About Neurostar TMS Therapy
Reclaim Your Life from Depression
— Non-Invasively and Medication-Free
What to expect from a NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS) session
Before Treatment
You’ll sit reclined comfortably in the treatment chair. Your TMS technician will position a small, curved magnetic coil lightly on your head.
During Treatment
NeuroStar delivers precise magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. During treatment, it is normal to hear a clicking sound and feel a light tapping sensation on your scalp.
After Treatment
Each treatment will take about 19 minutes depending on your doctor's recommendation. You are able to resume normal activities immediately. You are also able to drive yourself to and from sessions as there are no effects on memory or alertness.
What is TMS?
​Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive treatment that helps relieve symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder with anxious depression. NeuroStar TMS therapy uses a magnet similar in strength to that used in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine is used to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain thought to control mood and tend to be underactive in people with depression. TMS is highly effective, with a 83% of patients showing a clinically meaningful response and 62% achieving full remission. With minimal side effects and wide insurance coverage (including Medicare and Tricare), TMS is a safe and effective option for many individuals seeking relief from depression. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, it may be time to explore a new path forward. Contact us today to find out if NeuroStar TMS therapy is right for you.
Tap Into A New Possibility
NeuroStar Story - Richard
NeuroStar Story - Carol
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What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.
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How does TMS work?TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses that are similar in strength to an MRI, to specific parts of the brain.
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What will treatment look like?A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 5-7 weeks. TMS therapy is administered by trained clinical specialists in our office through a series of convenient, 20-minute sessions. During treatment, you will sit comfortably and may watch TV or listen to music. Because there are no effects on alertness or memory, you can drive yourself to and from treatment sessions. After treatment, you may resume your normal activities immediately.
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Is TMS covered by insurance?Yes! TMS therapy is covered by almost all major insurance companies (including Medicare and Tricare), depending on your insurance plan. Insurance plans can also have some requirements for coverage, such as a prior history of antidepressant medication use or therapy treatments. Our staff will help you determine if your insurance plan covers TMS.
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Does TMS hurt?NeuroStar is generally well-tolerated by patients, making it an appealing treatment option for many. Most patients describe TMS treatment as a gentle tapping sensation on the scalp. The most commonly reported side effects include mild headache, temporary scalp discomfort, or lightheadedness — all of which typically resolve shortly after the session or within the first week and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Many patients report experiencing no side effects at all. There are fewer side effects compared to standard medication for MDD, OCD, or MDD with anxious depression.
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Is TMS a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications?Yes! TMS does not circulate in the blood throughout the body, so it does not have side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort —generally mild to moderate—occurring less frequently after the first week of treatment.
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Am I a good candidate for TMS?TMS can be a promising option for individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments like medication or talk therapy. However, a thorough evaluation with one of our psychiatric providers is essential to determine if TMS is the right fit for your needs. Start by completing this free self evaluation to see if TMS is right for you.