LifeStance CMO Sees Interventional Psychiatry Shifting From Last Resort to Table Stakes
By Ashleigh Hollowell | August 10, 2026
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This is an exclusive BHB+ story.
Interventional psychiatry modalities and medications, formerly used as a last resort for treatment-resistant depression, intense suicidality, and hard-to-treat mental health conditions, are increasingly becoming first-line treatment options. The research behind therapies like esketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has significantly strengthened over the past decade, driven by expanded FDA treatment indications and technological advancements. This has led to the emergence of new options in neuromodulation and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Now, psychiatrists and behavioral health clinicians have a wider range of tools at their disposal.
Dr. Stephanie Eken, Chief Medical Officer at LifeStance Health (Nasdaq: LFST), one of the nation’s largest outpatient behavioral health providers, emphasizes the company’s close observation of interventional psychiatry developments. She notes that LifeStance must be prepared to pivot financially, clinically, or otherwise to stay at the forefront of offering these new treatment options.
"The reason I’m so excited about this particular conversation is I just think it brings so many more tools into our toolbox and it reduces suffering for our patients," Eken shared with Behavioral Health Business. "One thing that I’ve said for a long time is I’ve basically had the same medications available to me most of my career without a lot of significant advancement."
Interventional psychiatry has reached a pivotal point, with established treatments like esketamine/Spravato and TMS being supplemented by newer technologies. These advancements offer more personalized treatment options with smaller equipment. Additionally, clinical trials exploring the benefits of MDMA and psilocybin for PTSD and other conditions have gained significant government interest.
To ensure long-term success, Eken suggests that providers must:
- Offer a variety of treatments for patients.
- Prepare for emerging methods and secure access and reimbursement paths.
- Train clinicians and educate both patients and the public to dispel misconceptions.
"Those who will be successful long-term will have… the ability to be ready for when the next ones come up," Eken concluded.