Many individuals living with mental health conditions do not find meaningful relief from their symptoms, even with evidence-based approaches like psychotherapy or medication. However, a different form of therapy called neuromodulation offers a complementary approach.

Neuromodulation therapies are designed to influence brain activity patterns, correcting or regulating the disruptions that cause symptoms. They work by delivering precisely targeted energy in the form of electrical, magnetic, or sound waves. These therapies show promise across a wide range of mental health conditions, and they may offer relief for some individuals with severe symptoms unresolved by other treatment approaches.

However, progress in the use of neuromodulation for mental health conditions has been slow. To change that, SPARC began a partnership with the Rodan Family Foundation in 2025.

In June 2026, SPARC convened the Neuromodulation in Psychiatry Stakeholders’ Roundtable, where experts worked to distill the field’s most pressing barriers and highest-leverage opportunities. Next, SPARC synthesized learnings from the roundtable alongside a comprehensive landscape analysis to develop a Giving Smarter Guide, which points to areas where philanthropic funding can advance more accessible, effective care through neuromodulation therapies.