--- title: "NeuroStar® Therapy | Columbia Mental Health" date: 2025-07-28T10:49:33Z modified: 2026-04-15T22:48:30Z permalink: "https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/lp/lp-tms-therapy/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 4702 timestamp: 2026-04-15T22:48:30Z tags: [] --- ![](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CMH_full_Horizontal-500px.png) [Schedule an Appointment](#schedule) [](tel:5718776814) Call Now: 571-877-6814 # When Other Depression Treatments Have Failed, There is Hope Columbia Mental Health is proud to provide Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as an option for our clients. Neurostar TMS is a safe, effective, non-drug treatment for major depression without the common side effects of medication. It is FDA-cleared to treat depression, depression with anxiety, and OCD. Most major insurances cover NeuroStar TMS, including Medicare and Tricare plans nationwide. [](#locations) Our Locations ## You Are Not Alone FDA Cleared to Treat Depression Covered by Insurance Non-Drug Treatment FDA Cleared to Treat OCD FDA Cleared to Treat Depression with Anxiety 83% Response Rate\* FDA Cleared to Treat Adolescents\* NeuroStar TMS is a safe, effective, non-drug treatment for major depression without the common side effects of medication. Take the first step. Complete the form below to get started. ## We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans We believe access to quality mental health care is a right, not a privilege. That is why we accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare at many locations. ![Aetna_logo-300x151](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Aetna_logo-300x151-1-e1720551160503.png) ![AetnaBetterHealth](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AetnaBetterHealth-300x100.png)![Anthem-Inc.-Logo](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Anthem-Inc.-Logo-300x169.png) ![AnthemHealthkeepers](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AnthemHealthkeepers-300x89.png)![BCBS-2](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BCBS-2.png) ![download](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/download-300x56.png)![Cardinal_Care](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cardinal_Care.png) ![Cigna-Logo](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cigna-Logo-300x169.png)![Medicare-Logo](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Medicare-Logo-300x169.png) ![Optum_logo_2021.svg](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Optum_logo_2021.svg-300x87.png)![640px-US-TRICARE-Logo.svg](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/640px-US-TRICARE-Logo.svg-300x150.png) ![Unitedhealthcare-logo-1977-2020.png](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Unitedhealthcare-logo-1977-2020-300x61.png)![MD-MEdicaid](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MD-MEdicaid.png) ![](https://www.columbiapsychiatry-dc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8b109f03-tms-brain-1_10py0ha0pu0ha00200001o.jpg) ## What is Neurostar TMS Therapy? TMS uses focused magnetic pulses, similar in strength to an MRI, to revitalize underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), “shock therapy”, or surgery. When these regions are underactive, depression can result. “Waking up” these regions can have a lasting effect on depression, making long-term remission from depression a reality for many people. ## Does TMS Work? A real-world study reported an 83% response rate. This means that 83% of patients that completed their NeuroStar TMS treatment cycle saw measurable improvement in their depression symptoms. The same real-world study reported a 62% remission rate. This means that 62% of patients that completed their NeuroStar TMS treatment cycle likely wouldn’t be diagnosed with MDD if they were first being evaluated by their doctor. Is TMS safe? Does TMS hurt? Is TMS covered by my insurance? What ages can receive Neurostar TMS? What conditions can TMS treat? What to expect: ## Is TMS safe? Yes, TMS is a safe and FDA-cleared treatment for depression, depression with anxiety, and OCD. More than 6.6 million NeuroStar TMS therapy treatments have been performed in over 182,000 patients, and less than five percent of clients reported any side effects. The most common side effect is a headache right after TMS treatment, which goes away after the first week of sessions for most people. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## Does TMS hurt? Many patients experience side effects from their medication, increasing the chance that they will stop taking them. The most common side effect with NeuroStar is mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the treatment site. For most patients this subsides within the first week of treatment. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## Is TMS covered by my insurance? Most major insurances cover NeuroStar TMS, including Medicare plans nationwide. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## What ages can receive Neurostar TMS? Adults aged 22-70. Adolescents aged 15-21 are eligible for TMS as an add-on therapy. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## What conditions can TMS treat? NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults 22-70, as an add-on therapy for adolescents aged 15-21, and for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adults aged 22-70. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## What to expect: TMS treatment is conducted in one of our Columbia Mental Health clinics. You will meet with our team for a consultation to determine your eligibility. Depending on your provider’s recommendation, a typical TMS treatment plan includes 36 sessions that each last between 19-37 minutes. Completing the full treatment course gives the best chance for delivering long-lasting relief from depression. With NeuroStar TMS you are fully awake and alert during treatment and may drive home and resume daily activities immediately afterwards. There are no negative effects on memory or sleep. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## Is TMS safe? Yes, TMS is a safe and FDA-cleared treatment for depression, depression with anxiety, and OCD. More than 6.6 million NeuroStar TMS therapy treatments have been performed in over 182,000 patients, and less than five percent of clients reported any side effects. The most common side effect is a headache right after TMS treatment, which goes away after the first week of sessions for most people. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## Does TMS hurt? Many patients experience side effects from their medication, increasing the chance that they will stop taking them. The most common side effect with NeuroStar is mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the treatment site. For most patients this subsides within the first week of treatment. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## Is TMS covered by my insurance? Most major insurances cover NeuroStar TMS, including Medicare plans nationwide. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## What ages can receive Neurostar TMS? Adults aged 22-70. Adolescents aged 15-21 are eligible for TMS as an add-on therapy. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## What conditions can TMS treat? NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults 22-70, as an add-on therapy for adolescents aged 15-21, and for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adults aged 22-70. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment ## What to expect: TMS treatment is conducted in one of our Columbia Mental Health clinics. You will meet with our team for a consultation to determine your eligibility. Depending on your provider’s recommendation, a typical TMS treatment plan includes 36 sessions that each last between 19-37 minutes. Completing the full treatment course gives the best chance for delivering long-lasting relief from depression. With NeuroStar TMS you are fully awake and alert during treatment and may drive home and resume daily activities immediately afterwards. There are no negative effects on memory or sleep. [](#schedule) Schedule an Appointment “I started to see things not quite so dark. I got up out of the well a little bit. I started to see more light.” – _Kerry, TMS Client_ “My kids noticed because I’m going places with them again, and I’m attending their events.”-_Krista , TMS Client_ “I started to see things not quite so dark. I got up out of the well a little bit. I started to see more light.” – _Kerry, TMS Client_ “My kids noticed because I’m going places with them again, and I’m attending their events.”-_Krista , TMS Client_ ## Our Locations Columbia Mental Health has been deeply rooted in the Washington DC metro area for more than 30 years. Our diverse care team reflects the communities we serve. We offer in-person services at our locations across Maryland and Virginia as well as convenient telehealth options. ## We Can Help Take the first step. Contact Columbia Mental Health today to get started. [Call Now: 571-877-6814](tel:5718776814) [Schedule an Appointment](#schedule) © Copyright 2025 Columbia Mental Health