echoed a phrase frequently employed at SCN, indicating progress rather than perfection.
“We use the term better a lot. Better doesn’t always mean good. It means better than it was. Less bad. We’re moving things forward, but better is the goal,†says Charles Miller, CMO and Founder of SCN.
Josh’s healing journey was not always smooth, nor was it always “better.†But two undeniable facts remained: he was not constantly consumed with negativity, and he did not constantly hate everything. Josh slowly progressed to enjoying things he once hated and explained that, while it took time, he does not know how he used to think previously. Charles Miller elaborated on Josh’s progress, emphasizing the importance of incremental improvements. He noted a significant moment when Josh decided to trash a chair symbolically tied to his struggles. This choice, motivated by his own determination, marked an important step towards regaining control over his life.
“One of the things that we always struggled with was this chair at home. It was his chair, and he would always go back to the chair because one of his outlets was just to get lost in video games… Well, we noticed that he had pain attached to his PTSD, and the worse the symptoms of PTSD got, the more the pain would increase. Every time he would get back in the chair and play video games, he felt this pain. He [Josh] identified this. I did not. It was to the point that his wife came in, said he’d thrown the chair out, and that she used that chair too. She said, ‘So now we don’t have that chair.’ It was the best thing he ever did because HE made the change. He removed the barrier. It was symbolic,†said Charles Miller.
Josh’s dedication to getting better did not go unnoticed. Charles praised his resilience, highlighting his transition from a nonfunctional state to leading a fulfilling life. Regular exercise became a part of Josh’s routine, and his wife expressed joy in having her husband back. In addition to his podcast interview, Josh shared his experience with me directly, stating, “Skip forward to about a year after I started treatments with Scenic City Neurotherapy. I made more improvement in that one year than the other six combined that I depended on alternative modalities.â€
To this day, Josh remains committed to his mental health, understanding that it is a lifelong journey. He’s attuned to the signs—feelings of anxiety, overwhelming stress, worthlessness, and suicidal ideation—that prompt him to schedule booster infusions. The boosters help address these signs of his mental health symptoms returning, ensuring they do not become more severe or reoccurring.
“It’s [booster infusion] going to do what it does whether I want it to or not… I can use that to focus on my coping mechanisms,†says Josh. With ketamine infusion therapy and positive coping mechanisms as his tools, Josh knows that he is equipped to confront life’s challenges head-on.
In sharing his story, Josh hopes to inspire others battling similar demons, reminding them that healing is possible with perseverance and the right support system. His story sheds light on the road to managing and overcoming symptoms of PTSD and depression.
In the wise words of Josh, “Start getting out of your own way.â€
Scenic City Neurotherapy is a trusted VA Community Care Provider. All veterans with a VA referral receive coverage for the cost of care. Our treatments do not require medication trials for coverage. To receive coverage, a VA referral is necessary to consult with our providers, and to begin treatment with Scenic City Neurotherapy. If you do not have one yet, we recommend reaching out to your local VA medical center to get started on this crucial first step.
Upon receiving your VA referral, we will contact you to schedule a consultation.
The landscape of mental health treatment has expanded, offering innovative approaches that challenge traditional modalities. Ketamine infusion therapy has grown to be a promising avenue for those seeking relief from conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. However, with its unconventional nature and negative portrayal in the media comes understandable apprehension about safety. While it’s tempting to view all ketamine clinics through rose-colored glasses, let’s face it: not all of them are created equal. It’s crucial to recognize that the principles set forth in scientific research don’t always translate to the real world.
In medical care, it’s recognized that certain individuals and entities prioritize financial gains over patient well-being, potentially leading to deviations from the quality standards outlined in peer-reviewed literature. Additionally, it is acknowledged that some providers and clinics who express interest in offering our suite of treatments encounter personal challenges related to time constraints, capabilities, or ethical standards that can impact the quality of their programs.
Exactly as healthcare providers seek confidence that their referrals will undergo safe and effective treatment, it’s equally important for the broader community to have the assurance that the services they invest in will fulfill their expectations while maintaining their safety.
To address these concerns, Scenic City Neurotherapy developed a solution known as Minimally-Stimulated Ketamine Infusion Therapy (MSKIT®). MSKIT® protocols provide educational materials and resources for both patients and providers, offering clear guidance on a best-practice approach to ketamine administration.Â
Let’s start with the basics: Ketamine, when administered by certified professionals in a well-equipped clinic, maintains an outstanding safety track record. Years of clinical practice and thorough research consistently confirm its safety within these controlled environments. Here are a few characteristics of ketamine in a best-practice clinical setting:
Allow us to shed light on why you can confidently trust that MSKIT® places patient safety and treatment outcomes first:
It’s essential to assess your lifestyle choices to promote success beyond the treatment alone. Hence, our commitment to educating healthcare professionals about our treatment options, directly benefiting our patients.
Our patients often emphasize the importance of working with a therapist who understands ketamine therapy, as it can significantly impact the treatment process. Our focus is on ensuring healthcare providers grasp the effectiveness of our therapies and how they can best support patients in achieving their goals. As a patient with us, you have access to a network of healthcare providers knowledgeable in ketamine and TMS, guaranteeing you receive well-informed care throughout your healing journey.
Fun Fact! We’ve educated the minds of over 300 local healthcare professionals across a diverse spectrum, including mental health practitioners, physical therapists, internal medicine specialists, massage therapists, and chiropractors!
In conclusion, while the expansion of mental health treatment options has opened doors to innovative approaches like ketamine infusion therapy, ensuring safety remains top priority.Â
At Scenic City Neurotherapy, we prioritize patient well-being through Minimally-Stimulated Ketamine Infusion Therapy (MSKIT®). Our dedication to safety is evident through expert medical supervision, private treatment rooms designed for comfort and privacy, meticulous patient monitoring, controlled dosing, and steady-state administration. Our commitment extends beyond our treatments to ensure post-treatment care and ongoing education for healthcare providers. With our focus on safety, efficacy, and patient support, we aim to provide a patient experience that instills confidence and nurtures long-term well-being.Â
Trust Scenic City Neurotherapy to guide you toward a better tomorrow, one step at a time. Schedule a no-cost consultation by calling 423-228-0579.Â
At Scenic City Neurotherapy, we advocate for patient safety and quality care through our commitment to education. We believe that empowering healthcare professionals with knowledge about our treatment options directly benefits our patients. Through our comprehensive approach, patients can access a network of providers educated on ketamine infusion and TMS therapies, ensuring informed and supportive care throughout the healing journey.
Our dedication to patient safety is reflected in our protocols, from qualified medical supervision and private treatment rooms to advanced patient monitoring and controlled dosing. These measures, coupled with post-treatment support, highlight our commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and effective treatment environment.
As we continue to refine our procedures and protocols, our goal remains the same: to provide patients with the highest standard of care and support as they move forward in their journey toward better mental health. With Scenic City Neurotherapy, you can rest assured that your healing and safety are our top priorities.
Are your goals buried under heaps of procrastination? Let’s unearth them in our 31-Day Spring Clean Your Life Challenge, starting March 18th!
When we talk about spring cleaning, it’s usually in the context of sprucing up our living spaces, right? We scrub floors, declutter closets, and vacuum the corners we’ve neglected all winter.
But what about ourselves? What about our mental and emotional clutter?
Sure, a spotless house is satisfying, but true fulfillment comes from clearing out the cobwebs within. That’s why our challenge isn’t just about cleaning your home—it’s about straightening up every aspect of your life. Our golden rule at Scenic City Neurotherapy: it’s hard to have good mental health if your life doesn’t support it. That’s why we are digging deep into five key areas of wellness: mental, emotional, physical, environmental, and social.
By getting involved in our spring cleaning challenge, you’ll reap the benefits, including:
Ready to roll up your sleeves and grab hold of these benefits?
We’ve done the groundwork for you, breaking down the challenge into manageable daily tasks. The best part? You can tackle it at your own pace, whenever it fits into your schedule.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @sceniccityneuro for weekly updates starting March 18th. We’ll provide a rundown of the week ahead every Monday (3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, and 4/15), along with links to handy templates, tips, and resources to support you along the way.
Alrighty, time to spill the tea on how to get yourself all squared away for the thrills of week one!
Make sure to download your free 31-Day Spring Clean Your Life Calendar so you can join us as we tackle this challenge together!
Revisit this blog weekly for a downloadable guide packed with useful templates, expert tips, and valuable resources.
Week 1 (3/18-3/24) : EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Week 2 (3/25-3/31): PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Week 3 (4/1-4/7): MENTAL WELLNESS
Week 4 (4/8-4/14): ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS
Week 5 (4/15-4/17): SOCIAL WELLNESS
Join the challenge and share your journey with us and your friends! Tag @sceniccityneuro—we can’t wait to see your progress. Let’s spring clean our lives together!
Scenic City Neurotherapy is committed to providing exceptional patient care and serving as a valuable resource for our patients and the broader community. Our dedication to education and empowerment aligns with our mission to provide better individualized care, better treatment options, and better outcomes for our patients.
Scenic City Neurotherapy has encountered its fair share of challenges on the path to where it stands today. One persistent challenge has been the prevalence of misinformation. It is a common temptation to craft a compelling narrative, particularly one centered around a psychedelic or “magical†approach which promises swift and effortless solutions to complex issues like mental health. Such narratives tend to captivate and appeal to a demographic seeking quick fixes. While quick fixes may offer immediate relief, they often come with trade-offs and do not serve you in the long-run.
Rather than relying on appealing stories, we choose the more complex and labor intensive path of education. Genuine progress comes from a thorough understanding and accurate expectations for our treatment options. We offer informational videos, free provider education sessions, no-cost consultations, a monthly newsletter, and we share peer-reviewed research for public consumption. We are constantly welcoming open discussions and debates, as we believe they only serve to enhance our collective understanding.
Shifting our focus from our endeavors, it is time to address the specifics of how you can gain a deeper understanding of Ketamine Infusion Therapy.
We recognize the importance of equipping our patients with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their healthcare. As part of our commitment to patient education, we have developed a range of materials, including:
This graph explains why IV ketamine is the gold-standard. Ketamine works by changing the baseline of the brain. The brain responds by releasing a neuro-regenerative protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is responsible for the antidepressant effect. These proteins repair and protect neurons, resulting in optimized emotional control, improved clarity and cognitive function. In order for optimal release of BDNF, we must reach and maintain therapeutic blood levels. Steady-state IV administration is vastly superior in completing this task due to more controlled administration, the ability to titrate accurately, and 100% bioavailability.
This graphic explains why our treatments have such a high rate of success compared to antidepressant therapy. Think of neuro-chemicals as cars and neuronal pathways as roads. If the roads are closed, the cars cannot get through. If we add more cars, we obstruct the traffic further. What happens if we are able to open up the closed roads? We can handle the traffic no matter the number of traveling cars. This is what Neurotherapies do; they open up the roads.Our dedication to education extends beyond our clinic’s walls. We actively engage with the community by providing resources that foster a better understanding of neurotherapy and its applications, including mental illness, chronic pain, and cognitive clarity. These efforts include:
Our goal is to be the leader in opioid-free pain management and mental health treatment within the Chattanooga area. We strive to set a gold standard for care that not only yields superior outcomes but also embraces a comprehensive approach. This approach includes providing our patients and community with accurate and complete information, empowering them to make well-informed decisions about their health.
Whether you are considering becoming a patient, exploring educational opportunities, expressing interest in collaborative patient care, or engaging in a constructive discussion, we extend an invitation to speak with us about our neuro-regenerative treatment options. Feel free to contact us at 423-228-0579 or via email at admin@sceniccityneurotherapy.metatech3.com to connect with a dedicated member of our team.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy has been researched for over thirty years. In 2008, the FDA approved it in the United States for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who tried medications with no satisfactory results.
TMS therapy utilizes a series of brief magnetic pulses that stimulate targeted neurons in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Neuronal lesions found in this area of the brain are responsible for symptoms of depression and anxiety. These lesions can be described as poorly communicating brain cells often due to periods of heightened stress or trauma. Using Stim-Guide mapping, our targeted approach will determine each patient’s ideal treatment target and ensure perfect stimulation for the entirety of each treatment. The goal is optimization of neuronal communication and restoration of brain activity to normal levels with little to no side effects.
Many mental health professionals are including TMS therapy as part of their treatment plan to address the root cause of their client’s depression. The treatment is simple, non-invasive, and medication free. While the treatment does not require any downtime, the two protocols offered at Scenic City Neurotherapy require different time commitments.
Choosing a TMS treatment path that fits the patient’s schedule is imperative for success.
Scenic City Neurotherapy is the region’s only provider of iTBS (SNT Protocol). This aggressive 5-day protocol was developed by the Stanford Department of Psychiatry. It allows the patient to undergo 10 sessions per day for five consecutive days, totaling 50 sessions. In addition to the treatment room, the patient is provided access to a kitchen area and their own private room to relax, read, study, or work (if necessary) between sessions. This option is good for individuals who have the ability to take time off from work.
The rTMS (Classic TMS) protocol is one treatment per day, Monday-Friday, for 6 weeks with a 3-week wean, totaling 36 sessions. This option is good for those who cannot take off time from work or daily responsibilities. Individuals can drive themselves to and from each session and carry on normally for the remainder of the day.
It is important that treatment protocols are tailored to fit the needs of the individual. While counseling and/or medication alone can effectively treat depression, there are many advantages to including TMS therapy in your treatment plan to address the root cause of your client’s depression.
There are many advantages to TMS therapy as a treatment option for depression. At Scenic City Neurotherapy, we utilize Magstim, the most advanced FDA-approved rTMS therapy system offering Stim-Guide mapping. This type of neuronavigation helps to ensure precise coil positioning with every patient treatment – thus enhancing optimal outcomes for a much-improved quality of life.
The TMS therapy protocols with StimGuide boast the following success rates:
The patient can achieve long term relief in as little as five days without the long-term need for a daily medication. TMS Therapy bypasses common side effects of antidepressants such as:
The patient can achieve long term relief in as little as five days without the shock or induction of a seizure like with ECT. TMS avoids the unpleasant side effects of ECT therapy such as:
During the consultation process at Scenic City Neurotherapy, medications are thoroughly discussed and taken into careful consideration when formulating the patient’s treatment plan. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients, which is why we require any adjustments to their medication regimen to be done under the guidance of their prescriber.
Throughout the stabilization phase of treatment, we encourage patients not to make any medication or lifestyle changes. Our focus during this period is to ensure a stable foundation for their treatment journey.
Once stabilization treatment is complete, our collaborative approach comes into play. Patients will work closely with their prescriber to optimize medication plans and, in many cases, reduce the need for daily medications. Our goal is to support patients in accessing a wide range of therapeutic options, and ketamine-assisted TMS is one such resource we offer to enhance their treatment experience.
By combining our expertise in ketamine-assisted TMS with the guidance of the patient’s prescriber, we aim to create a comprehensive treatment approach that complements and augments the therapeutic tools available to your clients. Our shared goal is to empower patients on their path to improved mental health and well-being.
Research shows the combination of psychotherapy and TMS therapy can positively affect the patient’s response and remission rates. It may also decrease the number of sessions required to respond.
Neurotherapy treatments such as TMS therapy cause the brain to undergo an optimization process. The goal with these treatments is to enhance cognition and emotional regulation while improving emotional and physical reactivity. Simply put, TMS therapy restores the conscious, logical areas of the brain’s control like what we feel and how much we feel. It is a purely physiological change which allows the patient to maximize success while working with his or her psychotherapist to reach goals and establish daily self-management of mental health.
We have developed our approach with the specific goal of collaborating with our patient’s entire health care team. Our focus is on refining the brain’s unconscious response to various stimuli, leading to more appropriate reactions. By doing so, we facilitate improved outcomes in conjunction with the care plan other medical providers are conducting with our patients.
One of the key benefits we offer is the enhancement of neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to new experiences and information. An increase in neuroplasticity enables patients to integrate and retain new information more effectively, promoting overall growth and progress.
Our commitment is to work alongside all health care providers in our community, utilizing our expertise to enhance the patient’s neuroplasticity and overall treatment experience. Our medical team is readily available for discussions with supporting health care providers regarding their patient’s treatment plan. Together, through a collaborative effort, we can empower patients to achieve their goals and make meaningful improvements in their journey towards better mental well-being.
We believe that maintaining better mental health is an ongoing and lifelong journey. Our boosters serve as a tool to be utilized in sustaining and supporting this continuous improvement.
Typically, the patient will receive their first booster approximately 4-6 weeks after the initial stabilization period. However, the frequency and timing of these boosters are tailored to each individual’s specific needs and response to treatment. As practices and coping skills improve, there is a diminishing need for regular treatment. The patient becomes empowered to navigate their mental health journey more independently.
Whether the patient chooses to proceed with TMS boosters or ketamine infusion boosters, one of the significant advantages of our approach is there is no risk of dependency, eliminating the need for a wean-off process.
Our goal is to equip patients with the tools and necessary support for long-term well-being and resilience. By customizing maintenance plans and providing booster infusions when needed, we strive to assist our patients in achieving sustained progress and a fulfilling quality of life.
Insurance coverage for TMS therapy varies by location, insurance plan, and protocol.
Our Classic TMS Protocol is covered by the vast majority of insurance providers with the exception of Medicaid. Patients are usually responsible for their portion of deductibles and copays until they meet their maximums. Our TMS Director will file the insurance application and find out the specific details on the patient’s financial responsibilities.
The SNT protocol currently is able to report the highest rate of remission when compared to all other neuro-regenerative interventions for intractable depression. While this protocol is not yet covered by insurance, it is the most effective treatment available for depression. We work with the patient to maximize affordability and help facilitate coverage through financing options and health spending accounts.
Check out our TMS pricing.
We have seen TMS therapy help patients transition a chronic condition into complete remission, minimizing the need for a daily medication. Their ability to feel present in the moment is enhanced so that they can feel good when good things happen, feel bad when bad things happen, and feel reasonably neutral when nothing is happening.
TMS therapy functions as the missing piece of today’s mental health care plan. Improvement will continue as the patient works to improve their environment and coping skills. Progress made during psychotherapy in the days after treatment works to build them up as they advance toward a long term goal of self-maintenance.
Minimally Stimulated Ketamine Infusion Therapy (MSKIT®) protocols were established to ensure the treatment provides the greatest success for the patient in the safest possible way. MSKIT® protocols include adjuncts such as NAD+ to enhance the benefits of what we can do with ketamine-only treatment. When a patient receives treatment at Scenic City Neurotherapy, they are receiving a process, not a single drug.
What is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme that is naturally produced in your body to repair DNA and facilitate energy production. Coenzymes, often referred to as “helper moleculesâ€, are less effective alone and a crucial catalyst for enzymes that also cannot function solo. Consider the enzymes in your mitochondria – NAD+ is responsible for activating these enzymes, turning nutrients into energy, and assisting in the production of over 90% of your body’s energy.
Scientists began studying NAD+ in the early 1900s for its role in fermentation. Little did they know that years later it would play a role in mitigating pellagra, a debilitating disease caused by a deficiency in niacin (Vitamin B3), a precursor to NAD+. These findings and more pointed to what we now know about NAD+ playing a critical role in facilitating the body’s creation of proteins, enzymes, and other biologic compounds necessary for our body’s natural processes to occur.
How does NAD+ affect withdrawal?
Since the 1960s, NAD+ has been used to minimize symptoms and shorten the duration of alcohol, opioid, benzodiazepine, and antidepressant withdrawal. The excessive use of these substances depletes NAD+ stores, inhibiting the production of energy needed for on-going metabolic processes. You can think of NAD+ as a powerful detoxifier. Your body begins to clear out the unnatural substances in your system, resulting in removal of cravings and reduction of withdrawal symptoms, which we understand to be extremely difficult, uncomfortable, and the reason many people end up in and out of treatment facilities.
When your body is capable of optimal energy production for its natural processes, you are able to recover better both physically and mentally. Thus, the benefits associated with adequate NAD+ levels extend far beyond withdrawal.
Can NAD+ reduce fatigue?
The straightforward answer is yes, NAD+ can reduce fatigue. There are a variety of factors that can drain your energy and leave you feeling more exhausted than usual such as irregular sleep patterns, persistent stress, mental illness, or brain fog.
NAD+ plays an essential role in the production of ATP, an organic compound that transfers energy from one cell to another for many processes in our body. It is an immediate source of energy (in small quantities) that cells can access faster than other larger energy sources such as glucose. Its functions include assisting metabolic processes, muscle contraction, synaptic signaling, helping enzyme-catalyzed reactions take place more quickly, and more. When NAD+ levels are in-balance, our body is better equipped to maintain homeostasis.
Why does NAD+ decline with age?
It is often said that our bodies and brains begin to decline as we age, but it’s rarely explained why. Over time our cells can become damaged from environmental factors, including extremes of temperature, exposure to toxins, and mechanical damage. Such damages trigger your internal cellular stress response, promoting cell survival or evoking programmed cell death.
NAD+ functions at the center of your cellular stress response. It binds with protein molecules to support cell vitality and survival. Low levels of NAD+ could result in an inability to stimulate the cellular stress response. The current body of research shows supplementing NAD+ can slow or prevent your body and brain’s decline with age.
Why Scenic City Neurotherapy?
At Scenic City Neurotherapy, we understand our patients’ outcomes depend on the protocols we follow. We follow best-practice methods developed by the foremost experts in the field of psychiatry and anesthesia at Yale, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.
Our MSKIT® protocol, including NAD+, is designed for efficacy. Ketamine stimulates neurogenesis, or the regrowth of brain cells known as neurons, returning the brain to an optimal state in which you can work to alleviate depressive or chronic pain symptoms. NAD+ provides you with the boost in energy and cognition that is often needed to get back on track with daily practices that support your desired quality of life.
If you have questions about our process, call 423-228-0579 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
