Restoring Hope,
Reshaping the Future.
The Next Frontier of Mental Health
"We want depression to improve, but we don't want to leave people simply un-depressed. We want them to flourish." - Dr. David Carreon
David M. Carreon, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist and the cofounder and CEO of Acacia Clinics, based in Silicon Valley. He completed his medical and psychiatric training at Stanford University and has been a leading force in advancing neuropsychiatric treatments.
Dr. Carreon played a key role in developing novel brain stimulation protocols, including Magnus SAINT® for treatment-resistant depression and HOPE-TMS®, both of which deliver highly individualized, accelerated neuromodulation therapies—often within just five days. His research has also contributed to the discovery and successful clinical targeting of a PTSD-specific brain circuit, representing a major step forward in personalized psychiatric care.
Through Acacia Clinics, Dr. Carreon integrates cutting-edge neuroscience with clinical psychiatry to treat complex mental health conditions. His work aims to redefine mental health care by translating precision neuroscience into effective, real-world interventions.
BIO
Featured Talk:
The Coming Age of Neuro-Technology: What Delivering 100 Million Brain Stimulations Taught Me About Justice and Our Possible Future
Dr. Carreon discusses the transformative potential of neurotechnology in addressing depression, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, and more. His clinic in Sunnyvale has delivered over 100 million transcranial magnetic pulses since 2018, providing a groundbreaking alternative and augmentation to traditional treatments. In contrast to antidepressants’ muting of emotion, new technologies seem to amplify individuals' abilities to perceive and respond to injustice. Learn how this innovative approach not only reduces disability but also empowers people to effectively tackle personal and societal challenges, promising a profound impact on our economy, society, and collective future.
Dr. Carreon is the author of "The Opposite of Depression," a book that combines neuroscience, personal narrative, and clinical insight, to offer a radical rethinking of how we define and achieve mental well-being.
The Opposite of Depression: What My Work with Suicidal Patients Has Taught Me about Life, Hope, and How to Flourish
There’s hope for greater satisfaction, purpose and joy in your life, even if circumstances have you down….
Stanford-trained psychiatrist David Carreon, MD, reveals what it takes to move from nagging disappointment, dissatisfaction, or depression to a life of thriving. One of the pioneers of the use of an intense form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in severely depressed patients, Dr. Carreon was astonished by how quickly and dramatically most of them recovered. But he also saw very clearly that just eliminating the symptoms of depression wasn't enough. To live a truly fulfilling life, his patients needed to leave old habits behind and embrace the patterns of flourishing. In The Opposite of Depression, he draws on insights from his clinical experience, the latest research, and his Christian faith to point readers to principles and practices that promote thriving in mind, body and soul. Each chapter offers practical steps readers can take to start moving in the direction of greater satisfaction, fulfillment and purpose.
Interested in Booking Dr. Carreon?
The Brain and Human Potential
Explore the power and promise of neuroscience to enhance well-being, behavior, and personal growth. Dr. Carreon brings cutting-edge brain science to life with topics like Practical Neuroscience, Shocked! - The Science of Neurostimulation, and The Neuroscience of Happiness. He explains how understanding the brain can lead to real-world improvements in mental health, decision-making, and resilience. Whether discussing free will, purpose, or the science of change, these talks offer a hopeful and empowering perspective grounded in rigorous science.
Mind, Meaning, and Mental Health
These talks bridge clinical psychiatry, personal transformation, and deep philosophical questions. Dr. Carreon draws on his experience as a psychiatrist to explore subjects like suicide prevention, sanity and religion, and the interplay of mind and body. With clarity and compassion, he addresses the inner lives of individuals struggling with suffering, identity, or belief—making space for both scientific understanding and existential reflection.
Religion, Ethics, and History
From the birth of science to the roots of religion, Dr. Carreon explores how humans have pursued truth, meaning, and justice. These talks examine big questions at the intersection of neuroscience and religion, Christian history, and moral philosophy, including “What’s the Right Thing to Do?” and “Why the World is Full of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful.” Dr. Carreon invites audiences into a richer understanding of how belief systems and scientific thinking shape both our past and our possible futures.
Book Dr. Carreon
Interested in having Dr. Carreon speak at an event? Fill out the form and we will be in touch shortly.
TMS Treatments
Acacia Team