If you live in Washington DC, choosing NeuroStar TMS therapy for addressing depression can feel simpler when you understand how this approach treats symptoms. We use FDA-cleared NeuroStar TMS to deliver focused magnetic pulses to mood-related brain circuits so you can pursue relief while staying awake and able to resume your day. Learn more about how we can treat this mental health condition.
NeuroStar TMS uses a figure-eight coil placed on your scalp to deliver brief magnetic pulses (similar to MRI technology). These pulses reach a few centimeters into the cortex and help activate underactive regions involved in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Your first visit includes motor-threshold mapping to individualize pulse strength, followed by weekday sessions that last about 19 minutes. Treatment typically spans 7 weeks. You remain fully alert, there is no anesthesia, and you can drive yourself after each appointment. The goal is to influence brain activity, so you can stay engaged in all other aspects of your life afterward.
DC patients may be a strong candidate for NeuroStar TMS if you live with MDD and have not achieved adequate relief from standard treatments, or if medications caused systemic side effects that disrupt daily life. We perform a careful review of your history, symptom scales, and current care to confirm that NeuroStar TMS is appropriate. A safety screening checks for seizure history and ferromagnetic implants near the head, and we coordinate with your prescribing providers to maintain continuity of care.
NeuroStar is cleared for patients age 15 and older.
Many patients begin to notice change between weeks four and six as targeted circuits begin to strengthen. Real-world data show that 83% of NeuroStar patients experienced improvement in depression symptoms (Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J Affect Disord, 277:65–74). Benefits can last up to twelve months before reassessment (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394–1401).
NeuroStar is the #1 physician-recommended treatment in its category, and more than 7.9 million treatments have been delivered to over 216,000 patients nationwide. We do not describe this therapy as a cure; it treats depressive symptoms within FDA-cleared parameters and a structured protocol. Throughout care, we track standardized measures to monitor response and make comfort adjustments as needed.
TMS has a moderate risk profile for people with major depressive disorder. The most common side effects are temporary scalp discomfort at the treatment site or a mild headache that usually resolves the same day. Seizures are rare and mitigated by thorough screening and precise dose calibration. Cognitive function is preserved in studied populations, and current clinical evidence does not show structural brain injury.
If you want a clear, evidence-based path with NeuroStar TMS therapy for major depressive disorder, we are ready to help anyone in Washington DC. Schedule a consultation with Genesis TMS and Wellness so we can review your history, confirm candidacy, and plan a comfortable seven-week course that fits your life.
