Ketamine-Assisted TMS vs. Neurofeedback: How Scenic City Neurotherapy’s Unique Approach Stands Out
By Charles Miller, CRNA, CMO, Founder/Owner of Scenic City Neurotherapy
When it comes to treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD, patients have more options than ever before. However, not all therapies are created equal. At Scenic City Neurotherapy (SCN), we specialize in a cutting-edge combination of ketamine-assisted Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which offers a powerful alternative to other treatments like neurofeedback.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- How ketamine-assisted TMS works
- The limitations of neurofeedback therapy
- Why SCN’s integrated approach can be more effective
Understanding Ketamine-Assisted TMS: A Breakthrough in Mental Health Treatment
What Is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), offering relief when medications and therapy haven’t worked.
How Ketamine Enhances TMS
Ketamine, traditionally an anesthetic, has gained recognition for its rapid antidepressant effects, often working within hours rather than weeks. When combined with TMS, ketamine can:
- Enhance neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, healthier neural pathways
- Reduce treatment resistance, enhancing global brain optimization
- Provide immediate symptom relief, unlike traditional antidepressants
At Scenic City Neurotherapy, we offer the option to incorporate ketamine infusion therapy into your TMS process, usually at the beginning, middle, and end of your treatment plan – separate from TMS sessions – to maximize results while minimizing side effects.
Neurofeedback: How It Works and Its Limitations
What Is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback (or EEG biofeedback) is a therapy that trains individuals to regulate their brainwave activity. Patients receive feedback (often through visual or auditory cues) by monitoring their brainwaves in real-time to encourage healthier brain patterns.
Potential Benefits of Neurofeedback
- May help with ADHD, anxiety, and sleep disorders
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Can improve focus and emotional regulation
Drawbacks of Neurofeedback
While neurofeedback has its merits, it has several limitations compared to ketamine-assisted TMS:
- Time-Consuming and Expensive – Neurofeedback requires multiple sessions (often 20-40) before noticeable improvements occur.
- Lack of Strong Clinical Consensus – Although some studies support neurofeedback, evidence is less robust than for TMS or ketamine, with research suggesting it may be no more effective than a placebo.
- Variable Results – Success depends heavily on patient engagement and consistency, making outcomes less predictable.
Why Ketamine-Assisted TMS Can Be a Superior Option
1. Faster, More Reliable Results
- TMS + ketamine can produce improvements within days, whereas neurofeedback may take months.
- iTBS (SNTProtocol) reports a greater than 90% rate of remission of depressive symptoms.
- Evidence backed for depression, anxiety, and OCD, with strong FDA backing.
2. Relieves Treatment-Resistant Symptoms
Many patients come to Scenic City Neurotherapy after years of failed medications and therapy. Our dual approach (ketamine + TMS) is designed to break through treatment resistance by:
- Resetting poorly communicating neural pathways to restore effective brain function.
- Promoting neuroplasticity to help the brain form new, healthy connections that support lasting healing and resilience.
3. Precise Targeting, Every Time
We know your top concern is the outcome of your treatment. Scenic City Neurotherapy has adopted the most cutting-edge FDA-approved TMS therapy system available. Using Stim-Guide mapping, our 3D targeted approach determines your ideal treatment target and ensures perfect stimulation for the entirety of each treatment.
Head caps are not required for treatment at Scenic City Neurotherapy.
4. Long-Lasting Effects
While neurofeedback requires ongoing maintenance, many patients experience sustained relief with ketamine-assisted TMS.
Who Is the Best Candidate for Ketamine-Assisted TMS?
Our therapy is ideal for individuals who:
- Have treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or OCD
- Require faster results than antidepressants can provide
- Seek targeted treatment that traditional therapies do not provide
- Prefer a medically supervised, evidence-backed approach
Neurofeedback may still be helpful for certain conditions (e.g., ADHD), but for severe, stubborn mental health disorders, ketamine-assisted TMS offers a more targeted solution.
Choosing the Right Therapy for You
Mental health treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. While neurofeedback has its place, Scenic City Neurotherapy’s ketamine-assisted TMS stands out as a highly effective, evidence-validated option for those who haven’t found success with other methods.
If you’re tired of endless therapy sessions, medication trials, or slow progress, our innovative approach could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Ready to Explore Ketamine-Assisted TMS?
📞 Contact Scenic City Neurotherapy today to schedule a consultation and see if our treatment suits you. Call 423-228-0579 or visit https://sceniccityneurotherapy.com/contact-us.
🔗 Learn more on our website: https://sceniccityneurotherapy.com/tms-therapy/
🔊 Listen to our podcast episode on this topic: https://sceniccityneurotherapy.com/resources/
By choosing Scenic City Neurotherapy, you’re opting for a cutting-edge, research-backed solution that prioritizes rapid relief and lasting healing. Don’t settle for temporary fixes. Discover what true brain-focused healing can do for you.
About Scenic City Neurotherapy
Founded in 2019, Scenic City Neurotherapy is at the forefront of advanced and comprehensive treatments for those facing treatment-resistant conditions. Our mission is to optimize brain function and elevate well-being through cutting-edge therapies. We specialize in two pioneering approaches: Minimally Stimulated Ketamine Infusion Therapy (MSKIT®) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
If you are exploring innovative solutions for mental health, chronic pain, and other neuro-degenerative conditions, Scenic City Neurotherapy offers transformative treatment options. Join us in leading the charge towards groundbreaking brain optimization treatments and empowering individuals to reclaim their lives.
Contact Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Charles Miller today to learn more about our proven protocols for Minimally Stimulated Ketamine Infusion Therapy (MSKIT®). Call 423-228-0579 or visit www.ScenicCityNeuro.com.
