For patients in Washington DC, choosing NeuroStar TMS therapy vs. other treatments starts with understanding how each option works and what it demands of your time, body, and daily routine. At Genesis TMS and Wellness, we focus on clear and evidence-based guidance so you can compare benefits and limits of these options without pressure or guesswork.
NeuroStar TMS maps your individual motor threshold in the brain, then delivers magnetic pulses through a figure-eight coil during brief daily sessions. A standard course at our office spans seven weeks; and you typically begin noticing changes around weeks four to six. Results can last up to twelve months before reassessment (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401). Real-world data based on 615 patients show 83% of patients experienced improvement (Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J Affect Disord, 277:65 74). Side effects are considered moderate risk and usually transient, such as scalp discomfort or headache.
With more than 7.9 million treatments delivered to over 216,000 patients nationwide, NeuroStar is also the #1 physician-recommended treatment in its category.
Antidepressants are accessible and familiar, and some people improve with first-line medication plus therapy. For others, systemic side effects, such as weight change, sexual dysfunction, sleep disruption, or gastrointestinal issues, can limit adherence or well-being.
Among patients in the STAR-D program who had already tried three or more antidepressants, remission occurred only in about 7% of cases (Trivedi, 2006; Rush, 2006; Fava, 2006; McGrath, 2006; Am J Psychiatry). NeuroStar acts locally on brain circuits and does not require anesthesia, so you can typically continue daily activities immediately after a session. You can also continue your existing medications if your prescriber recommends it. TMS is often integrated into an ongoing plan rather than replacing what already helps.
Cognitive and behavioral therapies build coping skills, restructure unhelpful thought patterns, and support long-term resilience. Many people start therapy early and maintain it throughout their journey because it strengthens everyday functioning. NeuroStar TMS can complement therapy by improving focus, energy, and motivation, which may make it easier to practice new skills. You remain fully alert during and after sessions, so there is no disruption to your counseling schedules. If you already have a therapist, we can coordinate check-ins, so progress remains aligned. The goal is coordinated care where each modality does what it does best.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an established treatment that uses controlled seizures under anesthesia; it typically involves post-procedure recovery and escort requirements.
Intranasal esketamine is medication administered in-clinic with monitoring due to potential systemic effects; it is pharmacologic rather than device-based. In contrast, NeuroStar TMS delivers targeted magnetic pulses without anesthesia or sedation and allows immediate return to routine.
None of these approaches “cure” depression; but each treats symptoms within defined protocols, and selection depends on history, medical factors, and personal preferences. Our role is to explain practical differences, including time commitment, side-effect profiles, and logistics, so you can choose with clarity.
To learn why we promote NeuroStar TMS therapy against other treatment options, allow us to walk you through timelines, safety, and how each choice fits your priorities. Schedule a consultation with us to review your history, discuss candidacy, and learn how NeuroStar TMS therapy can further your goal of a more settled and peaceful life.
