NeuroStar TMS for Teens (15+) — Safe & Often Covered by Insurance
Depression doesn’t only affect adults — it can impact teens, too. And for families looking for safe, effective options beyond medication, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be a promising choice.
In fact, NeuroStar TMS was the first TMS device to be cleared for use in adolescents ages 15 and older, offering a non-drug, non-invasive treatment option that many young people tolerate very well.
If you’re exploring treatment options for a teen living with depression, here’s what you should know.
FDA Clearance for Ages 15 and Older
NeuroStar TMS has been cleared by the FDA for adolescent use starting at age 15 — meaning it has met safety and effectiveness standards for this age group.
This clearance gives clinicians and families another tool in the treatment of depression for teens who may not have responded to traditional approaches like therapy and medication.
Comfortable and Well-Tolerated
Like adults, most teens find TMS treatments comfortable and well-tolerated. 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.
These side effects are usually mild and temporary, as the patient gets accustomed to the treatment. There is no sedation required, so teens can participate in activities like school or sports right after treatment.
Because TMS works differently, it does not have the same common side effects as antidepressants such as:
- Weight gain
- Physical fatigue
- Cognitive fog
For many families, this makes TMS a compelling option.
What About Insurance?
Good news: many insurance plans now cover NeuroStar TMS for adolescents, just as they do for adults.
Coverage policies can vary, but more and more insurers recognize TMS as a legitimate, evidence-based treatment for depression — including for qualifying teens.
The Bottom Line
NeuroStar TMS is a safe9,26, well-tolerated, non-drug treatment option for adolescents ages 15 and older living with depression. With more insurances covering this treatment , it’s becoming a viable treatment option for adolescents with depression.
