What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain, most commonly used to treat major depression when other treatments haven't been effective; it involves placing a magnetic coil on the scalp and delivering targeted magnetic pulses to the brain region associated with mood regulation, considered a safe and FDA-approved procedure. 

Key points about TMS:

  • Non-invasive: No surgery or cutting of the skin is required. 

  • Targeted stimulation: Magnetic pulses are directed to specific brain regions, usually the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in mood regulation. 

  • Used for depression: Primarily used for patients with severe depression who haven't responded to other treatments like medication. 

  • Procedure: A magnetic coil is positioned on the scalp, and electrical pulses are delivered through the coil creating a magnetic field that stimulates the brain. 

  • FDA approved: Considered a safe and effective treatment by the FDA

Adult Indications for Use 

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode. 

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). 

Adolescent Indications for Use 

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21). 

Important Safety Information 

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary. 

The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient). 

Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information. 

  • “TMS has noticeably lessened my depression and anxiety conditions. It seems to have also positively impacted my PTSD symptoms. It is still early, but the indications of healing effects are promising. ANEW staff were remarkably helpful and professional all through the treatment duration. I am glad I was able to experience this treatment modality.”

    —2025 Client of ANEW after completing all 36 sessions

  • "My experience with TMS was remarkable! Within just a few sessions I showed marked improvement in my depression symptoms. I don’t know how it works but can say it worked for me and I am so grateful to have received this wonderful treatment option!”

    —2025 Client of ANEW after completing all 36 sessions

  • “I was skeptical and a little nervous starting TMS. And I can say it was one of the best decisions I have made! I was on daily meds for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. After completing I have been slowly and safely decreasing and eliminating these meds. My bouts and flash backs of PTSD have significantly decreased. My anxiety is minimal, and I have been extremely happy. Overall it has extremely improved my mental health. This has truly changed my life for the better!!”

    —Shelly

  • “TMS has changed my life significantly. Before I started TMS, I was experiencing really bad depression. It was to the point where I was having to talk myself out of bed and talk myself through the day. After a few sessions of TMS, my overall mood changed. Not only could my roommates notice, but in the mornings I was getting out of bed with a positive attitude. My overall moods have stabilized, which is amazing. I’m now completely off all depression medications that I was on before I started TMS. I highly recommend it to anybody who struggles with depression and anxiety. It’s changed my life and I’m very grateful for the opportunity!”

    —Elaina

  • “My experience with TMS has been nothing but positive. I began treatment while living in the comfort of residential treatment. I felt comfortable and safe there, so it was somewhat hard to determine if it was my environment. Since leaving residential treatment and being back in normal routines, I know, without a doubt, that TMS has alleviated my severe symptoms of depression. I no longer wake up with dread and fear. I don’t experience that nagging feeling of anxiety that’s something bad is going to happen. I am amazed at how quickly I felt a difference and I’m so grateful for the change. TMS made in my mental health and quality of life.”

    —Leslie

  • “My experience with the treatment was very positive. Having lived with depression for many years, the condition had become all-consuming. While I experienced freedom from addiction early in my recovery, it was through TMS that I truly felt a sense of emotional liberation. I believe this therapy has enabled me to process my emotions as intended.”

    —Pam