Find answers to commonly asked questions about Hightop Health's treatment options, Centers of Excellence, and our approach to offering comprehensive, integrative care.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about our treatment options.
Hightop Health leverages evidence-based medicine that is measurement-driven to specialize in integrative psychiatry, brain health, and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) therapy. We also offer an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and proprietary clinical research trials to provide alternative treatment options for patients and help inform our individualized treatment plans.
Yes, we offer various alternative and innovative treatment options to meet patients’ needs. For example, we offer Ketamine Therapy Services, SPRAVATO® (esketamine) Therapy Services, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy Services, to name a few.
Yes, we treat a wide range of mental health disorders, not limited to the conditions mentioned above. Please reach out to us with questions about treatment options and next steps.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about what conditions can benefit from Integrative Psychiatry Services, or in combination with other standard and groundbreaking treatments.
At Hightop Health, integrative psychiatry involves treating mental health conditions by considering the whole person, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors, rather than focusing solely on symptoms.
The benefits of integrative psychiatry include improved overall well-being, better management of mental health conditions, and enhanced quality of life by addressing multiple aspects of health and integrating various treatment modalities. This approach also targets improved functionality and quality of life, in addition to symptom reduction.
Some treatments that complement integrative psychiatry include psychotherapy, medication management, mindfulness meditation, lifestyle medicine, nutritional support, and advanced therapies like TMS and ketamine infusions.
At Hightop Health, we spend more time with our patients than most clinics, ensuring that each experience is personal and comfortable. Our clinic environment is strategically designed to be peaceful and calming, allowing patients to relax and feel at ease before receiving any type of treatment. Our clinicians and support staff guide patients toward treatments and overall care unique to their needs and specific mental health issues, based on industry-leading clinical assessments.
Three of the most important lifestyle changes one can make to achieve better mental health include:
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about Hightop Health’s Intensive Outpatient Program, located in Atlanta.
IOPs and PHPs are immersive treatment options for patients with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. They provide intermediate levels of care via full-day and half-day programming, allowing for a predictable, safe environment and peer groups to assist with acceptance, normalization, and strategies to generalize skills at an accelerated pace.
Hightop Health’s IOP features a half-day program that can be three to five days a week, with onsite psychiatric and care coordination services. Programming days can last three to four hours, and the average length of stay can reach 12 weeks.
Patients possibly needing hospitalization or more structured treatment than intensive outpatient care can provide may be a better fit for our Partial Hospitalization Program. This program is a full-day program, five days a week, that incorporates psychiatry and medication management, as well as after-hours coaching and safety planning for enrolled patients. Programming days can last four to six hours, and the average length of stay is around four weeks.
At the time patients are well enough to return to work, school, or some other regular daytime commitment in addition to continuing psychiatric treatment, they may be ready to engage in an IOP. Many IOPs are connected with PHPs and actually include the same curricula and patients in a “step-down” model in which these patients progress from the PHP to the IOP based on improvements in their symptoms and functionality.
Patients who may benefit from the IOP include those experiencing a recent acute mental health event, persistent mental health struggles that have led to significant impairment in multiple realms of functioning, have a history of psychiatric hospitalization or emergency room visits due to mental health escalation, have a possible need for psychiatric evaluation for medication evaluation, are discharging from a psychiatric hospital or residential treatment center, have experienced previous outpatient attempts that have not been successful, or who benefits from highly structured treatment environments.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about what conditions can potentially benefit from Ketamine Therapy Services.
Ketamine is an anesthetic agent that has also been shown in some research studies to improve mood in patients with difficult-to-treat depression, and even decrease suicidal ideation. It’s important to note that Ketamine therapy is not approved for clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While there are different treatment options, ketamine is safely administered via intramuscular injection (usually in the shoulder) or intravenous (IV) infusion. The experience generally unfolds over 60 minutes. More specifically, KAP is an innovative approach that pairs ketamine’s transformational impact with a psychotherapist’s skilled care to support change at the deepest levels. KAP patients receive treatment with a therapist who guides them through the entire session, while ketamine-only patients are monitored by our clinical staff who are standing by and available to come into the treatment room upon request. As such, emergency buttons are in the room so patients can request assistance anytime. We invest completely in preparation and integration, as well as the Ketamine Therapy Services experience itself, to offer a truly comprehensive approach to treatment.
Hightop Health differentiates itself by providing extensive monitoring of patients who are undergoing ketamine treatments. Regardless of which ketamine therapy option a patient chooses, they will be fully supported by our staff of Medical Assistants and Advanced Practice Providers. In general, patients who are considering Ketamine Therapy Services need to be closely monitored in a state-of-the-art clinical setting to ensure that the intervention is safe, and potential effectiveness of the ketamine treatment is maximized. We prioritize safety, comfort, and information-sharing to ensure that our patients understand and appreciate the potential risks and benefits of ketamine treatment.
In addition to medication and therapy, our interdisciplinary team of Psychiatrists, Advanced Practice Providers, Medical Assistants, and Psychotherapists always consider important factors such as environment, diet, exercise, meditation, and social support in your treatment plan. Most ketamine providers follow a single protocol for every patient. In contrast, our team designs a customized treatment plan based on your needs, goals, and history.
When you arrive at one of our clinics for Ketamine Therapy Services, you’ll immediately notice the peaceful experience we curate for our patients. From the music we play in our lobby to the lighting and overall ambiance, we take the time to create the safest and most serene environment from the moment patients walk through the door.
The ketamine dose prescribed for mood and anxiety disorders, significantly smaller than that used for anesthesia, is very low and considered by many clinicians to be safe when administered by trained medical professionals. During treatment, blood pressure and heart rate may increase, so patients are closely monitored, and individuals with certain health conditions may not be eligible for ketamine treatment, including:
Your expert diagnostic assessment will help determine for whom the potential benefit of ketamine treatment might outweigh the associated risks.
As with every treatment, it is not possible to predict how any individual will experience ketamine administration or if it will help improve their mood symptoms. However, we have seen significant progress in some patients in a short period of time. In some cases, after just three sessions, we’ve seen patients become brighter and more lively when they arrive at the clinic, which is often a noticeable improvement from their initial visit. While ketamine is not approved by the FDA to treat any psychiatric indication at this time, it is an ongoing area of investigation for Hightop Health. Our in-house clinical research studies are contributing to the field’s understanding of the potential roles for ketamine and other novel biologic agents in treating psychiatric conditions.
The effects of ketamine can vary from person to person and even from one treatment to another. Generally, some patients might experience mild visual effects, such as seeing colors, which could be described as mild hallucinations. Nausea or lightheadedness could occur as well. Less frequently, some patients become fearful, disoriented, or even feel like they are having an out-of-body experience during treatment. Our trained staff will be available to help manage any reaction to the treatment to ensure safety and maximize tolerability.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about what conditions can benefit from SPRAVATO® Therapy Services.
SPRAVATO® Therapy Services uses the active ingredient, esketamine, in nasal spray form. Unlike IV or IM ketamine, it is FDA-approved for managing treatment-resistant depression and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder and acute suicidal ideation. It aims to offer rapid relief by targeting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, which are thought to modulate glutamate, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.
Yes, SPRAVATO® is FDA-approved for treating treatment-resistant depression and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation.
Like ketamine, SPRAVATO® carries some risks, including increased blood pressure and temporary dissociative symptoms, necessitating close patient monitoring during and after treatment sessions to ensure safety. SPRAVATO® is always administered in one of Hightop Health’s prestigious clinics to ensure expert regulation and seamless monitoring of patients’ response to the medication.
All clinics are designed to make patients feel safe and well cared for. Patients must attend a designated series of sessions to get the most out of their treatment. This can vary between patients, but a typical course of treatment might involve three sessions a week for four to six weeks. Patients might also need to attend booster sessions once the initial treatment starts to work to avoid experiencing a relapse. All treatment sessions take place under supervision at a Hightop Health clinic. Patients will need to have someone drive them home afterward, as it is common to experience some side effects such as drowsiness or impaired responses.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about what conditions can potentially benefit from TMS Services, or in combination with other standard and cutting-edge treatments.
TMS Services offer a non-invasive procedure that modulates brain areas involved in mood regulation. It is often particularly effective for those with major depressive disorder who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments, such as psychopharmacology. During TMS treatments, we gently place a magnetic coil against the patient’s scalp, delivering targeted magnetic pulses that result in and enhance brain function. These pulses are similar in strength to those used in MRI machines, penetrating the skull to reach specific brain regions like the prefrontal cortex to attune various brain regions that might alleviate symptoms of depression in many cases.
Yes, TMS is FDA-approved as a treatment for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
While TMS is generally safe, some patients may experience mild side effects such as scalp discomfort, headaches, or lightheadedness. These side effects are typically short-lived. In rare cases, TMS can cause seizures, but this is very uncommon. However, our clinical team will closely monitor you during your TMS sessions to ensure safety and maximize comfort and effectiveness during your treatments.
No. TMS Services are typically administered in a clinic setting due to the medical equipment requirements and to monitor potential side effects in a safe environment.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about conditions that can benefit from a combination of Psychiatric Medication Management Services, psychotherapy, and other treatments.
Psychiatric care and medication management begin with a one-hour intake evaluation to assess your needs and intentions, collect relevant history, and develop a treatment plan. Our Psychiatric Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers integrate your medical and psychiatric histories, results from normed psychological assessments, and conduct a thorough analysis of lab work to recommend treatment options that often include psychiatric medications. Follow-up appointments, with formal measurements of progress using psychological assessments, are scheduled as needed.
Hightop Health’s Psychiatric Medication Management Services treat conditions like depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and medical history.
Hightop Health ensures the effectiveness of Psychiatric Medication Management Services through regular follow-ups, use of assessment tools, monitoring side effects, and adjusting dosages of medications as needed, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.
Patients at Hightop Health play an active role in the Psychiatric Medication Management Services process by providing feedback on medication efficacy and side effects, enabling their health care providers to make informed adjustments. In turn, Hightop Health clinicians ask for patients to maintain adherence with their medication regimen and consult their prescribers prior to making medication changes.
At Hightop Health, we take an individualized approach to Psychiatric Medication Management Services. We examine the root causes of each patient’s mental health concerns and treat them with the latest evidence-based and innovative treatment options. Monitoring progress is also consistently done, using clinical outcome measures so that objective data drives prescribing recommendations.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about what conditions can benefit from Psychotherapy Services or in combination with other standard and novel treatments.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a treatment method that involves talking with a mental health professional to address and manage emotional difficulties, behavioral issues, and mental disorders. It aims to improve well-being and mental health through various therapeutic techniques.
Hightop Health incorporates various approaches to psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapies, among others.
Hightop Health customizes psychotherapy treatment plans by conducting comprehensive assessments of each patient’s mental health, personal history, and specific needs to tailor therapy approaches accordingly.
The typical duration of a psychotherapy session at Hightop Health is around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the patient’s specific treatment plan and needs. Safety plans are developed for every patient to help manage concerns or crises in between therapy sessions.
You can expect a supportive environment where licensed therapists use evidence-based methods tailored to your specific needs. Treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and other modalities suited to address your mental health concerns. Our goal is to empower you with strategies and insights that foster healing, resilience, and personal growth.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about our Medication-Assisted Treatment Services and how it can lead to lasting recovery.
The main goal of MAT is to aid recovery by using medications in combination with counseling and behavioral strategies to treat substance use disorders.
Common medications for opioid addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, each targeting opioid receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, MAT can assist in treating alcohol dependence, using medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate to reduce drinking behavior and support sobriety.
At Hightop Health, our team of clinicians and support staff offer compassion and empathy for our patients’ mental health concerns. We understand the sensitive nature of what our patients are going through, and we are committed to making each person feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door. Patients can expect to feel respected and heard and receive treatment to match their unique needs based on where they are at in their mental health journey.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about our Psychiatric Diagnostic Assessments Services.
Hightop Health’s Psychiatric Diagnostic Assessments Services typically evaluate conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
A psychiatric diagnostic assessment at Hightop Health usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the patient’s symptoms and history.
Hightop Health’s Psychiatric Diagnostic Assessments Services use clinical interviews, laboratory test results, standardized questionnaires, and often psychological testing to diagnose and plan treatment accurately.
At Hightop Health, we perform in-depth testing during our Psychiatric Diagnostic Assessments Services to evaluate every aspect of a patient’s mental and physical health, which allows us to provide more integrative and effective treatments.
Find answers to commonly asked questions about Hightop Health’s proprietary Clinical Research and learn more about participating in an ongoing trial.
We conduct ongoing clinical research trials for innovative treatments of various mental health illnesses, including mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar or manic depression, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorders. Most of our clinical studies involve investigational medication and are approved by relevant Institutional Review Boards to ensure that they are conducted appropriately and with patient safety in mind.
Study visits may include routine blood work, blood pressure checks, electrocardiograms (ECGs), physical exams, and review of a patient’s symptoms and functionality with our trained clinicians. These assessments are typically covered by the pharmaceutical company sponsoring the trial.
Participants may also receive compensation for time and travel for some studies.
Most of our studies are conducted to determine the medication’s efficacy compared to a placebo. Clinical trial participants have the opportunity to become partners in scientific discovery, contributing to helping future generations lead healthier lives with newly discovered treatment options. We believe major medical breakthroughs could not happen without the generosity of clinical trial participants, young and old.
Current studies include:
Currently, Hightop Health is only conducting clinical research in the Atlanta area. Patients looking to participate in a clinical research trial should fill out our Contact Us form.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about Integrative Medicine.
Integrative medicine is a core function of how we practice across all of our clinics. We focus on optimizing our patients’ overall health and well-being, with aid from a compassionate team of clinicians and support staff. We employ a holistic approach to mental health care that treats the whole person, integrating mental, physical, and emotional health for comprehensive, personalized care.
Optimizing overall mental health requires understanding the psychological, biological, and environmental influences on mental well-being. At Hightop Health, each clinic considers lifestyle as part of our comprehensive mental health care approach. Our treatments for various conditions go beyond medication, emphasizing the importance of behavior changes, talk therapy, and a focus on physical wellness as essential components of treatment plans.
At Hightop Health, we don’t simply manage top-level symptoms. We recognize treating mental health takes more than an algorithm-based approach. Our clinicians are encouraged to use an integrative approach to treat each patient’s condition—regardless of what’s been tried before. We use all the tools in our toolbox and don’t give up until we’ve found the right solution for each patient.
Find answers to commonly asked questions and learn more about Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Treatment-resistant depression (or difficult-to-treat depression) refers to depressive disorders that do not respond sufficiently to standard treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy after multiple treatment trials. Patients with TRD often feel a sense of hopelessness or helplessness in regards to ever feeling better, so mental health clinics are often challenged to think “outside the box” for interventions that may not be considered first-line options for most people with depressive disorders.
Hightop Health specializes in treatment-resistant depression by leveraging a comprehensive and integrative approach that blends traditional methods with advanced and innovative therapies. Systematic outcomes assessments are also completed throughout treatment to help determine how to continuously improve the plan.
We utilize a mix of traditional and cutting-edge treatments tailored to individual patient needs, including therapies like IV ketamine infusions, intranasal SPRAVATO®, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs), and TMS.