Treatment-Resistant Depression
If you are struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and have not found relief, you are not alone.
Interventional psychiatry — a newer field of psychiatry — may be recommended if your depression is hard to treat. It offers novel treatments for mental health disorders, including noninvasive, nonmedication options like brain stimulation, also known as neuromodulation.
About one-third of Americans who experience depression do not find relief from antidepressant medications and talk therapy. If you are one of these people, we can help.
UC San Diego Health offers interventional psychiatry approaches for adults ages 18 and older with treatment-resistant depression. We are committed to your healing journey by providing specialized care tailored to your particular needs with compassion and expertise.
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression is depression that is hard to treat with conventional remedies like antidepressants and talk therapy alone. You likely have TRD if your medications are well managed, but you have not responded sufficiently to at least two different antidepressants.
Video: Help for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Dr. Jeff Daskalakis, an internationally recognized expert in brain stimulation, explains how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) works and why you receive better care for depression at UC San Diego Health.
Treatment Options
We use the best available medical science and an understanding of how the brain works to craft a care plan that is both targeted and personalized to your particular response. The following treatment options are available for adults with treatment-resistant depression.
Expert Mental Health Care for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Our clinic is led by Zafiris "Jeff" Daskalakis, MD, PhD, an international expert in brain stimulation and a leader in mental health research and treatment. Under his guidance, you receive the most effective and advanced approaches for your depression. You won't find a higher level of expertise in brain stimulation therapies anywhere in the United States.
Psychiatrists Specializing in TMS
Our board-certified psychiatrists are leading experts in TMS therapy, ensuring the highest standard of care. As part of a top-ranked research institution, we continuously innovate and apply the latest breakthroughs in neuromodulation science.
Behavioral Health Plans Accepted
We accept behavioral health insurance and most insurance plans that are offered to UC San Diego Health employees. You're encouraged to verify that UC San Diego Health is an in-network provider.
Depression Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosis
Emergency Help Available 24/7
For a mental health emergency, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. 988 is the national suicide and crisis hotline.
You can also call the San Diego Crisis Line at 888-724-7240 for confidential, free support.