TMS Therapy for Adolescents

For many adolescents, depression can feel like a heavy weight that just won’t lift. While therapy and medication often provide relief, some teens continue to struggle with lingering symptoms that affect their mood, motivation, and overall well-being. When traditional treatments don’t bring improvement, TMS therapy for depression may offer new hope.
At Lindner Center of Hope, families can access this innovative, evidence-based treatment in a safe and supportive environment led by nationally recognized experts in mental health care.

What is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. The therapy helps “wake up” underactive nerve cells that are often linked to depression.
Unlike ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), TMS therapy doesn’t require anesthesia, and patients remain awake, alert, and comfortable throughout each session. Treatments are typically conducted five days a week for seven weeks, with each session lasting under 30 minutes. Many patients continue with their normal daily activities immediately before and after treatment.

How TMS Therapy for Depression Works

During treatment at LCOH, a specialized device called the NeuroStar TMS Therapy System delivers precise magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain. These pulses help improve communication between brain regions responsible for mood and emotion regulation.

The therapy is prescribed and monitored by a psychiatrist and administered by trained TMS technicians in the Farmer Family Neuromodulation Center at Lindner Center of Hope. Each patient’s treatment plan is individualized, ensuring comfort and consistency across the full course of care.

A real-world study reported an 83% response rate among patients completing their NeuroStar treatment cycle, meaning most saw measurable improvement in their depression symptoms. In the same study, 62% achieved remission, showing no longer meeting the criteria for major depressive disorder after treatment. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of TMS therapy for depression when traditional methods have not been enough.

Is TMS Therapy Safe for Teens?

For adolescents ages 15 and above, transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression follows the same well-established clinical protocol used for adults. The treatment is FDA-cleared, and at Lindner Center of Hope, it is administered by clinicians certified in TMS therapy.

Parents often ask about TMS therapy side effects, which are generally mild and temporary. Some patients may experience slight discomfort at the treatment site on the scalp during the first few sessions, but this typically subsides. There is no sedation, no impact on alertness, and no recovery time required. Importantly, braces and retainers are not contraindications, meaning most adolescents with orthodontia are still eligible for treatment.

Before beginning therapy, teens undergo a thorough consultation and mapping session to ensure accuracy and safety. Ongoing assessments using validated clinical tools, such as the PHQ-9 and MADRS scales, help track progress and symptom improvement throughout treatment.

Why Families Choose Lindner Center of Hope

As a nationally recognized leader in mental health treatment and research, Lindner Center of HOPE offers advanced TMS therapy within a compassionate, supportive environment. The Center’s collaboration with leading academic institutions such as Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic through the National Network of Depression Centers ensures that patients benefit from the latest research and best practices.

For adolescents and families, this means access to the best of both worlds including cutting-edge clinical care backed by scientific expertise, delivered in a setting designed to promote healing and hope.

Next Steps: Learn if TMS Therapy is Right for Your Teen

If your teen continues to experience symptoms of depression despite therapy or medication, TMS therapy for depression may offer a path forward.

To learn more about how TMS works or to schedule a consultation, visit the Lindner Center of Hope TMS Therapy page.

You can also explore our Assessment for TMS Therapy to determine if this innovative treatment could be the next step in your child’s journey toward recovery.

Contact us today to discuss your teen’s symptoms and see how our expert team can help restore balance, confidence, and hope.

 

Content reviewed by:

Tracy Cummings, MD, Staff Psychiatrist at Lindner Center of Hope

Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Medical Director for the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs