Mental Health Champions: Why & How Dr Kenneth Pages Is Helping To Champion Mental Wellness
An Interview With Eden Gold
Taking longer breaks, such as vacations, is also vital for my well-being. For example, earlier this year, I traveled to various regions of Italy; exploring new places and enjoying the local cuisine and wine was delightful and rejuvenating.
As a part of our series about Mental Health Champions helping to promote mental wellness, I had the pleasure to interview Dr Kenneth Pages.
Dr. Kenneth Pages is a renowned psychiatrist based in Tampa, leading a practice dedicated to advancing mental healthcare. With certifications in both general psychiatry and advanced therapeutic techniques, Dr. Pages has become a leading advocate for innovative treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The limitations of traditional therapies ignited his passion for mental health, and he is now focused on reducing stigma and improving access to non-drug treatments for both adults and adolescents. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Pages is committed to expanding mental wellness initiatives and actively promotes mental health awareness through his practice and online presence.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in Tampa, where I was essentially an only child, as my brother was 18 years older than me. We lived next door to my father’s parents, and our extended family was very close-knit. Both sides of the family were Tampa natives. Looking back, it’s remarkable how simple and carefree life seemed. Kids had the freedom to roam, and the biggest concern was watching too much TV. As long as we did well in school, our parents mostly let us do our own thing.
You are currently leading an initiative that is helping to promote mental wellness. Can you tell us a bit more specifically about what you are trying to address?
One of the most significant challenges in addressing unmet mental health needs is the persistent stigma surrounding it. This stigma affects both adults and adolescents, though it may be slightly less burdensome for younger people — they benefit from growing up in a world today where influencers and celebrities openly share their mental health journeys, providing them with role models who normalize speaking out. This shift is powerful and gives me hope for the future.
Despite these cultural changes, a core issue continues: traditional treatments like medications and talk therapy often fall short for those battling depression, regardless of age. To address this, we must not only improve access to effective treatments — and expand what those offerings are — but also continue to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. As a mental health provider, I work every day to make sure that people of all ages feel supported and empowered to seek the help they need.
I opened my own practice 17 years ago, and about ten years ago, I introduced NeuroStar Advanced Therapy to my practice as an alternative to the “revolving door” of medications many patients endured and have seen remarkable success year over year. This year, NeuroStar achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first and only TMS treatment approved as an adjunct for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents aged 15–21. However, a critical challenge remains: the disparity in access to non-drug treatments like NeuroStar Advanced Therapy between adults and adolescents. While adults currently have more insurance options covering TMS, insurance companies like Aetna and others are quickly catching up and expanding their coverage to younger patients. This shift indicates that insurers are recognizing the need and efficacy of this treatment for adolescents, helping bridge the access gap.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
In my years of private practice and working on inpatient psychiatric units, I was constantly faced with the limitations of traditional treatments, especially with patients who had attempted suicide or were so deeply depressed that hospitalization was their only option. Antidepressants only take some patients so far. The STAR*D trial found that each additional medication attempt lowers the chance of remission, with patients having less than a 7% chance after trying three medications. These experiences underscored the urgent need for something more effective than the usual cycle of medications.
I was still an attending at the hospital while offering NeuroStar TMS across the street at my practice. This allowed me to provide patients with a new treatment option immediately after discharge instead of just sending them back to the same medications that hadn’t worked before.
For many, hearing about TMS was a revelation — it offered hope to those who are treatment resistant (meaning medications failed) and a chance of success with a highly effective option. This reshaped my approach to psychiatry, allowing me to break the cycle of inadequate care and offer something truly transformative. This potential to make a real difference drives my ongoing commitment to providing better mental health treatments.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
The real turning point came when I saw patients who had struggled with — and been failed by — various medications start to show significant improvements with NeuroStar TMS. Their success stories highlighted the potential of NeuroStar and the need for effective alternative treatments. Each person who got their life back from debilitating depression motivated and continues to motivate me until this became so central to me as a provider.
The growth in insurance coverage has made a big difference in our practice. Although we faced challenges with limited insurance support in the beginning, our practice thrived because of strong patient interest and the positive results we are achieving. With expanded coverage, we’ve been able to reach more patients and grow our services. It feels like I get to have “a-ha” moments with patients and families often as they see the hope, and results, of NeuroStar. This progress has brought relief to many individuals searching for a solution.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I’m not sure if it’s the most interesting or the most humorous, but one moment that stands out is when I was recognized as “The TMS guy” in a Starbucks. As I’ve promoted this treatment, both through advertising and word of mouth, it’s not uncommon for people to greet me this way. It’s a small but meaningful reminder of how our work is making an impact, and it always brings a smile to my face. But more than that is when the person then takes me aside to share their own struggles with depression and occasionally that they have had TMS and what a great experience they had.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My mentors from residency and medical school have been pivotal in shaping my career. Among them, Dr. David Dunner stands out as a particularly influential figure. As a renowned psychiatrist specializing in mood disorders, his guidance was instrumental during my residency. Interestingly, Dr. Dunner has since shifted his focus to TMS, adding another meaningful connection to my work in this field.
According to Mental Health America’s report, over 44 million Americans have a mental health condition. Yet there’s still a stigma about mental illness. Can you share a few reasons you think this is so?
The stigma surrounding mental illness is deeply entrenched in both our societal attitudes and the nature of these conditions. One major factor is how mental illness often remains hidden — it’s not as visible as physical health, which can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions. It reminds me of the airline safety announcement when sitting at an exit row about “hidden disabilities.” Mental health conditions aren’t immediately apparent, making it hard for others to fully recognize and empathize with them.
Adding to this challenge is the internal stigma that many individuals experience. Depression can skew self-perception, making people feel worthless or incapable. This internal struggle not only exacerbates the external stigma but also creates a barrier to seeking help and receiving support. It’s a painful cycle that makes it even more difficult for society to grasp and address these issues.
Cultural and societal factors also contribute significantly. Historically, mental health care has been overshadowed by physical health care. To break down these barriers, we need a comprehensive approach. We must have open, compassionate conversations about mental health, make mental health screenings a routine part of medical care, and raise awareness about all treatments. By reframing mental health care as accessible and necessary rather than a last resort, we can continue to shift societal attitudes.
In your experience, what should a) individuals b) society, and c) the government do to better support people suffering from mental illness?
- Individuals: We all need to show more empathy and understanding. When someone is struggling with mental illness, offering a listening ear and non-judgmental support can make a huge difference. Simple acts of kindness and checking in on friends or family members can help them feel less isolated.
- Society: Society must work on dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness. We need to create open conversations and promote mental health awareness. Embracing mental health as a fundamental part of overall well-being and integrating it into our everyday conversations can help normalize it and encourage people to seek help without fear of judgment. It also includes reckoning with how our changing world impacts mental health — the prevalence of social media, lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors — all leave their marks on us at a societal level.
- Government: The government plays a key role in ensuring that mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical health. It starts with insurance coverage — mental health services should be as accessible and well-supported as treatments for physical ailments. While there are mandates for parity in insurance coverage, many still face gaps. Increasing awareness among payors and pushing for more comprehensive coverage for all, including adolescents, is vital to ensure everyone can access the care they need.
What are your 5 strategies you use to promote your own well-being and mental wellness?
- I make it a point to incorporate regular breaks into my routine. For instance, I engage in weightlifting, biking, and yoga activities. Daily movement helps me stay physically active and mentally refreshed.
- Creating clear boundaries between work and personal life helps me manage stress and avoid burnout. It’s important to have dedicated time for relaxation and hobbies.
- Building and nurturing relationships with friends and family provides emotional support and a sense of community. I find spending quality time with loved ones to be incredibly grounding and uplifting.
- In July 2020, I transitioned to a four-day workweek. This change has given me an extended weekend to recharge and maintain a better work-life balance.
- Taking longer breaks, such as vacations, is also vital for my well-being. For example, earlier this year, I traveled to various regions of Italy; exploring new places and enjoying the local cuisine and wine was delightful and rejuvenating.
What are your favorite books, podcasts, or resources that inspire you to be a mental health champion?
My favorite resources can often come from Instagram. I know social media has its own down sides, but if you can train the algorithm well enough it can populate your feed with lots of good tips and inspiration. A podcast I have always loved, which is not mental health related per se, is Fresh Air with Terry Gross. She frequently interviews individuals who have faced and overcome various challenges, and their stories are truly inspiring.
If you could tell other people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
To me it boils down to being nice. Simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference because you never know what someone else is going through. No matter your job or what you’re doing in your day to day life, striving to do your best and treating others with respect creates positivity. It’s about making every interaction count, from answering a phone call with care to providing thoughtful service. The impact of your actions can inspire and uplift others and have a ripple effect.
How can our readers follow you online?
Please visit our website, TMS of South Tampa, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TMSofSouthTampa.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold.