Family Trauma Treatment Center

About NeuroStar® TMS Therapy

NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).

While the exact cause of depression is not known, the leading scientific theory is that it is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells.

What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?

During a NeuroStar treatment session, 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. These magnetic pulses may have a positive effect on the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, making long-term remission possible.

Take the first step

to overcoming your depression today.

Schedule a free consultation with our NeuroStar Coordinator to find out If this treatment Is right for you.

Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is easy

A PET scan measures vital functions such as blood flow, oxygen use, and blood sugar (glucose) metabolism.

Non-depressed

Depressed

How NeuroStar® TMS Therapy Works

Here's what you can expect from a NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS) session

Before Treatment

Before Treatment

You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head

During Treatment

During Treatment

You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head

After Treatment

After Treatment

You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head

NeuroStar® Therapy Insurance Coverage

Since the FDA clearance of TMS in 2008, insurance coverage for eligible patients has increased significantly. Currently, there are over 60 coverage polices for TMS, including most Medicare contractors. Although TMS is not a first-line treatment, it is an alternative option for those who are not responding to or cannot tolerate medications. Call us today to speak directly with the NeuroStar Coordinator about your specific insurance plan, coverage, and eligibility. For a list of the insurance companies that our practice accepts.

NeuroStar® Patient Stories

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Randi's Story

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy for Mental Health.
Learn about Randi’s experiences with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy.

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Don's Story

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy for Mental Health
Learn about Don’s experience with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy

TESTIMONIALS

Our Happy Clients

I don't like taking medications, and I have tried many, but I know I have to take them. I am very open to new treatments my doctor would recommend.

Cara 33 Years Old, Challenged Optimist

In fact, I have basically lost hope of treating my depression with medication, though I am very open to trying new treatments I may find while doing my own research online.

Todd 48 Years Old, Struggling Independent

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.

A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans.

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.

No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for a therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low intensity, static magnetic fields. Those products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells. The activation and stimulation of brain cells is a key part of why TMS is so effective.

Clinical Trials Academic Studies

Clinical Trials & Academic Studies

  1. Carpenter LL et al. (2012). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major Depression: A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Acute Treatment Out. comes in Clinical Practice. Depression and Anxiety, 29(7):587-596. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439832
  2. George MS, et al. (2010). Daily Left Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 67(5):507-516. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439832
  3. Dunner DL, et al. (2014). A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Patients with Pharmacoresistant Major Depressive Disorder: Durability of Benefit Over a 1-Year Follow-Up Period. J Clin Psychiatry. 75(121:1394-1401. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25271877
  4. O’Reardon JP, et al. (2007). Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Acute Treatment of Major Depression: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial. Biol Psychiatry, 62(11):1208-1216. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17573044

NeuroStar® Therapy Insurance Coverage

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