--- title: Utilizing TMS for Treatment Resistant Depression date: 2025-05-02T13:00:26Z modified: 2025-04-29T17:42:01Z permalink: "https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/counseling-blog/utilizing-tms-for-treatment-resistant-depression/" type: post status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 4322 categories: - Counseling - Depression - Mental Health - Mood Disorders - TMS Therapy - Treatment Services tags: - Counseling - Depression - Mental Health - Mood Disorders - TMS Therapy - Treatment Services - benefits of TMS - tms for treatment resistant depression featured_image: "https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Utilizing-TMS-for-Treatment-Resistant-Depression.jpg" featured_image_alt: "A man is utilizing TMS for treatment-resistant depression. He's in a doctor's office chair with a TMS coil lying gently against his forehead. It's cushioned by a light head wrap that's secured by velcro beneath his chin." timestamp: 2025-04-29T17:42:01Z --- For many individuals, depression can feel like a never-ending condition. They have tried traditional treatments with little relief. The good news is that there is hope to be found in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression. If you’ve tried two or more antidepressants without little to no success, you may be a candidate for this innovative therapy. You’re not alone in needing a new solution for depression. An estimated 30% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) don’t experience adequate relief from standard antidepressant therapies.1 If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of depression, Columbia Associates offers NeuroStar® [TMS therapy](/psychiatric-care/tms-therapy-program/) at several convenient locations across the Washington D.C. metro area. ## What is TMS, and how does it work? NeuroStar TMS is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to help stimulate underactive areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. When these areas are activated, significant mood improvements are felt. TMS treatments are quick, making it easy for people to fit into their schedules. ## Who should consider TMS therapy? Anyone with treatment-resistant depression should inquire about TMS when visiting their mental health provider. Treatment-resistant depression means that a person with major depressive disorder hasn’t responded to at least two antidepressant medications. If you or a loved one is struggling and have found traditional methods like talk therapy or medications to be ineffective, NeuroStar TMS could be a really promising option. Further, FDA requirements for TMS therapy are: - Adults between the ages of 22 to 70 and diagnosed with MDD are candidates for TMS - For adolescents ages 15 to 21, TMS can be used as an add-on therapy (not replacing other treatments) - Adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Columbia Associates’ psychiatric providers will carefully assess your unique situation to determine if NeuroStar TMS is appropriate for your care plan. ## More benefits of TMS Many individuals choose NeuroStar TMS for its proven results and convenience. Some of the most meaningful benefits for our clients include: - [An 83% response rate and 62% remission rate](https://neurostar.com/is-neurostar-safe-proven/) for patients - Possible side effects may include mild discomfort that typically goes away after the first week of treatment - Sedation isn’t needed for treatment, so people can return to their daily activities after treatment - Delivered in convenient outpatient clinic settings These benefits make TMS a viable, effective option for people facing debilitating depression symptoms. With TMS, life can feel hopeful again. ## NeuroStar TMS treatment at Columbia Associates The TMS experience at Columbia Associates begins with a consultation. Our expert team will assess your symptoms and decide whether you’re a good candidate for this type of therapy. If NeuroStar TMS is recommended, we’ll guide you through the next steps and help you move toward healing. Typical TMS treatment includes: - 36 sessions - You’ll sit comfortably in a comfortable chair while a magnetic coil is placed near your head - You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel gentle tapping as treatment begins and then lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Neurostar TMS is a fast, convenient alternative for clients who’ve waited a long time for relief. Let Columbia Associates help you get the support you need. ## Call Columbia Associates to see if TMS is right for you With over 30 years of experience serving Virginia and Maryland, Columbia Associates is a trusted leader mental health provider and a compassionate partner in your wellness. We proudly offer NeuroStar TMS as part of our comprehensive healthcare model, which also includes therapy and psychiatric medication management. We believe that access to quality mental health care is a right—not a privilege—and we work diligently to connect clients with care that best fits their needs. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression that hasn’t seen improvement through traditional methods, it’s time to discover NeuroStar TMS. Columbia Associates is here to help you manage your mental health. Give us a call today at \[Direct\] to learn more or schedule an appointment. For new clients, please click [here](/current-clients/patient-portal/) to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click [here](/locations/) and find your office location to contact your office directly. Source: 1. [NIH. “Questions and Answers about the NIMH Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR\*D) Study — Level 2 results, published in New England Journal of Medicine. Accessed April 15, 2025.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/funding/clinical-research/practical/stard/level2results?)