10 Out of the Box Therapies for Mental Health Issues

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Looking for options beyond medication? Explore 10 alternative mental health therapies proven to support brain health and lasting well-being.

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10 Out-of-the-Box Alternative Therapies for Mental Health

For many people living with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADD/ADHD or mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, treatment often begins with prescription medication or weekly talk therapy. While these approaches can be effective, they don’t work for everyone.

That’s why more patients—and the providers who care for them—are exploring alternative mental health therapies that take a more personalized, whole-brain approach. Decades of brain imaging at Amen Clinics have shown that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to conditions rooted in the brain.

Alternative mental health therapies are approaches that go beyond—or work alongside—medication and traditional talk therapy

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Every brain functions differently, and effective treatment should reflect those individual patterns. By combining innovative technologies with targeted lifestyle strategies, alternative therapies can help address underlying brain imbalances and support lasting improvement—especially for those who haven’t found relief with standard care.

In this blog, we introduce 10 out-of-the-box therapies designed to help you move toward better mental health with greater clarity and confidence.

Why Medication and Traditional Psychotherapy Don’t Work for Everyone

Sometimes, the decision to consider alternative mental health therapy stems from frustration. Not due to lack of effort, but because traditional treatments can fail to help.  Here are some of the most common reasons why traditional treatment options may fall short: 

Why Medication Doesn't Work for Everyone

  • Biological and genetic variability: Based on unique genetics and biology, different people metabolize medicine differently. That explains why a drug can work for one person and be ineffective or cause side effects for another. 
  • Type and severity of the condition: Some conditions happen to be severe, and even though medication is important, it may not address underlying causes or alleviate symptoms on its own. 
  • Side effects and adherence: Some patients experience unpleasant side effects that cause them to stop taking their medication. Some side effects can also reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. 
  • Brain differences. Common disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADD/ADHD manifest in different ways. Clinicians at Amen Clinics have noted seven distinct types of ADD/ADHD, and seven distinct types of anxiety and depression.

Each type requires a tailored approach. For example, a medication that works wonderfully for one type of ADD/ADHD may exacerbate symptoms for another type of ADD/ADHD. Knowing type helps clinicians develop the right plan.

What Are Alternative Mental Health Therapies, and Are They Safe?

Alternative mental health therapies are treatment approaches that complement or go beyond talk therapy or medication. They are based on neuroscience and scientific evidence. 

These therapies can improve your emotional regulation, enhance brain function and build resilience. When providers are able to understand the brain and treat it as a whole system, recovery can be faster and lasting.  

10 Out-of-the-Box Alternative Therapies for Mental Health Issues

Here are 10 of the most powerful therapies worth exploring:

1. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

This non-invasive treatment involves breathing concentrated oxygen in a special pressurized chamber to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

HBOT helps with brain health in several ways, including boosting blood flow and healing the brain after a concussion or other form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain SPECT imaging shows that low blood flow and TBIs have been associated with depression, ADD/ADHD, substance abuse disorder, suicidality, and more.

Related: 11 Ways to Benefit from the Healing Power of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

This psychotherapeutic technique can be especially helpful for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or people who have experienced emotional trauma.

According to research, EMDR involves the use of eye movements or other forms of alternate hemisphere stimulation to eliminate the emotional pain associated with traumatic memories.

Related: What is EMDR therapy

3. Irlen Screening

People who have ADD/ADHD, TBIs, learning disabilities, autism, or other mental health disorders may benefit from screening and treatment of Irlen Syndrome.

This condition is a visual processing problem in which certain colors irritate the brain. Treating this issue has been found to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and boost mood, among other benefits.

4. Neurofeedback

People who have ADD/ADHD, TBIs, learning disabilities, autism, or other mental health disorders may benefit from screening and treatment of Irlen Syndrome.

This condition is a visual processing problem in which certain colors irritate the brain. Treating this issue has been found to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and boost mood, among other benefits.

5. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

This interactive treatment uses biofeedback to help you strengthen and retrain your brain.

Using computer technology, the brain receives real-time feedback about its brain wave activity. This feedback essentially teaches the brain to strengthen patterns linked to focus, calm, and emotional control, and reduce patterns associated with stress, anxiety, or inattention.

Ongoing research suggests that therapies like neurofeedback may help regulate your brain activity and potentially reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Related: Neurofeedback for ADHD and Anxiety: A Natural Brain-Based Approach That Lasts

6. Bright Light Therapy

This interactive treatment uses biofeedback to help you strengthen and retrain your brain.

Using computer technology, the brain receives real-time feedback about its brain wave activity. This feedback essentially teaches the brain to strengthen patterns linked to focus, calm, and emotional control, and reduce patterns associated with stress, anxiety, or inattention.

7. Aromatherapy

According to research, certain scents are known to have therapeutic effects, including lavender to help with calming anxiety and supporting mood. Additionally, studies show that ylang ylang promotes calmness and peppermint supports alertness and memory.

The stimulating effects of jasmine can be beneficial for mood, research suggests.  And eucalyptus is well known for its invigorating and uplifting qualities, promoting relaxation, mental clarity, and stress relief, according to research.

8. Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional support can be instrumental in supporting better mental health with much fewer side effects than prescription medication. For example, one of the best supplements for mood is saffron, which has an abundance of research behind it. Knowing your brain type can help you find the supplements that are most beneficial for your needs.  

Brain SPECT imaging reveals areas of the brain that are overactive or underactive and to identify your brain type. Nutraceuticals can be very instrumental in helping to support more balanced brain activity, which translates to better brain function and mental health.

9. Dietary Changes

Many psychiatrists and primary care physicians neglect to inform patients that food can be like medicine or a poison when it comes to mental health. The foods you consume can worsen your psychiatric symptoms or lessen them.

At Amen Clinics, some of the biggest success stories we have come from patients who have changed their diets based on the recommendations from our brain health nutrition coaches.

Generally, a diet low in refined sugar, processed foods and refined carbohydrates—and rich in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, fermented foods, and healthy fats—supports healthy brain function and a stable mood.  

Other beneficial dietary changes may include going gluten-free, avoiding pesticide-laden foods, and eliminating artificial food coloring like red dye 40.

10. Weight Control

Few professionals in the fields of psychology and psychiatry have made the connection between unhealthy weight issues, mental illness, and cognitive dysfunction.

However, an important brain imaging study on 20,000 patients at Amen Clinics shows that as your weight goes up, the physical size and functioning of your brain go down. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be a powerful alternative to prescription medication.

Who Benefits from Alternative Mental Health Therapies?

Alternative mental health therapies can largely benefit the following categories of individuals:

  • People who haven’t experienced full relief from traditional talk therapy or medication. 
  • Individuals with treatment-resistant conditions, like ADD/ADHD, chronic anxiety, depression and mood disorders
  • Patients with a history of head trauma, even traumatic brain injury.
  • People who have experienced side effects after using medication and prefer to minimize pharmaceutical use. 
  • Younger children, teenagers, or adults who may need a holistic approach and personalized care

What to Expect During Treatment at Amen Clinics

At the start of your treatment at Amen Clinics, you can expect a thoughtful and well-structured approach that looks beyond your symptoms. Your experience begins with a comprehensive evaluation, as your clinician takes time to gather details about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle habits, and past treatment experiences. 

What follows is brain SPECT imaging, where the scan reveals the overactive or underactive areas of your brain. This is a highly personalized appointment that clearly explains what may be contributing to your challenges. 

Next, you get a customized treatment plan from your clinician that may include alternative therapies, nutrition and supplement guidance, targeted lifestyle changes, and therapeutic support. You’ll also have ongoing check-ins, progress monitoring, and some adjustments to your treatment plans as your brain function improves. 

Supporting Your Healing Journey with Lifestyle Changes

There are choices you make that can enhance the effectiveness of alternative therapies and support your long-term wellness plan. Here are key lifestyle areas where you have the power to make a difference in your well-being:

Nutritional upgrades –  Consume and abundance of brain-healthy foods mentioned already, and avoid processed foods, alcohol, and sugar. The goal is to have highly nutritious, balanced meals to support healthy blood sugar levels, which helps your brain function and mental health.

Manage stress effectively – Practice stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, journaling, and gratitude practices, as well as gentle daily routines that build calm and stability. 

Better sleep habits – Prioritize healthy sleep by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screens before bed, and addressing sleep disruptions and disorders. 

Regular physical activity – Engage in exercises to boost your blood flow to the brain, improve your mood and focus, and support overall cognitive health.

Healthy daily structure – Aim to have a balanced daily routine. Take breaks to prevent burnout and overwhelm. Be sure to make time for rest, hobbies, and meaningful connections.

Begin Your Brain-Focused Healing Journey

The brain has an incredible capacity to adapt and heal. The right alternative therapies geared to improving your brain health provide a path to improved mental health.

It’s critical to work in partnership with a qualified mental health professional or medical doctor before making any broad changes, especially to your medication or diet, and prior to starting with nutritional supplements.

FAQ About Alternative Therapies for Mental Health

Alternative mental health therapies are approaches that go beyond—or work alongside—medication and traditional talk therapy. Many are grounded in neuroscience and focus on improving brain function, reducing inflammation, and supporting emotional regulation, focus, and resilience in a more personalized way.


When used appropriately and guided by trained professionals, many alternative therapies are considered safe and evidence-based. It’s important that they’re chosen based on an individual’s health history, symptoms, and brain function rather than used randomly or without professional oversight.

These therapies can be especially helpful for people who haven’t found full relief with medication or psychotherapy, those with treatment-resistant conditions, individuals with a history of head injury, or anyone looking for a more holistic and personalized approach to mental health care.

Amen Clinics embraces both conventional and alternative approaches by first understanding how each person’s brain functions. Through brain SPECT imaging and comprehensive evaluations, clinicians create customized treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, alternative treatments, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle strategies—ensuring care is tailored to the brain, not just symptoms.

Traumatic brain injuries, treatment-resistant disorders, and other mental health conditions can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we provide personalized, science-backed treatment plans designed to target the root causes of your symptoms. Our 360-approach includes brain SPECT imaging, clinical evaluations, innovative therapeutic techniques, medications (when necessary), and holistic lifestyle recommendations to promote the health of your brain, body, and mind. Speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.

Amen Clinics

Founded in 1989 by double-board certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist Daniel G. Amen, MD, Amen Clinics Inc. (ACI) is known as the best brain and mental health company in the world. Our clinical staff includes over 50 healthcare specialists, including adult and child psychiatrists, integrative (functional) medicine physicians, naturopaths, addiction specialists, forensic psychiatrists, geriatric psychiatrists, nutritionists, licensed therapists, and more. Our clinicians have all been hand-selected and personally trained by Dr. Amen, whose mission is to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. Over the last 35-plus years, ACI has built the world’s largest database of functional brain scans—over 250,000 SPECT scans on patients from 155 countries—related to how people think, feel, and behave.
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