Advanced magnetic stimulation that revitalizes underactive brain pathways to improve mood and restore mental clarity without the need for systemic medication or downtime.
NeuroStar TMS is a non-invasive therapeutic method designed to target specific areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation and mental health. Using precise, localized magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive neural pathways, it helps revitalize brain activity and restore emotional balance for a clearer and more resilient state of mind.
About NeuroStar TMS
How It Works
During your session, you remain comfortably awake in a reclining chair while a small magnetic coil is placed gently against your head. This coil delivers focused magnetic pulses that reach about two to three centimeters into the brain, revitalizing neural connections and stimulating neurotransmitter release. Each session typically lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, and because it is completely non-systemic, you can drive yourself home and return to your daily routine immediately after.
Benefits of NeuroStar TMS
- Non-drug treatment with no systemic side effects like weight gain or sedation
- FDA-cleared technology for safe and effective mood regulation
- Long-term relief that targets the root cause of symptoms in the brain
- Enhances mental clarity and restores emotional balance
- Painless and non-invasive procedure performed in a comfortable setting
- Zero downtime allows for a seamless return to your day-to-day life
Is NeuroStar TMS Right for You?
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Persistent anxiety and mood disorders
- Chronic mental fatigue and brain fog
- Emotional numbness or loss of interest
- Cognitive sluggishness and focus issues
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Sensitivity to medication side effects
- Postpartum depression symptoms
NeuroStar TMS is ideal for those who have not found sufficient relief through traditional therapy or medication, or for anyone seeking a non-systemic approach to mental wellness. If you are looking to regain your emotional resilience and restore a sense of clarity to your life without the side effects of drugs, this treatment was designed for you.
What to Expect During Your Session
Every NeuroStar treatment at Mediterra Mindful Care begins with a thorough consultation to ensure we understand your unique mental health landscape. The session itself is gentle and comfortable. You will remain fully awake and alert while the device delivers localized magnetic pulses, which most patients describe as a light tapping sensation. There is no sedation, no recovery period, and no impact on your cognitive functions. You can read, listen to music, or simply relax during the treatment and return to your professional or personal responsibilities immediately after.
Trained at NeuroStar University. Here for your care.
Our team completed training through NeuroStar University to provide knowledgeable, attentive support throughout your NeuroStar TMS experience.
What Is NeuroStar TMS FDA-Cleared to Treat?
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is FDA-cleared for four uses. For adults, it is cleared to treat depressive episodes in major depressive disorder (MDD) when antidepressant medication has not brought enough improvement, and to reduce anxiety symptoms that often come with depression (sometimes called anxious depression). It is also cleared as an add-on treatment for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In 2024, NeuroStar became the first TMS system cleared as an add-on treatment for MDD in adolescents ages 15 to 21.
During your consultation, we review your diagnosis, symptoms and treatment history to confirm whether TMS fits your situation. TMS is available by prescription only, and results vary from person to person.
How Long Does a Course of TMS Take?
A standard NeuroStar course is about 36 sessions. Most people come in five days a week for roughly six weeks, followed by a short taper. Each session takes about 19 to 37 minutes, depending on the treatment protocol your provider selects.
You stay awake and seated the whole time. There is no anesthesia or sedation, so you can drive yourself to and from appointments and go straight back to work, school or your normal routine. Many patients book their sessions before work or during a lunch break. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so you can pick a consistent time each weekday that fits around work, school or family.
Some people begin to notice changes within the first few weeks, while others improve closer to the end of the course. We track your progress with standard depression questionnaires so you and your care team can see how you are responding.
How Effective Is NeuroStar TMS?
In a large real-world registry of patients treated with NeuroStar, 83% of patients who completed treatment showed a clinically meaningful response and 62% reached remission, based on clinician ratings (Sackeim et al., Journal of Affective Disorders, 2020). Patient-rated scores in the same registry also showed substantial improvement, although the rates were lower than the clinician-rated ones.
Results can also last. In a 12-month follow-up study of patients treated with NeuroStar, most of those who responded to their initial course were still responding a year later (Dunner et al., Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2014). If symptoms return, some patients benefit from additional TMS sessions. Read more in how long TMS results last.
No treatment works for everyone, and past results do not guarantee your outcome. We will talk openly with you about what to expect before you begin.
Is TMS Safe? Side Effects to Know
TMS is non-invasive and does not involve medication, so it does not cause the whole-body side effects that some people experience with antidepressants, such as weight gain, sexual side effects or drowsiness. It also does not require anesthesia and does not cause the memory problems associated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
The most common side effect is discomfort or pain on the scalp near the treatment site, and some people get a mild headache. These effects are usually temporary and, for most patients, fade after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure, estimated at less than 0.1% per patient.
TMS is not suitable for people with non-removable conductive or magnetic-sensitive metal in or near the head, such as aneurysm clips, cochlear implants or certain stimulators. Braces and dental fillings are generally not a problem. We screen every patient for safety before treatment begins.
Does Insurance Cover TMS in New Mexico?
TMS for depression is widely covered. Most major private insurers have coverage policies for NeuroStar, and Medicare and TRICARE cover TMS for adults with major depressive disorder who meet their criteria.
Most plans require prior authorization. Common requirements include a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, a documented history of trying antidepressant medications that did not bring enough relief (often two or more), and a baseline depression score from a standard questionnaire. Exact criteria vary from plan to plan.
Our team will check your benefits and handle the prior authorization paperwork with your insurer before you start, so you know what to expect. If you do not see your plan listed on our site, contact us and we will check for you.
How Does TMS Compare With Other Depression Treatments?
When antidepressants have not worked well enough, TMS is one of several next steps. Here is how it compares with other common options for treatment-resistant depression.
| Treatment | How it is given | Main considerations |
|---|---|---|
| NeuroStar TMS | In-office sessions, about 19 to 37 minutes, 5 days a week for about 6 weeks | No anesthesia or medication; you can drive yourself; scalp discomfort is common early on |
| Spravato (esketamine) | Nasal spray taken at a certified clinic | At least 2 hours of monitoring after each dose; no driving until the next day |
| ECT | Brief electrical stimulation under general anesthesia | Highly effective for severe depression; anesthesia and possible short-term memory effects |
| Medication changes | New antidepressant, dose change or add-on medication | Can take several weeks to judge; possible systemic side effects |
The right choice depends on your symptoms, history and preferences. Learn more on our treatment-resistant depression treatment in Albuquerque page, or read about alternatives to antidepressants.
TMS Therapy in Albuquerque: Common Questions
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can book a consultation directly with us, and we will review whether TMS is appropriate for you.
Can I keep taking my medication?
In most cases, yes. TMS can be used alone or alongside antidepressants and talk therapy. Do not stop or change any medication without talking to your prescribing provider.
What does a session feel like?
Most people describe a tapping sensation on the scalp. You can talk, listen to music or simply relax. Read what to expect at your first TMS session.
Where are you located?
Mediterra Mindful Care is at 1634 Alameda Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, serving Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and the surrounding area. Call (505) 897-4100 to schedule a consultation.
Learn More About TMS
Why Choose Mediterra Mindful Care?
Cutting-edge technology
Clinical-Grade Precision – We utilize NeuroStar, the most advanced FDA-cleared TMS technology available in New Mexico, to ensure your treatment is both highly targeted and transformative for your mental well-being.
Mental Health That Knows Your Whole Story
Integrated Mental Health Care – Your NeuroStar TMS treatment is coordinated with our psychiatric and mental health providers, so your care plan reflects your full history, current medications, and personal goals.