
Depression Treatment for Military & Veterans
| Bella Vida TMS
Depression Treatment for Military & Veterans
Depression is stealing lives. Every day, 22 veterans die by suicide in the United States. That’s almost one every hour. Many military members suffer in silence, thinking they need to “tough it out.” But untreated depression can lead to severe health problems, broken families, job loss, addiction, and even death.
If you’re a veteran or active military member struggling, please know this: you are not alone. There are effective options for depression treatment for veterans and military mental health services that can help you get back to living with purpose and hope.
As General James Mattis said:
“You cannot allow yourself to become a prisoner of depression. You have to fight it.”
At Bella Vida TMS, we offer holistic and personalized care for veterans and military members in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert. Let’s explore why depression is so dangerous, what treatments are available, and how TMS therapy can help.
The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Depression in Veterans
Depression in veterans is often hidden under layers of duty, pride, and silence. But the dangers are real and life-threatening.
Higher Risk of Suicide and PTSD
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans. Many also suffer from PTSD, which increases depression risk even more.
Impact on Physical Health
Depression isn’t just mental. It can cause chronic pain, sleep problems, digestive issues, and worsen conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Substance Abuse Risks
Studies show veterans with untreated depression are more likely to use alcohol or drugs to cope, leading to addiction, DUIs, and legal problems.
Relationship and Job Loss
Untreated depression damages marriages, family bonds, and job performance, leading to financial stress and even homelessness for some veterans.
Effective Depression Treatment for Veterans
If you’re wondering what depression treatment for veterans actually looks like, here’s what you should know.
Therapy and Counseling
Talk therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy, helps you understand thoughts and behaviors linked to depression. Many veterans find relief through regular therapy sessions with a professional who understands military experiences.
Medications
Antidepressants like SSRIs or SNRIs are often prescribed, but they don’t work for everyone. About 30% of people with depression have treatment-resistant depression, meaning medications alone aren’t enough to lift their symptoms.
TMS Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-medication treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It’s safe, non-invasive, and has minimal side effects. TMS is especially helpful for veterans who haven’t found relief with medications or therapy alone. At Bella Vida TMS, we see veterans and military members regain their lives after a course of TMS therapy. Many say they finally feel hope again.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy is another advanced treatment option for severe depression. Unlike typical antidepressants, ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system, often bringing relief within hours to days. It’s particularly effective for suicidal thoughts and treatment-resistant depression when other treatments have failed.
Military Mental Health Services Tailored to You
Veterans and military members face unique challenges. Military mental health services must understand your background, trauma, and lifestyle to be effective.
Culturally Competent Providers
At Bella Vida TMS, our team respects and understands military culture. We know mental health stigma is real and work to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel heard and supported.
Coordinated Care
Our providers collaborate with your VA doctors, primary care providers, or other specialists to ensure your treatment plan fits into your entire health journey.
Insurance and Coverage
Most insurance plans cover TMS and ketamine therapy for depression, including Tricare, AHCCCS, and Medicare. Our staff will check your benefits, handle authorizations, and clearly explain any out-of-pocket costs so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Bella Vida TMS for Your Depression Treatment
Whole-Person, Holistic Approach
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter care. Every veteran and military member deserves a treatment plan tailored to their life story, symptoms, and goals for the future.
Advanced Treatment Options
Bella Vida TMS offers both TMS therapy and ketamine therapy, giving you choices beyond medications alone. These therapies are safe, effective, and backed by research.
Comfortable, Welcoming Clinics
Our clinics in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert are designed to feel peaceful and safe, not like a cold medical office. We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.
Proven Results
Our patients report improved mood, better sleep, renewed hope, and reduced suicidal thoughts. Many say it’s the first time they’ve felt like themselves in years, thanks to the compassionate care and advanced treatments we provide.
Depression Treatment for Military & Veterans
Depression is a serious illness that can take everything from you if left untreated. But there is hope. Whether you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD and depression or an active military member facing overwhelming stress, effective treatments are available.
If you or someone you love is a veteran or military member dealing with depression, reach out to Bella Vida TMS. Let us help you find a treatment that works so you can live with purpose, connection, and hope again.
Contact Bella Vida TMS today to schedule your free TMS assessment and learn about your treatment options. Most major insurances are accepted, including AHCCCS and Medicare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best depression treatment for veterans with PTSD?
A: The best depression treatment for veterans with PTSD often combines therapy, medication, and advanced options like TMS therapy. Talk therapy such as trauma-focused CBT helps process traumatic experiences, while TMS therapy can improve mood by targeting underactive areas of the brain. Many veterans who haven’t improved with medications alone find relief with TMS or ketamine therapy, which are both available at Bella Vida TMS.
Q: Does the VA cover TMS therapy for veterans with depression?
A: The VA covers TMS therapy for veterans diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, but coverage depends on your VA facility and eligibility. At Bella Vida TMS, we work with veterans and can help check your benefits, coordinate with your VA providers, and explore insurance coverage options to make sure you receive the care you need.
Q: How does TMS therapy help military veterans with depression?
A: TMS therapy helps military veterans with depression by using magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. This non-invasive treatment can improve depression symptoms without medication side effects. Many veterans report feeling more like themselves, sleeping better, and having renewed hope after completing a TMS treatment course.
Q: What mental health services are available for active duty military with depression?
A: Active duty military members with depression have access to therapy, medication management, and sometimes TMS therapy through military mental health services. At Bella Vida TMS, we provide TMS and ketamine treatments for military members in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert to support their mental health alongside their existing medical care.
Q: Is ketamine therapy effective for veterans with treatment-resistant depression?
A: Yes, ketamine therapy is effective for many veterans with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system and can bring relief within hours to days. It is especially helpful for severe depression and suicidal thoughts, offering hope to veterans who haven’t found success with other treatments.

References
General James Mattis Quote – BrainyQuote
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/james_mattis_872179
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Suicide Prevention
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/
National Institutes of Health – Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6922638/
American Psychiatric Association – Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/tms
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Veterans and Military Families
https://www.samhsa.gov/veterans-military-families
National Center for PTSD – PTSD and Depression
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/depression.asp