Depression Affects More Than Their Mood. TMS Can Help.
When getting through school, work, friendships, or everyday life has become a struggle, it may be time to explore a different approach.
FDA-Cleared for Ages 15-21
Non-Drug Treatment
Non-Invasive, No Downtime
Covered By Most Insurance
Not sure if TMS is the right next step? Start with a quick self-check.
When Depression Starts Getting in the Way TMS Offers A Different Approach
Depression can affect more than mood. It can make school, sleep, friendships, family life, and everyday activities feel harder. When your teen is struggling, it helps to know there may be another path forward. NeuroStar TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment for adolescent depression that may be considered as a first treatment option, added to current care, or included as part of a broader depression treatment plan.
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FDA-cleared for adolescents ages 15-21
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Non-drug and non-invasive
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No anesthesia, sedation, or downtime
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Covered by most major insurance plans
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Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J Affective Disorders, 277(12):65-74.
Patient results may vary. The outcomes reported represent the subset of study patients for which the CGI-S data were reported before and after an acute course of NeuroStar TMS. Patients were treated under real-world conditions where they may have been prescribed concomitant depression treatments including medications. “Improvement in depression symptoms” was defined as a CGI-S score ≤3 and “symptom relief (remission)” was defined as a CGI-S score ≤2 at the end of treatment. Patients aged 12 to 21 (average 19.2 ‡ 1.5) were treated under real-world conditions where patients may have been prescribed concomitant depression treatments including medications. "Measurable relief" was defined as a CGI-S score ≤3 and "complete remission" was defined as a CGI-S score ≤2 at the end of treatment.
Shenandoah Psychiatric Medicine Has A Simple Way To Move Forward.
Meet with a provider who will listen to what your teen and family have been experiencing.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Together, we'll identify the therapies and treatments best suited for your teen’s and family’s needs
Start Feeling Better
Move forward with confidence knowing you have a dedicated team supporting your progress.
Why TMS May Fit a Teen’s Life
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood—like physical therapy for the brain. NeuroStar TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive outpatient treatment for adolescent depression.
What makes it different:
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Non-drug treatment
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No sedation or downtime
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Targeted—not whole-body effects
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May be used early or alongside other care
When does TMS make sense?
For adolescents ages 15–21, TMS may be worth exploring when:
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Depression is affecting school, sleep, friendships, family, or everyday activities
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You want a non-drug treatment option
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Current treatment has not helped enough or side effects are difficult
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Symptoms keep returning
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A provider determines TMS may fit the broader care plan
What to expect?
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Sessions may last as little as 19 minutes
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Treatment is usually five days a week
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A full course is typically 36 treatments, although plans vary
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The patient remains awake and alert throughout treatment, often listening to music or using their phone
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No anesthesia or recovery time is needed
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Return to school or normal activities afterward
FAQs About Adolescent TMS
How can depression affect adolescents?
Adolescent depression can affect mood, sleep, energy, focus, school performance, relationships, and interest in activities. It may appear as sadness, irritability, withdrawal, or feeling overwhelmed.
Is TMS safe for adolescents?
NeuroStar TMS is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia or sedation. The most common side effect is temporary pain or discomfort near the treatment area; seizure is a rare risk. A provider will review medical history, risks, and treatment expectations before care begins.
Can TMS be a first treatment for adolescent depression?
In some cases, yes. A provider may recommend TMS as a first treatment option, add it to current care, or include it in a broader depression treatment plan. We will explain what is clinically appropriate and what insurance may require.
Can younger teens receive TMS?
In some cases, a qualified physician may consider TMS for a younger teen based on their diagnosis, clinical history, and individual needs. Treatment under age 15 is considered off-label, and insurance coverage may vary.
Can TMS be used with therapy or medication?
Yes. TMS may be used alongside therapy, medication, or other care. Shenandoah Psychiatric Medicine will review the adolescent’s current treatment plan and determine how NeuroStar TMS may fit into it.
Does insurance cover adolescent TMS?
Coverage for adolescent TMS treatment varies by insurance plan, age, diagnosis, and authorization requirements. Shenandoah Psychiatric Medicine will verify benefits and explain any insurance requirements before treatment begins.