Faster Mental Health Treatments Gain Attention

Emerging therapies like ketamine and TMS can provide quicker symptom relief, improving patient engagement and outcomes.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Mental health care has traditionally emphasized patience, with the understanding that symptom improvement can be gradual. However, this approach doesn't work for all patients, as delayed improvement can lead to disengagement, missed appointments, and higher risk of dropout. Faster-acting interventions like ketamine therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are gaining attention as they can provide quicker symptom relief, helping patients stay engaged in their ongoing care.

Why it matters

Faster symptom improvement in mental health treatment can have a significant impact, making it easier for patients to remain engaged, participate in follow-up care, and ultimately achieve better long-term outcomes. It can also reduce burnout and increase retention for providers.

The details

Ketamine therapy and TMS are two examples of faster-acting mental health treatments that have shown promise. Ketamine, administered in controlled medical settings, works on the brain's glutamate system and can produce symptom changes within hours or days. TMS is a non-invasive method that targets specific brain regions involved in mood regulation, with most patients completing 6-8 weeks of sessions. Research has also explored combining these approaches for enhanced results.

  • In recent years, faster-acting mental health treatments have received increased attention.
  • A 2025 case study examined combined ketamine therapy and TMS, showing a patient reported resolution of suicidal ideation and a return to baseline functioning after only three weeks of combined treatment.

The players

National Institute of Mental Health

A leading research institute that has noted a significant portion of patients with major depressive disorder do not experience adequate relief after initial treatment attempts.

Cleveland Clinic

A prominent healthcare system that has noted ketamine infusion therapy, when delivered under appropriate supervision, has been associated with rapid reductions in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.

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What’s next

Researchers and healthcare providers will continue to explore the use of faster-acting mental health treatments, particularly in combination with longer-term therapies, to improve patient engagement and outcomes.

The takeaway

The focus in mental health care is shifting from asking patients to 'stick it out' to finding ways the treatment process can better support them, including through the use of faster-acting interventions that can provide quicker symptom relief and help patients remain engaged in their ongoing care.