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TMS for Anxiety: Does TMS Help With Anxiety?

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March 11, 2026

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TMS for Anxiety: Does TMS Help With Anxiety?

The short answer: for many people, yes. The fuller answer depends on your diagnosis, your history with other treatments, and how your brain responds. That nuance matters because if you are reading this, you have already tried the straightforward answers.

Maybe you have been through two or three medications that helped a little, but not enough. Maybe therapy gave you tools, but you still wake up with a tight chest and a mind already spinning. Maybe you feel permanently stuck in fight-or-flight. And trying yet another treatment feels less like hope and more like another chance to be disappointed.

This article is not here to make promises. It is here to give you a clear picture of what TMS therapy for anxiety involves - what the evidence supports, what is still emerging, and whether this might be the right next step for you.

What Is TMS Therapy for Anxiety?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. A device placed near your scalp delivers focused magnetic pulses that stimulate specific brain regions - no surgery, no anesthesia, no medication entering your bloodstream. You sit in a chair, fully awake, while a coil delivers brief pulses that feel like tapping on your scalp. Afterward, you drive yourself home.

Here is what TMS for anxiety looks like in practice:

  • Non-invasive - no needles, no implants, no sedation required
  • Outpatient - done in a clinic, no hospitalization
  • Session length - typically 20 to 40 minutes
  • Course length - 4 to 6 weeks, five sessions per week (20-30 sessions total)
  • Common sensations - rhythmic tapping on the scalp, clicking sound, mild scalp pressure

Most people tolerate it well from the first session, and any scalp discomfort typically lessens within the first week.

Why People Consider TMS for Anxiety

TMS therapy for anxiety tends to enter the picture when standard treatments have not worked well enough, or when a person wants an option that does not involve more systemic medication. Common reasons people seek TMS:

  • Multiple medications tried with limited or inconsistent results
  • Side effects (weight changes, emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction) that were hard to sustain
  • Partial response to therapy - better, but still significantly impaired
  • Anxiety co-occurring with depression, complicating treatment response
  • Preference for a non-medication approach for personal or medical reasons

How Does TMS Help With Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are associated with an imbalance between brain regions - an overactive amygdala (the brain's alarm system) and reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, which handles top-down regulation. Think of it as the alarm going off constantly while the manager who silences it is underperforming.

TMS for anxiety targets these circuits directly. By stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), it encourages that regulatory region to become more active - helping the brain reduce fear responses and improve emotional balance. It is not adding a chemical; it is nudging specific neural circuits toward healthier patterns.

What Symptoms Can TMS Improve?

TMS works through neuroplasticity - the brain's capacity to rewire itself through repeated stimulation. This is gradual. Most people notice meaningful changes in weeks 3 through 6, not week one. Symptoms people commonly report improving:

  • Persistent rumination and racing thoughts
  • Sleep difficulties - both falling and staying asleep
  • Emotional overwhelm from stressors that feel disproportionately intense
  • Physical tension - jaw clenching, muscle tightness, shallow breathing
  • Hypervigilance - the persistent sense of being "on" even in safe situations

Individual responses vary, which is why clinical evaluation and ongoing monitoring matter.

Does TMS Help With Anxiety? What the Research Says

TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is not yet FDA-approved for generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder as standalone diagnoses - making its use for primary anxiety off-label, which is legal and common across many areas of medicine.

The evidence picture is more nuanced than a simple approval status suggests:

  • Anxious depression - anxiety co-occurring with depression - has strong supporting evidence, with improvements in both symptom clusters well-documented.
  • Research on TMS for generalized anxiety, PTSD, and social anxiety is growing, with studies showing meaningful symptom reductions.
  • Clinicians regularly observe anxiety improvements in patients treated for depression, confirming real overlap in underlying brain circuits.

The clearest summary: Does TMS help with anxiety? Evidence is strongest when anxiety co-occurs with depression, and increasingly promising - though still emerging - for anxiety disorders on their own.

TMS vs. Medication: How to Choose

Neither TMS nor medication is the right answer for everyone. They work differently, and the better choice depends on your individual history and clinical situation.

TMS Medication
How it works Targeted brain stimulation Systemic (affects whole body)
Side effects Minimal systemic effects Varies: may include GI, weight, sexual effects
Onset Gradual over weeks Days to weeks
Format Session-based, clinic visits Daily oral medication
Best suited for Treatment-resistant, med-intolerant, co-occurring depression First-line treatment, acute management

Some people use TMS instead of medication. Others add it to an existing regimen to deepen a partial response. The right answer comes from a clinical evaluation - and the team at Amae Health conducts that evaluation before any TMS course begins.

Who Is a Good Candidate for TMS Therapy for Anxiety?

TMS therapy for anxiety tends to be most appropriate for people who:- Have tried at least one medication without adequate relief

  • Experience anxiety that co-occurs with depression
  • Cannot tolerate medication side effects, or have medical reasons to avoid certain drugs
  • Want a non-systemic option alongside existing therapy
  • Are stable enough for outpatient treatment and can commit to 4-6 weeks of sessions

Who Should Avoid TMS?

TMS is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally not recommended for people with:

  • A history of seizures or epilepsy
  • Metal implants near the head or skull (cochlear implants, certain aneurysm clips)
  • Active mania or a mixed mood episode
  • An acute psychiatric crisis requires a higher level of care

If any of these apply to you - or if you are unsure - a clinical consultation will give you a clear answer. Do not self-screen out; let a qualified clinician assess your situation. You can also read about how anxiety-related conditions present and are evaluated on the Amae Health blog.

What to Expect During TMS Treatment

Treatment Schedule and Session Length

A standard TMS for anxiety course runs five days per week for four to six weeks - 20 to 30 sessions total, each lasting 20 to 40 minutes. Some accelerated protocols compress treatment into fewer weeks; your provider will recommend the right approach.

What It Feels Like

You will feel a rhythmic tapping on your scalp and hear a clicking sound from the device. Some people experience mild scalp tenderness or a light headache in the first sessions - this typically fades within the first week. You stay fully alert and leave without any restrictions.

Side Effects and Safety

TMS has a well-established safety profile. Common minor side effects:

  • Mild headache during or after sessions
  • Scalp tenderness at the coil site
  • Mild fatigue, particularly early in treatment

Serious adverse events are rare and monitored by clinical staff. Unlike ECT, TMS does not affect memory or cognition. Most people drive themselves to every session.

TMS Therapy for Anxiety at Amae Health

If you have made it this far, you are weighing a real decision. Whether TMS therapy for anxiety is right for you depends on your full history, current symptoms, and goals.

At Amae Health, TMS is integrated into a broader psychiatric care plan, coordinated with therapy, medication management (if applicable), and ongoing clinical oversight. Clinicians conduct a thorough evaluation before recommending TMS, monitor progress throughout, and adjust the plan as needed. If TMS is not the right fit, you will know that clearly, along with a better picture of what is.

Getting started is simple:

  1. Schedule a consultation - call 1-888-860-2825 or use the Amae Health contact page to arrange your initial psychiatric evaluation.
  2. Complete your clinical evaluation - a clinician reviews your treatment history, current symptoms, and contraindications to determine whether TMS therapy for anxiety is appropriate.
  3. Begin your individualized plan - if TMS is recommended, your schedule is set, and your care team stays involved throughout.

You do not have to keep cycling through treatments without a real clinical partner. Reach out to Amae Health in LA and take the next step toward a less anxious life.

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Crippling Anxiety: What It Is, Why It Happens & What Can Help

By

Sonia Garcia

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February 19, 2026

You wake up and your heart is already racing. Before you even open your eyes, your chest feels tight. The simple thought of checking your email triggers a wave of panic, leaving you trapped in a loop of worst-case scenarios you cannot shut off. It feels as though your body is constantly braced for a disaster that never arrives.

This is crippling anxiety.

Far beyond feeling stressed or nervous, crippling anxiety creates a state so severe that it paralyzes your routine and makes everyday tasks feel like insurmountable mountains. When you live with this, tension becomes a permanent resident in your body. Physical symptoms like a racing heart, nausea, or dizziness arrive without warning, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot simply turn off the fear.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Understanding what is crippling anxiety, why it happens, and which treatments actually provide relief is the first step toward reclaiming your life. Recognizing the difference between daily stress and a paralyzing condition is where healing begins.

What Is Crippling Anxiety?

Crippling anxiety isn't an official diagnosis you'll find in the DSM-5. Instead, it's a term people use to describe anxiety that's so severe it interferes with their ability to function. It goes beyond occasional worry or nervousness - it's persistent, overwhelming, and disruptive.

Here's how it shows up in everyday life:

  • You avoid situations that trigger panic, even when they're necessary - like work meetings, social gatherings, or medical appointments.
  • Your body reacts intensely to small stressors, making it hard to distinguish real threats from imagined ones.
  • Daily tasks feel overwhelming, from answering phone calls to grocery shopping.
  • You can't focus or complete responsibilities because anxiety hijacks your attention and energy.

When people ask what is crippling anxiety, they're often describing anxiety that doesn't just make life uncomfortable - it makes life feel unmanageable.

How Crippling Anxiety Differs From Everyday Stress

Everyone experiences stress. But crippling anxiety operates on a completely different level. Here's how they compare:

Feature Everyday Stress Crippling Anxiety
Trigger Specific event (deadline, conflict) Often vague or absent
Duration Temporary, resolves after stressor passes Persistent, lingers without clear cause
Intensity Manageable discomfort Overwhelming, paralyzing fear
Physical symptoms Mild tension, occasional restlessness Severe: racing heart, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness
Impact on function Might reduce productivity temporarily Prevents working, socializing, or handling daily tasks
Control Can redirect focus or take action Feels uncontrollable and intrusive

Everyday stress motivates you to solve problems. Crippling anxiety stops you in your tracks.

Signs of Crippling Anxiety

Crippling anxiety presents through a combination of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. Here are the most common signs:

  • Persistent, intrusive thoughts that loop without resolution.
  • Racing heart or chest tightness, even when resting.
  • Shortness of breath or feeling like you can't get enough air.
  • Nausea, stomach pain, or digestive issues.
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling disconnected from your body.
  • Muscle tension, especially in the shoulders, neck, and jaw.
  • Extreme fatigue despite doing very little.
  • Difficulty sleeping or waking up multiple times during the night.
  • Constant sense of dread or feeling like something bad is about to happen.
  • Irritability or emotional outbursts that feel out of character.
  • Avoidance behaviors - canceling plans, calling in sick, isolating yourself.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, even simple ones.

These symptoms don't just come and go - they build over time, creating a cycle where anxiety about your anxiety makes everything worse.

What Causes Crippling Anxiety?

There's no single cause of crippling anxiety. It typically develops from a combination of factors:

  • Genetics: Anxiety disorders often run in families, suggesting a biological predisposition.
  • Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA affect mood regulation.
  • Chronic stress: Prolonged exposure to stressors keeps your nervous system in overdrive.
  • Trauma or adverse experiences: Past trauma, abuse, or significant losses can rewire your threat detection system.
  • Major life changes: Events like moving, job loss, relationship changes, or health diagnoses can trigger intense anxiety.

Understanding these contributors helps you recognize that crippling anxiety isn't a personal failure. It's a complex response involving biology, environment, and experience.

Anxiety Disorders Linked to Crippling Anxiety

Crippling anxiety often overlaps with specific anxiety disorders:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, uncontrollable worry about multiple areas of life that persists for months.
  • Panic Disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with intense physical symptoms and fear of future attacks.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations that leads to avoidance.
  • Agoraphobia: Fear of places or situations where escape feels difficult, often resulting in severe avoidance.

These conditions share one thing: they significantly disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.

How to Know If Your Anxiety Is Becoming Crippling

Not all anxiety crosses into "crippling" territory. Here's how to tell if yours has:

  • Duration and persistence: Your anxiety lasts most days for weeks or months, not just during stressful periods.
  • Loss of control: You can't calm yourself down using strategies that used to work.
  • Disproportionate reactions: Small triggers provoke intense fear or physical symptoms.
  • Avoidance interferes with life: You're skipping work, canceling plans, or avoiding necessary activities because of anxiety.

If several of these apply, your anxiety has likely moved beyond manageable stress into something that needs more structured support.

How to Manage Crippling Anxiety

The good news? Even severe anxiety responds to the right combination of strategies and support. Here's what actually helps.

Practice Grounding and Breathing Techniques

When crippling anxiety hijacks your nervous system, grounding techniques interrupt the panic cycle and bring you back to the present moment.

Try these:

  • 5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 you touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
  • Belly breathing: Breathe in slowly for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6.
  • Cold water reset: Splash cold water on your face or hold ice cubes to activate your body's calming response.

These tools work by engaging your parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the fight-or-flight response driving your anxiety.

Reduce Anxiety-Fueling Triggers

Small changes in your daily habits can lower your baseline anxiety level:

  • Cut back on caffeine: It amplifies heart rate and nervousness, mimicking anxiety symptoms.
  • Limit social media and news consumption: Constant exposure to negativity keeps your nervous system activated.
  • Improve sleep hygiene: Go to bed and wake up at consistent times; avoid screens before sleep.

These adjustments won't cure crippling anxiety, but they help prevent small stressors from escalating into full-blown panic.

Move Your Body Regularly

Exercise is one of the most effective biological regulators of anxiety. Physical activity increases endorphins and serotonin, both of which improve mood and reduce stress. Even small movements count - walking, stretching, dancing in your living room. You don't need intense workouts to see benefits.

Practice Acceptance Instead of Fighting Symptoms

Paradoxically, trying to suppress or fight anxiety often makes it worse. Acceptance-based approaches teach you to observe anxious thoughts and physical sensations without reacting to them.

For example, instead of panicking when your heart races, you might think: "My heart is racing. This is uncomfortable, but it's not dangerous. It will pass." This shift reduces the internal struggle that intensifies crippling anxiety.

Find Professional Support

Severe or persistent crippling anxiety often requires structured, evidence-based treatment. Self-help strategies are valuable, but they work best alongside professional care.

A licensed therapist can teach you Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - all proven effective for anxiety disorders. A psychiatrist can evaluate whether medication might help regulate brain chemistry while you build coping skills.

You don't have to do this alone. Professional support can make the difference between managing symptoms and truly recovering your quality of life.

How Amae Health Helps You Navigate Crippling Anxiety

At Amae Health, we specialize in trauma-informed, compassionate care for people experiencing severe anxiety. We understand that what is crippling anxiety isn't just a clinical question - it's deeply personal. It's about feeling trapped, exhausted, and desperate for relief.

Our team offers personalized treatment plans that combine therapy, medication management when appropriate, and holistic support tailored to your specific symptoms and experiences. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead, we work with you to understand what's driving your anxiety and create a path forward that feels manageable and hopeful.

Crippling anxiety can make you feel isolated, broken, or like you'll never feel normal again. But anxiety - even severe anxiety - is treatable. With the right combination of grounding techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and professional support, you can move from barely functioning to truly living.

The first step is recognizing that what you're experiencing has a name, a cause, and most importantly, a solution. You deserve support. You deserve relief. And help is available whenever you're ready.

You don't have to live in constant fear. Reach out today to begin your journey toward calm, clarity, and confidence. Contact Amae Health here.

# min read

Most Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

By

Sonia Garcia

|

February 11, 2025

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The cardinal symptom of this condition is mania and can cause extreme mood swings and varying energy levels, making it challenging for those affected to lead normal lives. Understanding bipolar disorder, its causes, and effective treatments is crucial to managing the condition and helping individuals achieve stability.

In this blog, we will explore the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder, discuss the causes of this mental illness, and address common questions about medication and first-line treatments. By the end of this article, you will be empowered with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about the management of bipolar disorder.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect an individual’s energy levels, activity, sleep patterns, and overall ability to function in daily life.

There are three main types of bipolar disorder:

  1. Bipolar Type I Disorder: Characterized by at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by depressive episodes. This tends to be the more severe form of bipolar disorder.
  2. Bipolar Type II Disorder: Involves at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but not a full-blown manic episode. Type II bipolar disorder is generally less severe than Type I bipolar disorder.
  3. Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form of bipolar disorder, consisting of multiple periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

Although the exact cause of bipolar disorder is still unknown, researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors contribute to the development of the condition. Some common factors that may increase the risk of bipolar disorder include:

  1. Family history: Having a close relative with bipolar disorder increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
  2. Brain structure and function: Imaging studies have shown differences in the brains of people with bipolar disorder compared to those without the condition, suggesting a neurological component.
  3. Substance use: Drug or alcohol abuse can trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms in some individuals.
  4. Trauma or stress: Significant life events, such as the death of a loved one, can trigger the onset of bipolar disorder in some people.

Can Bipolar Disorder Be Treated Without Medication?

While medication is often a crucial component of bipolar disorder treatment, it is not the only option. Comprehensive treatment plans for bipolar disorder often include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and support from friends and family. Some non-medication treatments that may be effective in managing bipolar disorder include:

  1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of psychotherapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to bipolar symptoms.
  2. Family-focused therapy: Involves working with the individual’s family to improve communication, coping strategies, and support networks.
  3. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): Focuses on stabilizing daily routines, including sleep and social interactions, to manage mood swings.
  4. Psychoeducation: Educating individuals and their families about bipolar disorder can help improve understanding, treatment adherence, and overall outcomes.

What is the First-Line Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?

The first-line treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves medication to stabilize mood swings and prevent relapse. Medications commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder include:

  1. Mood stabilizers: These medications, such as lithium and valproate, help control mood swings by balancing brain chemistry.
  2. Antipsychotics: Atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine and quetiapine, can help manage mania, hypomania, and depression in bipolar disorder.
  3. Antidepressants: Used in conjunction with mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, antidepressants can help manage depressive episodes. However, they must be carefully prescribed, as they can sometimes trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
  4. Benzodiazepines: These medications can provide short-term relief from anxiety and sleep disturbances associated with bipolar disorder, but should be used with caution due to the potential for dependence.

What is the Most Common Medication Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Lithium is one of the most common and well-established medications used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a mood stabilizer that can help manage both manic and depressive episodes.

Lithium has been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings, prevent relapse, and decrease the risk of suicide in individuals with bipolar disorder. However, it is essential to monitor lithium levels closely, as the therapeutic window is narrow, and side effects can occur if levels become too high, particularly to the kidneys and thyroid.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that requires a multifaceted treatment approach. While medication is often the first line of treatment, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and support from friends and family also play crucial roles in managing the disorder. Understanding the condition, its causes, and effective treatments will empower individuals with bipolar disorder and their loved ones to make informed decisions about their care.

Transform Your Life with Amae Health’s Bipolar Disorder Treatment and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, don’t hesitate to seek help. Amae Health Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care, including the latest treatment options and resources for bipolar disorder.

Our team of experts is here to support you on your journey to better mental health. Visit Amae Health Mental Illness Outpatient Clinic today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards stability and well-being. Together, we can help you overcome the challenges of bipolar disorder and unlock your full potential.

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Breaking Through the Stigma: Living with Psychosis

By

Sonia Garcia

|

February 12, 2025

Psychotic conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can be difficult to manage without proper treatment and support. Unfortunately, these conditions can often appear during adolescence and can be misunderstood and stigmatized, making it challenging for adolescents to seek help. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, it’s important to understand the symptoms of psychosis and the treatment options that are available to you.

In this blog, we will explore common misconceptions surrounding psychotic disorders, symptoms of these conditions, coping strategies, the importance of medication and therapy, and how to find an adolescent mental health clinic near you.

Understanding the Symptoms of Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic conditions in adolescents can manifest in a variety of ways. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech or behavior, and difficulty with thinking or concentration. Some adolescents with psychotic disorders may also experience mood disturbances, such as depression or mania. These symptoms can be very distressing and can interfere with daily life and the ability to care for oneself. This highlights the importance of accessing care for psychosis as early as possible.

Coping Strategies for Living with Psychotic Disorders

Living with psychosis can be challenging, but there are many coping strategies that can help. One of the most important things is to maintain a routine and a sense of structure in one’s daily life. This can include things like setting a regular sleep schedule, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in meaningful activities. It’s also important to have a support network of family, friends, or healthcare professionals who can offer emotional support and practical assistance, when needed.

The Importance of Medication and Therapy in Managing Psychotic Disorders

Medication and therapy are essential components of managing adolescent psychotic disorders. Medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life, but finding the right medication and dosage can take time and adjustments may be required before landing on the right medication regimen. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychoeducation, can help adolescents learn coping strategies, improve social skills, and manage symptoms. This highlights the importance of finding a mental health clinic that provides specialized treatment for adolescent mental health.

Misconceptions and Stigmas Surrounding Psychotic Disorders

Adolescents with psychotic disorders often face discrimination, fear, and prejudice due to common misconceptions surrounding these conditions. One of the most prevalent stigmas is the belief that people with psychotic conditions are violent or dangerous. In fact, research has shown that when treated, adolescents with psychotic disorders are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Other misconceptions include the idea that adolescents with these conditions are lazy or lack motivation, or that they are unable to function in society. These misunderstandings are untrue and many people with psychosis recover and go on to live rich and fulfilling lives.

Finding an Adolescent Mental Health Clinic Near You

Finding an adolescent mental health clinic near you is crucial for adolescents living with psychotic conditions. A clinic like Amae Health that specializes in psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can provide tailored treatment and support to help manage symptoms of these conditions and improve overall quality of life. It’s important to connect with others who understand what you’re going through and can offer empathy, advice, and encouragement.

In summary, if you or someone you know is in need of care, it’s important to take action. At Amae Health, we’re ready to help and can help you get back on track with life. We can be reached at 424-293-0031 or by email at hello@amaehealth.com. By understanding the symptoms and finding an adolescent mental health clinic that provides specialized treatment, individuals with psychotic conditions can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.