NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy FAQs: Your Questions Answered

We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs; whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is FDA-cleared for eligible patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxious depression.

You may be a candidate if you are age 15 or older, have been diagnosed with an FDA-cleared condition treated by NeuroStar, and have not experienced adequate relief with traditional treatment approaches. During your consultation, our clinical team will review your medical history, symptoms, and treatment experience to determine whether TMS is right for you. For more information, visit our TMS Candidates page.

At Lighthouse Mental Wellness, NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy is offered for eligible patients with:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Major Depressive Disorder with anxious depression

For more information, visit our Conditions Treated page.

TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. Unlike medication, treatment is delivered directly to targeted areas of the brain without circulating throughout the body.

For a more detailed explanation, visit our How TMS Works page.

During treatment, you'll sit comfortably in a treatment chair while the NeuroStar device delivers targeted magnetic pulses. Most patients hear a clicking sound and feel a light tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment. Sessions typically last about 19 minutes, and you remain awake and alert throughout the procedure. For a more detailed explanation, visit our How TMS Works page.

Most patients tolerate treatment very well. Some experience mild discomfort or a tapping sensation on the scalp during the first few sessions, along with temporary headaches. These symptoms often improve as treatment continues. If you're uncomfortable, your provider can make adjustments to help improve your experience.

Most side effects are mild and temporary. The most common include scalp discomfort or mild headaches during the first week of treatment.

Rare side effects, including seizures, have been reported in 0.01% of patients. TMS is not appropriate for individuals with certain implanted metallic devices or stimulators near the head. Your provider will carefully review your medical history before recommending treatment.

No. TMS and ECT are very different treatments.

TMS does not require anesthesia, sedation, or induced seizures. Patients remain awake throughout treatment and can immediately return to their normal daily activities afterward.

Every patient responds differently. Some individuals notice improvement within the first few weeks of treatment, while others experience more gradual changes over the course of therapy. Completing the recommended course of treatment provides the best opportunity for lasting results.

Yes. Because TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, most patients drive themselves to and from appointments and return to work, school, or other normal activities immediately after each session.

No. NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared and has been used in millions of treatments nationwide. It is supported by extensive clinical research and is one of the most widely used TMS treatment systems available today. Learn more about the science on our Why NeuroStar page.

Many commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and other participating insurers provide coverage for eligible patients. Coverage requirements vary by insurance carrier. PLEASE NOTE: Coverage through a commercial insurance carrier does not include MassHealth versions of that plan. If your insurance is administered through MassHealth, our services are not covered. Please contact our office if you're unsure about your benefits.

Our team will verify your benefits, explain your coverage, and guide you through any required insurance authorization process before treatment begins.

Learn more on our Insurance & Financing page.

If insurance coverage is not available, Lighthouse Mental Wellness offers self-pay options and financing through Advance Care Card to help make treatment more accessible. We'll review all available payment options with you before treatment begins.

The first step is completing our confidential TMS Self-Assessment. Once submitted, our team will review your information and help determine whether NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy may be an appropriate next step. From there, we'll guide you through the consultation, insurance verification, and treatment process.