The purpose of this research is to investigate a new non-drug treatment for depression called Prism. This clinical trial investigates Prism treatment for people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) whose symptoms include loss of the ability to experience joy from things that were once pleasurable.
Prism provides a novel form of neurofeedback training and is delivered in our outpatient clinic; a similar version of this novel treatment recently received FDA approval for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participation in this randomized clinical trial includes two MRI brain scans, several assessment visits, and a series of Prism treatments (active or sham) in the Houston Center for Advanced Psychiatric Treatment, all over 5 months; participants must remain on stable psychiatric medications during the time they are in the study. At the completion of participation in the study, all participants are eligible to receive a series of active (real) Prism treatments at no charge.
Participants will be compensated for participation.
Contact Us:
For interested participants, you may call 832-436-4055 or reach out to the study team directly at sarah@sprashadmd.com for additional information.
Sarah works alongside Dr. Sandhya Prashad to support patients pursuing interventional treatments for mood and anxiety disorders. Since joining the practice in 2023, she have served as the first point of contact for new patients, gathering medical and psychological histories to help assess clinical needs and eligibility for both treatment and research.
She has coordinated two PCORI-funded clinical trials with Yale University: Equivalence, a randomized non-inferiority trial comparing Racemic Ketamine and Esketamine, and Observe, a follow-up outcomes study. In addition, she has coordinated a National Institute of Mental Health funded trial with Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Pittsburgh on enhancing the durability of ketamine’s antidepressant effects. Her responsibilities span patient recruitment, data collection, regulatory compliance, and sponsor communications, ensuring adherence to GCP, FDA, and IRB standards.
Her background includes roles as a psychiatric patient coordinator in Chicago and as a Registered Behavior Technician in Houston, supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She holds an Associate in Arts degree from the College of DuPage and RBT certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
With a strong passion for interventional psychiatry, Sarah is particularly interested in how clinical care and research can work together to advance outcomes for patients with treatment-resistant conditions.
Crystal Islas Navarro is the Spravato and Clinical Research Coordinator at the Houston Center for Advanced Psychiatric Treatment. She oversees all daily operations of the clinic’s Spravato (esketamine) treatment program, ensuring patients receive safe, supportive, and compliant care aligned with FDA and REMS requirements. Crystal manages all medication ordering and inventory across multiple pharmacies and coordinates every aspect of treatment delivery with precision and care.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Crystal supports the practice’s research initiatives by maintaining accurate study data, facilitating protocol activities, and ensuring full adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), IRB guidelines, and regulatory standards. She also navigates complex insurance processes—handling verifications, prior authorizations, and appeals—to help patients access the care they need without unnecessary barriers.
Crystal brings a strong healthcare foundation to her role. Prior to joining the practice, she worked as a Patient Account Representative at The Menninger Clinic, where she developed expertise in medical billing, claims management, credentialing, and insurance appeals. She also gained valuable experience in pharmacy coordination at Pyramids Pharmacy and in patient-facing clinical operations at Coastal Eye Associates. These roles strengthened her ability to communicate effectively with patients, manage treatment logistics, and maintain accuracy in fast-paced healthcare settings.
Crystal holds an Associate of Science in Life Sciences from San Jacinto College and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston. Her academic background—combined with her hands-on experience across clinical, research, and administrative roles—supports her holistic, patient-centered approach to psychiatric care.
Known for her organization, attention to detail, and warm rapport with patients, Crystal helps bridge clinical treatment, research innovation, and compassionate patient support within the practice.