Written by Samantha Carter

The mental health field is evolving. People are realizing that traditional approaches alone are not a one-size-cures-all. Celebrities, like the rest of us, are not exempt from experiencing mental health challenges in their lives. In recent years, there’s been a growing trend among the famous to not only speak up about their mental health issues but also to explore alternative therapies for mental health treatment.

These therapies – ranging from deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS), neurofeedback, stellate ganglion blocks, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and ketamine-assisted therapy – offer innovative approaches to managing mental health.

By exploring the reported experiences of celebrities who’ve embraced and benefitted from these alternative therapies, we hope to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness. Additionally, we aim to encourage people to try new approaches that may help improve their overall mental well-being.

Celebrities Who’ve Tried Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS)

Deep TMS, a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, has been FDA-approved for the treatment of certain mental health conditions since 2013. As this alternative therapy continues to gain momentum, more and more people are speaking out about their life-changing experiences with dTMS.

One notable celebrity who has openly discussed his journey with depression and dTMS is Johnny Knoxville, a famous actor, stuntman, producer, and screenwriter. Knoxville shared how combining therapies such as psychotherapy, medication management, and dTMS helped bring him out of a severe bout of depression where his cognitive thinking skills had dropped to 17 out of 100. By participating in these therapies, he recognized certain lifestyle shifts he needed to make to improve his mental wellness.

While Johnny didn’t explicitly state this in his interview, one can speculate that he opened up about his experiences in an attempt to destigmatize mental health disorders while sharing what treatment methods worked for him.

Celebrities Who’ve Tried Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback, a form of biofeedback that trains individuals to self-regulate brain activity, can help resolve chronic stress, improve mental health symptoms, and promote healing for people struggling with mental illness.

Famous author and coach, Tony Robbins, has spoken candidly about his journey with neurofeedback to improve emotional regulation and performance abilities.

Interestingly, neurofeedback has been shown to enhance performance abilities so much that famous athletes have even used it to improve their athleticism. The Italian soccer team credits their 2006 World Cup win to the players’ participation in neurofeedback sessions. Additionally, beach volleyball stars Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Treanor opened up about how neurofeedback helped them win the 2012 Olympic gold medal.

With many use cases, neurofeedback offers a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option for people experiencing a range of mental health disorders as well as people looking to enhance their overall well-being.

Celebrities Who’ve Tried Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Ketamine-assisted therapy involves the administration of ketamine in conjunction with psychotherapy to alleviate symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. Often used for treatment-resistant depression, ketamine can be a powerful tool for people who haven’t yet found relief through other mental health interventions.

Several celebrities have shared their experiences with ketamine-assisted therapy, including Elon Musk, Sharon Osbourne, and Lamar Odom, highlighting their effectiveness in treating a range of mental health conditions.

Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, might know a thing or two when it comes to managing his mental health. After all, a person doesn’t become a self-made billionaire by not taking care of themselves. Musk has spoken openly on the “zombifying effects” of traditional medication, sharing how microdosing ketamine may be a superior option to conventional alternatives.

Sharon Osbourne, a British-American icon, refers to ketamine as “the truth drug,” signifying its ability to help people suffering from mental health challenges find the root causes of their issues. This enables them to move beyond recurring negative themes and find lasting positive change.

Lamar Odom, former NBA star, has used ketamine-assisted therapy to help him in his addiction recovery. He claims he began using this treatment after a near-death overdose in 2015, crediting ketamine-assisted therapy with the transformation of his life and long-term sobriety.

As celebrities continue speaking up about their experiences with mental health and success with alternative methods, it increases public knowledge and awareness of these conditions and interventions.

Celebrities Who’ve Tried Stellate Ganglion Blocks

Stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves in the back of the neck. This treatment has gained attention for its potential to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other mental health disorders.

One celebrity who has publicly shared his experience with SGBs is American entrepreneur, billionaire, and philanthropist, Robert (Bob) Ralph Parsons. In an interview with Jay Shetty, Bob opened up about how treatments like stellate ganglion block helped him to overcome some of his most debilitating symptoms of PTSD. This enabled him to want to be around others again, transforming his life and relationships.

Celebrities Who’ve Tried Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

One more alternative mental health therapy treatment worth mentioning is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which is believed to promote healing and reduce inflammation. There are also numerous studies on how HBOT can help improve a variety of mental health conditions.

Actress and model Gwyneth Paltrow has spoken about her positive experiences with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Paltrow, known for her holistic approach to health and wellness, has described HBOT as a rejuvenating and energizing therapy that helps her decompress and reset.

Numerous other celebrities have tried and benefited from HBOT, including Justin Beiber, Tiger Woods, Beyonce, and more. With the growing popularization of this alternative therapy, studies on HBOT’s effect on mental health may continue to increase with interest.

Celebrity Impact on Mental Health Awareness

Celebrities have played a significant role in destigmatizing mental health and raising awareness about alternative therapies. By sharing their personal stories with innovative treatments like dTMS, neurofeedback, ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, these public figures have helped pave the way for greater acceptance and accessibility of alternative approaches to mental health care.

While their experiences may vary, their willingness to speak openly about their journeys can inspire hope and encourage others to explore diverse treatment options in their pursuit of mental well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about alternative therapies for mental health, make sure to check out Plus by APN’s website today.

Trying Alternative Therapies for Mental Health as a Non-Celebrity

While it can be fun, interesting, and informative to learn about different public figures who’ve benefited from the use of alternative therapies for their mental health, it’s equally as important to understand how to access these therapies when necessary.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health disorder, you’ll want to first talk to a licensed mental health professional. Together, you can explore your unique circumstances and discuss any interest you may have in alternative therapies.

At Plus by APN, you can work with a licensed therapist in person or virtually to treat a variety of mental health conditions. You can engage in traditional treatments, alternative treatments, or any combination that works best for you. To learn more about Plus by APN’s services, call 424.644.6486 or fill out our online contact form today.

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