#83 Ctrl+Alt+Heal: Tech's Role in Mental Wellness with Steven Turetsky

In this interview with Steven Turetsky, he discusses his current role in the mental health space and his work at a company called Motif Neurotech, which focuses on brain-computer interfaces and deep tech in the mental health industry. Motif is developing nanotechnology that can be implanted just below the scalp, above the brain. This technology performs transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a treatment commonly used for conditions like treatment-resistant depression. The company's goal is to miniaturize this technology so that it can be used at home rather than requiring clinic visits. Steven is actively involved in helping Motif Neurotech secure funding for its clinical trials. The interview also touches on the technology used in these treatments, emphasizing that it's electromagnetic stimulation and its clinical efficacy. The treatment aims to stimulate various parts of the brain to improve executive functions and help individuals with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health disorders. Steven's journey into the mental health industry stems from a personal experience with the loss of his father to suicide when he was 18. This traumatic experience motivated him to seek ways to make a positive impact in the mental health field. He initially explored the cannabis industry and later transitioned to the CBD side, where he gained insights into the need for individualized treatments and the importance of standardized dosing in mental health therapies. The conversation also delves into the challenges of dosage standardization and the variations in how individuals respond to treatments. Steven highlights the need for personalized treatments that cater to each person's unique needs and tolerances. Furthermore, the discussion explores emerging trends in neuromodulation, non-psychedelic plasticity agents, and the potential benefits of combining different therapeutic approaches to achieve more effective outcomes in mental health treatments. Steven specifically mentions the exciting potential of combining neuromodulation, brain-computer interfaces, and psychedelic therapies to create an additive effect in healing and treatment. Overall, this interview provides insight into the rapidly evolving field of mental health treatments, emphasizing the importance of individualized care, standardized dosing, and innovative combinations of therapies to enhance patient outcomes.