Depression is one of the leading health concerns in Montgomery County, and for many people, standard treatments like therapy and medication are not enough. Surveys show that more than one in four adults in the county live with a depressive disorder, and access to care remains a challenge for many residents.¹ Statewide, more than 780,000 Maryland adults experience mental health conditions, yet cost, insurance barriers, and provider shortages keep many from getting help.²
The good news is that new treatment options are available locally. One of the most promising is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, an FDA-approved approach for difficult-to-treat depression. At Columbia Mental Health, we offer TMS as part of our full spectrum of care in our North Bethesda clinic.
The biggest benefits of TMS therapy
1. TMS provides hope when medications have not worked
In Maryland, about 39 percent of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in a single month during the pandemic, and nearly a third said they were unable to get the counseling they needed.² For those who try multiple antidepressants without success, the frustration can feel overwhelming.
TMS offers another path forward. TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate regions of the brain that regulate mood. Over a series of sessions, this stimulation helps reset brain activity, reducing symptoms of depression for many people. For residents of Montgomery County, TMS represents a vital addition to the available treatment options.
2. TMS therapy is non-invasive and fits into daily life
Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia, sedation, or hospitalization. Each session takes place in a comfortable outpatient setting while you remain awake and alert.
For people balancing work, family, and commuting, the ability to return to normal activities immediately after a session is a major advantage. Most clients drive themselves home or go back to work right after treatment, making TMS a practical choice for a busy suburban community.
3. TMS avoids many of the side effects of medication
In Montgomery County’s most recent health survey, residents identified cost, side effects, and long wait times as the biggest barriers to mental health treatment.¹ Many people discontinue antidepressants because of side effects such as fatigue, weight gain, or sexual dysfunction.
The most common side effect of TMS is mild scalp discomfort during or after a session, which usually fades quickly. Because the treatment is non-systemic, meaning it does not enter your bloodstream, it avoids the widespread side effects that often make medications difficult to tolerate. For North Bethesda residents who have had trouble sticking with antidepressants, TMS may offer a safer, more manageable option.
4. TMS improves daily functioning and quality of life
Depression is not just about mood. It affects concentration, motivation, and overall quality of life. In Montgomery County, where nearly one in four survey respondents cited mental health as a top concern,¹ the impact is clear: when depression is untreated, it affects families, workplaces, and communities.
TMS therapy has been shown to do more than reduce symptoms. Clients often report feeling sharper, more focused, and more engaged in their daily lives after completing treatment. For someone in North Bethesda, this might mean more energy to participate in community activities, stronger connections at work, or greater enjoyment of time spent with family.
5. TMS is accessible through local clinics and covered by insurance
Access to affordable care is a major barrier in Montgomery County. Nearly a quarter of residents in Silver Spring and Takoma Park reported not having a personal doctor, which makes it harder to connect with behavioral health services when needed.¹ For depression specifically, long waits for psychiatry or therapy appointments are common.
TMS is increasingly covered by Medicare and private insurance when the conditions for difficult-to-treat depression are met. At Columbia Mental Health, our team helps clients navigate the insurance process, including prior authorizations and benefits coordination. Having access to advanced care like TMS in North Bethesda means residents do not have to travel far or wait endlessly for support.
Taking the next step in North Bethesda
Mental health challenges affect thousands of people in Montgomery County, but effective treatments are within reach. If standard medications and therapy have not brought the relief you need, TMS therapy in North Bethesda MD may be the next step forward.
Columbia Mental Health offers a full range of behavioral health services, including therapy, medication management, and advanced treatments like TMS. Our goal is to provide personalized care that meets you where you are and helps you move toward lasting recovery.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
Sources:
2. NAMI Maryland. Mental Health in Maryland Fact Sheet. Accessed 08.25.2025.