First Tracks

Having spent many years in NYC psychiatric emergency rooms, I've stood alongside people in their darkest hours, witnessing depression's relentless grip on individuals and families. I've shared tears, moments of hope, and heartbreak—and mourned the loss of patients I grew deeply connected to over the years. These experiences stay with me, driving my passion for finding better solutions. Imagine depression being treated—and resolved—in just #oneday. Done. Better. A person's mind, healed—like resetting an arrhythmic heart with cardioversion. A rapid, transformative shift in brain health. It may sound impossible, but the work from some brilliant clinicians and my colleagues at Ampa suggests it is now a reality. Their groundbreaking study introduces a single-day #TMS protocol for depression, achieving over 90% response rates. Called the ONE-D protocol, it condenses what typically takes weeks of treatment into just 9.5 hours by combining targeted magnetic stimulation with neuroplasticity enhancers. This innovative approach could completely reimagine how we treat depression—making care faster, more effective, and more accessible than ever before. For those who've suffered, and for those who've held their hands through the darkness, this research could light the way toward a brighter 2025… all in just one day! Check out the full text: https://lnkd.in/e-bh9vwn (Note: Based on December 2024 preprint, pending peer review.) #mentalhealth #innovations #depression #nursesonlinkedin

Transforming Lives and Reducing Costs: The Power of Rapid-Response Depression Therapies Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is not just an individual struggle; it’s a societal challenge with an astounding cost of $382.4 billion annually in the U.S. alone (2023 figures). Hidden in these numbers are the human stories of lost productivity, strained households, and lives put on hold. But what if we could change this narrative? Our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Bermudes, article in Psychiatric News highlights a crucial opportunity: rapid-response therapies like Accelerated TMS, Ketamine Infusion Therapy, and SAINT could dramatically reduce this burden. By achieving a two-week response rate of 50%, these treatments have the potential to save up to $29 billion annually—all while giving people their lives back sooner. At First Tracks Health, we’re committed to advancing these innovations, bridging the gap between treatment-resistant depression and evidence-backed, rapid-acting solutions. As health care payers and physicians work toward embracing these breakthroughs, we have a chance to not only alleviate economic pressures but also redefine what compassionate, effective care looks like. The message is clear: the tools are here. Now is the time to scale their impact. Let’s collaborate to build a mental health system that truly supports individuals and the communities around them. Read the full article below. #MentalHealthInnovation #AcceleratedTMS #DepressionCare #HealthcareEconomics #FirstTracks https://lnkd.in/eFAUuVEk

I am honored to work with Kimberly Duncan Martin and the Medic One Foundation ?? This Peer Support technology was built by input from our FF’s for our FF’s, and will improve our careers and wellbeing ??. Thank you to Kalli Ortega, MelEos Group, Pinaki Saha Anshar Labs, Inc., Lance Rosen, Daniel Lawhon, Michelle Bernabe, RN, KAT, First Tracks for supporting our First responders ?? Schuyller Nagorski, Brady Hubler, Mitch Snyder, Christopher Brown, LICSW, Phoebe Mulligan, Peak Psychotherapy PLLC, Wanda Lowery, Kiera Hanselman, CEBS, Melina Davis, Steven Heitman

We are profoundly grateful to the Medic One Foundation for their extraordinary $100,000 grant to fund the first phase of development of our groundbreaking peer support app specifically tailored to the mental health needs of first responders. This generous funding enables us to move forward with our dedicated partners— MelEos Group, Anshar Labs, Inc., and First Tracks —who are instrumental in designing this essential tool and the resources behind it. Thank you, Medic One Foundation, for going above and beyond to support those who protect our community every day. Learn more about this project: https://bit.ly/3Z8vkl3

Huge news! CMS (aka the folks in charge of Medicare) agreed to pay an actually reasonable amount of money for SAINT (the 5-day intensive TMS treatment we, and others, provide). While the contexts are still quite limited (e.g. Acacia Clinics doesn't count), this is an absolutely critical step forward toward getting this lifesaving treatment to people who need it! https://lnkd.in/g2c-TaEB

Join us for Empathy MindED Office Hours as we explore Sparrow Ascent, the first FDA-cleared device providing a safe, comfortable, drug-free treatment for opioid withdrawal—all from the comfort of home. ?? Developed by Spark Biomedical Inc, Sparrow Ascent represents a breakthrough in opioid use disorder treatment. It’s safe, effective, and can be prescribed by telehealth providers. Patients receive the device by mail and complete treatment in their own space. This non-invasive, patient-centered approach empowers individuals to manage withdrawal symptoms without medication. During this important talk, we’ll explore the clinical applications of Sparrow Ascent, how it works, and what this means for clinicians and patients on the path to recovery. Don’t miss this chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with professionals dedicated to advancing mental health and addiction treatment. ??? Save the date, and sign up now to start your learning journey: Wednesday November 12, 2024 at 6 pm EST. Register for this important event at: www.empathyminded.com #EmpathyMindED #SparrowAscent #SparkBiomedical #OpioidUseDisorder #DrugFreeTreatment #FDAApproved #OpioidWithdrawal #AddictionRecovery #Telehealth #HomeTreatment #MentalHealthInnovation #EmpathyInMedicine #Neurostimulation #HealthcareInnovation #JoinTheConversation?

Are you at NEI this year? At Osmind we are very collaborative. A great example of this is our partnerships with novel third-party payor First Tracks where our Community Advisory Board Member Richard Bermudes, M.D. is the CMO. We also have started to collaborate with Empathy MindED around office hours and CME courses. Good stuff!

Neurotherapeutics enthusiasts, come find Richard Bermudes, M.D. and me at First Tracks Booth 906! We're geeking out about the latest brain health innovations at NEI Congress and would love to chat about emerging therapeutic frontiers. Two neuroscience nerds, endless fascinating conversations! ?? #NEICongress2024 #Neuroscience #BrainHealth

I secured my ticket to the 2024 Behavioral Health Tech Conference, have you? Act quickly because last year's event SOLD OUT! Click here to register: https://lnkd.in/eSFZQiFA Join me and behavioral healthcare executives at the largest conference committed to expanding access to mental health, substance use, and IDD care through technology, health equity, and innovation. #BHT2024 #behavioralhealth I look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you to First Tracks for being a sponsor of our Patients & Pioneers event scheduled for this Saturday, October 19 in Scottsdale in conjunction with Clinical TMS Society PULSES. The event will raise funds for our Patient Assistance Fund. Tickets are still available. https://factms.org/events/