Mental health issues and the symptoms that result from them often begin in the brain. And, are the result of malfunctioning brain systems and brain chemicals. For many that are affected by mental health issues and do not find relief from traditional treatments like medications and therapies, clinical neuroscience techniques are helpful in identifying which mental health issues individuals may be dealing with. And, better help to determine therapeutic treatment planning that may be more beneficial for people dealing with traditional treatment-resistant mental health disorders.

What is Clinical Neuroscience for Mental Health?

Typically, mental health treatment is designed around a diagnosis of a patient. But, in some cases, mental health diagnoses don’t always hit the mark. When this happens, traditional treatments and medications may not work. When we better understand what’s happening in the brain, which is where mental health issues are developed and the result of emotional/psychological issues in the first place, we are better able to identify specific mental health diagnoses and issues. This allows for the pinpointing of specific therapies and treatments that can actually adjust the functioning and processes of the brain which may be the result of symptoms, thought processes, and behaviors that result in mental health issues.

Neuroscience not only helps to identify specific mental health issues but also adjusts how the brain affects mental health by the use of novel and revolutionary treatments.

Clinical Neuroscience Helps With Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis

Neuroscience can help to identify mental health issues and pinpoint why individuals may be experiencing specific physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. During the clinical neuroscience assessment process, one can expect:

• an interview-style diagnostic process to determine mental and physical health history, experienced symptoms, and more
• pharmacogenomic testing to determine the best medications to use according to genetics
• genomic mapping: the study of the genes to determine the best dosage for medications as well as any potential intolerances and dangerous interactions to determine the best course of medication treatment

Some Types of Neuroscience Treatments for Mental Health

There are a number of mental health tools that have neuroscience approaches that can be beneficial for people experiencing symptoms of mental health diagnoses. Here at Yellowbrick, we utilize a number of these techniques including:

Neuro Imaging: This is an EEG that provides an electrographic mapping of the brain that allows for the showcasing of brain activity. This can help to identify any imbalances or malfunctioning of the brain that can result in identifying mental health issues and symptoms.

Deep TMS: This type of therapy involves mapping out the brain to determine areas that may be responsible for inactivity and misconfiguration that can be the result of a number of mental health symptoms including anxiety and depression. After mapping out the brain, a device that uses special magnets is placed around the scalp and pulses magnetic energy through these mapped areas of the brain. The result is stimulating specific areas of the brain that may not be functioning correctly in order to reverse mental health symptoms that are happening as the result of these inactive areas of the brain.

Neurofeedback: This type of neurological approach to mental health treatment also involves brain mapping. During sessions, a clinical therapist watches the brain mapping on a screen while the patient lays down and is presented with a number of stimuli including visual images and sounds. The idea is to train the brain to respond appropriately to these signals and allow the patient to better understand how to control impulses and specific areas of their brain which may be responsible for various behaviors, emotions, and mental health symptoms.

Recognition: This is a neuroscience technique that is unique to Yellowbrick. This program is essentially a ‘brain gym’ that helps the brain to focus on cognitive functioning and behavioral patterns that are the result of brain functioning.