Red Light Therapy for Depression and Anxiety: Science, Protocols, and Hope

Depression and anxiety affect millions of people worldwide. While medication and therapy are effective for many, others are left searching for complementary approaches that can help lift mood, reduce worry, and improve daily life. At RegenClinic, we use medical-grade THOR Laser protocols backed by peer-reviewed science to gently support brain function and overall well-being.

What the Science Says

Red Light Therapy, also know as Photobiomodulation, uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular energy production. When applied to the brain, it’s called transcranial Red Light Therapy (tRLT). Research shows that this process improves mitochondrial function, boosts blood flow, and reduces inflammation—all mechanisms linked to better mood and mental health.

In one pilot study, patients with generalized anxiety disorder received tRLT three times a week for eight weeks. They experienced significant reductions in anxiety scores, better global health ratings, and improved sleep quality, with no serious side effects reported. The authors concluded that tRLT is a promising complementary therapy for anxiety.

Another review of major depressive disorder explained the biological pathways in detail. Red Light Therapy stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, a mitochondrial enzyme, restoring energy production and balancing oxidative stress. These changes increase cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, reduce inflammation, and promote neurogenesis—the growth of new brain cells. Together, these effects can explain the improvements seen in depression symptoms in early clinical studies.

The evidence is growing quickly, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses in recent years concluding that Red Light Therapy is a safe and effective emerging option for mood support.

How RegenClinic Puts the Science into Practice

At RegenClinic, our treatments are based on THOR Photomedicine’s protocol for depression and anxiety support. This structured approach includes:

• A starting schedule of three sessions per week for 10 weeks, tapering to twice weekly for 6 weeks, then adjusting as symptoms improve
• Stimulation of blood flow through the internal carotid and vertebral arteries, sigmoid sinus, jugular foramen, and occipital and sagittal regions to support circulation and drainage
• Direct treatment of the right prefrontal cortex and default mode network nodes, regions closely linked to mood regulation and rumination
• Safety measures including protective eyewear for laser treatments; LED probes can be safely used over closed eyes

Sessions are short, gentle, and non-invasive. Patients often describe them as calming and relaxing.

What Patients Are Saying

Patient feedback from our community echoes the research. Many describe feeling more energized, noticing gradual improvements in mood and sleep, and experiencing a steady reduction in pain and inflammation linked to chronic stress. One client described Red Light Therapy as “a slow but steady shift, not a miracle, but effective.” Another said it felt like “rejuvenating body, mind, and spirit.”

Why Red Light Therapy Can Help Mood

By restoring balance at the cellular level, Red Light Therapy helps stressed brain circuits function more effectively. This means improved regulation of emotions, reduced anxiety, and better energy for daily life. Red Light Therapy is complementary. It can be used alongside medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, or as a standalone option for those who are unable or unwilling to use pharmaceuticals.

A Natural Path to Healing

At RegenClinic, our goal is to help you feel better in ways that are safe, gentle, and grounded in evidence. Depression and anxiety can feel overwhelming, but the science of light therapy offers real hope. With each session, we are helping the brain restore its natural balance—giving you more space for calm, clarity, and energy.

If depression or anxiety are interfering with your life, we invite you to learn more about how Red Light Therapy can help.

Call or text us at 250-813-2121
Email: sasha@regenclinic.ca