Do You Need Maintenance NeuroStar TMS After Treatment?

Why This Topic Matters

Depression in teens is more common — and more complex — than ever before. As a parent or caregiver, watching your child struggle while traditional treatments fall short can be incredibly painful.

If talk therapy and medications haven’t helped, you may be searching for new options. One that’s gaining attention? NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) — a non-medication therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression.

In 2024–2025, NeuroStar TMS gained regulatory momentum for younger populations: U.S. regulators cleared certain TMS protocols for adolescents ages 15–21 diagnosed with major depressive disorder. 

If you’re a parent or caregiver asking “Is NeuroStar TMS safe for my teen?” or a teen wondering “Could this be an option for me?”, this post walks you through what we know now — benefits, limitations, and what to ask before starting.

What Is NeuroStar TMS — And How Does It Work?

NeuroStar TMS is a non‑invasive brain stimulation therapy. During a session, a device delivers focused magnetic pulses to specific brain regions (most often the prefrontal cortex) involved in mood regulation. The goal: to “rewire” brain circuitry, increase activity in under‑active areas, and relieve depressive symptoms — without sedation, anesthesia, or systemic medication. 

For teens, the protocol mirrors adult treatments: 5 outpatient sessions per week, each lasting about 20 minutes, over the course of 7 weeks — for a total of 36 sessions. Patients remain awake and alert throughout, with no need for sedation or recovery time.

What the Evidence Says: Adolescents + TMS

✅ Growing Evidence Supports Safety & Effectiveness

• A large real-world study across multiple treatment centers found that many adolescents and young adults treated with standard NeuroStar TMS protocols showed significant reductions in depression severity after treatment.

• More recent clinical trials — including one combining repetitive TMS with other neuromodulation techniques — suggest that TMS is generally well-tolerated in youth, with side‑effects similar to adults (mild scalp discomfort or headache), and no major safety signals.

• Following review of accumulating data and clinical outcomes, regulatory authorities have extended clearance: TMS is now officially approved for adolescents age 15–21 with major depressive disorder.

Who It Might Help — And Who Needs Caution

NeuroStar TMS for teens may be considered when:

• Depression is moderate to severe and not fully responsive to therapy or medication

• Medication side‑effects are problematic (e.g. issues with sleep, appetite, side effects)

• The teen (and family) want a non-drug alternative — or supplementary support — to ongoing treatment

• There is close coordination between mental‑health provider, parents/guardians, and NeuroStar TMS clinician

That said, NeuroStar TMS is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may not be recommended if there are certain neurological conditions, metal implants, seizure disorders, or other risk factors — just like for adults.

It’s also essential to understand that for many adolescents, TMS is best combined with therapy, psychosocial support, and follow‑up care to maximize stability and long‑term wellbeing.

What to Expect During Treatment (for Teens & Parents)

Here’s a typical flow for TMS in adolescents:

1. Initial Evaluation & Consent — A clinician will review mental‑health history, prior treatments, medical history, and discuss risks/benefits. Given the patient is under 18 (or younger adult), informed consent involves parent/guardian.

2. Baseline Assessment — Depression and mood symptoms are measured with standard scales (e.g. PHQ‑9, clinical interviews).

3. Treatment Sessions — Usually 5 days per week, each session about 20–30 minutes. Patient remains awake, can read, use phone, or relax during sessions.

4. Monitoring & Adjustment — Side‑effects (if any) monitored; treatment adjusted based on response.

5. Follow‑Up & Maintenance Plan — After acute treatment, a plan may include therapy, lifestyle supports, and regular check‑ins. Some protocols may include occasional “booster” or maintenance sessions depending on response.

At each stage, communication between teen, family, and provider is crucial — especially when balancing school, extracurriculars, and mental‑health care.

What Families Should Know & Ask Before Starting

Before starting NeuroStar TMS for a teen, it helps to ask:

• Is the specific NeuroStar TMS device/dev purpose-approved for adolescent use?

• What treatment schedule (sessions/week, total weeks) is recommended?

• What does insurance cover — or what’s the out-of-pocket cost?

• What supports (therapy, school accommodations) should accompany NeuroStar TMS?

• What’s the follow-up/maintenance plan, and how do we monitor for relapse or ongoing needs?

At our clinic (CPS), we make sure to coordinate NeuroStar TMS with therapy and support resources, ensuring a holistic, family‑centered approach.

🧭 Is NeuroStar TMS Right for Your Teen? Key Questions to Consider

✅ Ask Yourself / Your Provider	ℹ️ Why It Matters
Has the teen struggled despite therapy or tried medication with limited success or side-effects?	TMS is often used when first-line treatments aren’t sufficient.
Is there strong support at home / school for consistency & follow-up?	Treatment and follow-up require structured scheduling.
Are there any neurological risk factors (e.g. seizures, implants)?	To ensure safety, TMS has contraindications similar to adult use.
Are you committed to integrating therapy, lifestyle changes, and social supports with TMS?	TMS is most effective as part of a broader care plan.

💬 Final Thoughts: Hope, Not Hype

For families navigating adolescent depression, NeuroStar TMS offers real hope — non-invasive, medication-free, and increasingly evidence-supported. And while it’s not a guarantee, NeuroStar TMS can give many teens a second chance at emotional balance, renewed motivation, and a sense of normalcy.

If you’re curious whether it might be right for your teen, reach out. A careful evaluation — and honest conversation about goals and concerns — is the best first step toward making an informed choice.

📞 Contact CPS today to schedule a consultation and explore whether adolescent‑appropriate TMS might be a fit.