Can TMS Help My Adolescent with Depression?

Depression can deeply affect adolescents, making it difficult for them to enjoy life, connect with friends and family, and succeed in school. For many teens, finding the right treatment is not always easy—medications may not provide full relief, and side effects can sometimes be challenging. This leaves parents searching for other safe, effective solutions to help their child feel like themselves again.

One option gaining recognition in adolescent mental health care is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive therapy now FDA-cleared as an add-on treatment for adolescents ages 15 and older. But what exactly is TMS, and can it help your teen? Let’s explore. 

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. In individuals with depression, these brain areas are often underactive. TMS works to “wake them up,” helping restore healthier brain activity patterns linked to improved mood and emotional balance.

TMS sessions typically last around 20 minutes, involve no anesthesia, and allow teens to return to their daily activities immediately after treatment. Because it’s non-drug, there are no systemic side effects like weight gain, drowsiness, or nausea that can come with some antidepressant medications.

FDA Clearance for Teens Ages 15 and Older

While TMS has been safely used in adults for over a decade, the FDA has now expanded clearance for adolescents (15+) as an add-on therapy for major depressive disorder. This is a groundbreaking advancement in adolescent mental health care, offering families another path when medications alone are not enough.

Insurance companies are beginning to recognize the importance of this treatment and, in many cases, are expanding coverage to include TMS for eligible teens. This step ensures that more families can access this innovative therapy without overwhelming financial stress.

How Effective Is TMS for Adolescents?

Clinical research and real-world results are promising. Studies have shown:

• • Significant improvement in depressive symptoms for many teens who did not respond well to medication alone.

• • High treatment completion rates, thanks to its tolerability and non-invasive nature.

• • Meaningful changes in daily life, including improved mood, motivation, and social interactions.

Every teen is different, but TMS offers a safe and effective option for families who feel they have exhausted other treatment avenues.

A New Era of Hope for Teen Mental Health

At TMS El Paso, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for adolescents facing depression. The availability of FDA-cleared TMS therapy for teens 15 and up gives families new hope when traditional treatments have fallen short.

If your adolescent is struggling with depression, TMS may be an important next step in their journey toward healing. Our team can help you explore whether TMS is right for your teen and guide you through insurance options to make treatment more accessible.