Behind the Scenes of Depression Care: The Impact of Mental Health Techs

    Today I would like to highlight a group of mental health professionals who do not often receive the recognition they deserve. These incredible people are mental health techs. My experience is with Spravato (esketamine) and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) techs. So, my discussion here is based on my experience with these techs, but there are other mental health techs whose work is just as important. 

                  For several years I have received Spravato and TMS treatment. The techs, who carry out the treatment provide a direct connection between the treatment and the patient. They are responsible for the technical aspects of the treatment while at the same time they are the human connection during the actual treatment.  Techs are responsible for what may seem like little things such as greeting patients, providing and collecting assessment forms, and bringing the patient into the treatment room. These actions are anything but little. In connecting with patients in these ways, they are ensuring there is a human connection, which most patients arriving for treatment need. 

                  Mental health techs create a bridge between the treating mental health professional and the patient. They spend time with the patient during treatment. This can make treatment feel less daunting. Treatment with TMS or Spravato takes time. Results are not seen over night. The human connection that techs create helps patients stick with treatment long enough to see results.  

                  These techs have a lot of knowledge. For TMS they need to understand how to set up the machine for treatment. They need to be able to place the coil correctly and position the patient for treatment. With Spravato the techs need to know what to look for when they are observing patients during treatment. Both types of techs need to be able to track the patient’s experience and progress. They need strong communication skills. They also need to possess empathy. Patients arriving for treatment have struggled for a long time. Often, patients feel hopeless and unsure. The empathy techs demonstrate help patients get through the emotions they are struggling with.

                  With Spravato, patients can experience dissociation or altered perception. That can leave patients vulnerable. Spravato techs create a safe environment for the patient. They need to be able to reassure patients. These techs also watch for side effects. This includes monitoring blood pressure and watching for distress. Techs need to be able to be able to communicate the side effects clearly with the mental health professional overseeing the treatment. 

                  Having been treated with both Spravato and TMS, I have interacted with several techs. These techs are an important part of treatment. I appreciate the way they always greet me and make me feel comfortable in the treatment setting. With TMS, the techs generally sit with the patient during treatment. There is an opportunity for conversation. This allows for trust to develop. The techs would encourage me during the early sessions when I was struggling with my depression. As we moved through sessions and I began to experience healing, I would be able to engage more in conversations with the techs. The techs cared enough to interact with me rather than allow me to just sit there. Those conversations meant a lot to me. They demonstrated that I was emerging back into the world of healing.

                  The Spravato techs who have worked with me always create a safe environment. The nature of this treatment means that there will be times when I dissociate or am sedated. The techs develop an understanding of my specific response to treatment. They know when I need reassurance. They instinctively know when I need I to be checked on a little more. The techs help me navigate intense experiences. They are there when I need help reorienting myself. This is an important part of the healing experience. 

                  Treatments like Spravato and TMS would not be possible without the work of the techs. They are an integral part of depression treatment. They do more than operate equipment or administer the medication. They build trust and develop hope. TMS and Spravato techs provide the human connection to treatment on a daily basis. I think they are also the right hand of the mental health provider who is overseeing the treatment. Without a doubt techs are a vital part of depression treatment.

                  I am grateful to the techs who have helped me. I was going to try to name them all here, but I do not want to miss anyone. So, to all the techs who have helped me, thank you. Know that your work is important and appreciated.