Methylene Blue is a synthetic chemical compound that has been used in a diverse number of applications–from medications to dye. When used as a medication, certain doses of methylene blue can be effective as an antidepressant because it offers neuroprotection, reducing oxidized hemoglobin, and assists with blood pressure regulation. Methylene Blue is most commonly used to treat Methemoglobinemia, a condition in which hemoglobin decreases its ability to carry oxygen.
Though Methylene Blue has historically been used to help treat dementia psychosis, as well as Malaria, there have been cases of successful uses for mental health. In cases of severe depressive illness, schizophrenia, and mood disorders, Methylene Blue can be used to help with mitochondrial function for mental health.
A 1938 study originally found that a minute quantity of methylene blue is capable of greatly augmenting the oxygen combining and oxidation powers of living cells.1 Original studies were looking to find an effective treatment for schizophrenia, in those who were not reacting to standard antipsychotics. About 50 years later, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial studied individuals with mild or moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease, and found moderate improvement following the administration of 138 mg of methylene blue daily after 24 weeks, but higher (228 mg) and lower (69 mg) doses were ineffective.2
The use of Methylene Blue has been shown to assist with cognitive function across a variety of pharmacological purposes. In Francisco Gonzalez-Lima’s study on Protection against neurodegeneration with low-dose methylene blue, the researcher concluded that new evidence from animal models and human studies suggest that low-dose methylene blue and low-level near-infrared light share a common mechanism of enhancement of mitochondrial respiration that protects against neuronal degeneration in a broad range of animal models and human neurobehavioral disorders. This study is helpful in treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Dementia with lower dose Methylene Blue.
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
There are a variety of different antipsychotic medications and antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression outside of Methylene Blue. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Some popular serotonergic medications include Sertraline, Fluoxetine Citalopram and Escitalopram. Both SSRIs and SNRIs are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and mental health professional advice.
If you’re currently on medications for any other medical conditions, it’s important to review any over-the-counter medications and their interactions with a medical professional. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Depression support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
Our AMFM treatment center in Southern California can provide individualized care for mood dysregulation concerns in adulthood. With individualized care, you can receive the support you need for lasting mental health wellness.
Our residential mental health treatment facilities in Virginia can provide you with individualized and comprehensive care for all your mental health needs. Our treatment programs blend the use of traditional and holistic therapies to provide you with whole-person care.
Depression impacts the neurotransmitters that transmit dopamine and serotonin to the brain. By understanding the neurobiology involved in depression, doctors can prescribe antidepressants that address these particular neurons.
In depressed individuals, elevated or increased cortisol levels can impact moods and stress responses. Incorporating daily activities like yoga and meditation can help lower cortisol levels.
Request A Call Back
"*" indicates required fields
By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.
I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
What to expect
Contact From Admission Representative:
Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations. We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits.
What to Expect
Insurance Verification
Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.
Contact From Admission Representative:
Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders beyond depression through evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to the following:
Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide cohesive treatment plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.
A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment was founded to bring mental health resources and recovery to those who need it, meeting you with empathy at every step of the way. From admissions to aftercare, our Minnesota teams are trained to provide the highest level of care, combining compassion with evidence-based personalized treatment plans. Our goal is to encourage and enable long-term behavioral growth and mental well-being in our mental health treatment facilities, to set our clients up for success for the rest of their lives.
You don’t have to embark on this journey alone. Call us to speak confidentially with a member of our care team today.
Allexsaht, W.J. The use of methylene blue in the treatment of catatonic dementia praecox patients. Psych Quar 12, 245–252 (1938). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01566188
Sussex Publishers. (n.d.-c). Red light therapy and methylene blue may promote brain health. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-leading-edge/202409/red-light-therapy-and-methylene-blue-may-promote-brain-health
Alda M. Methylene Blue in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. CNS Drugs. 2019 Aug;33(8):719-725. doi: 10.1007/s40263-019-00641-3. PMID: 31144270.
Naylor GJ, Smith AH, Connelly P. A controlled trial of methylene blue in severe depressive illness. Biol Psychiatry. 1987 May;22(5):657-9. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(87)90194-6. PMID: 3555627.
Bistas E, Sanghavi DK. Methylene Blue. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557593/
Chokhawala K, Stevens L. Antipsychotic Medications. [Updated 2023 Feb 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/
Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, Et. al, The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020 Sep;45(10):1743-1749. doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2. Epub 2020 Apr 29. PMID: 32349118; PMCID: PMC7419515.
Bains N, Abdijadid S. Major Depressive Disorder. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559078/
Smoski MJ, Felder J, Bizzell J, Green SR, Ernst M, Lynch TR, Dichter GS. fMRI of alterations in reward selection, anticipation, and feedback in major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord. 2009 Nov;118(1-3):69-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2009.01.034. Epub 2009 Mar 3. PMID: 19261334; PMCID: PMC2745481.
Jacob, Y., Morris, L.S., Verma, G. et al. Altered hippocampus and amygdala subregion connectome hierarchy in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 12, 209 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-022-01976-0
Pizzagalli, D.A., Roberts, A.C. Prefrontal cortex and depression. Neuropsychopharmacol. 47, 225–246 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-021-01101-7
