Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

NeuroStar is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared therapy that uses short magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain that controls mood. These pulses can have a lasting effect on the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, helping individuals suffering from depression, anxiety associated with depression, and OCD achieve a response and, in many cases, long-term remission. Because it is not a drug, it doesn’t cause the systemic side effects often associated with antidepressants.

NeuroStar TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment delivered comfortably in-office at our East Wichita, West Wichita, and Overland Park locations. You recline comfortably in a treatment chair (similar to a spa or dentist’s chair). During the session, precisely targeted magnetic pulses stimulate the mood-regulating areas of your brain. There is no anesthesia or sedation—you are fully awake and alert, and you can resume normal activities (including driving) immediately afterward.

If you suffer from depression, anxiety symptoms associated with depression, or OCD but have not benefited from your current medications—or are struggling with their side effects—TMS may be right for you. It is also a strong option if you have tried switching medications but still haven’t found durable remission from your symptoms.

Yes. NeuroStar can help you achieve long-term relief from the symptoms of depression. Many patients see their symptoms significantly improve or resolve after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. In clinical studies, NeuroStar has been shown to provide acute treatment response and remission lasting for over a year.

Yes, NeuroStar is an FDA-cleared treatment that is safe and easy to tolerate. Because it is non-systemic, it does not cause the common side effects of medication, nor does it affect cognition or sleep. The most common side effect is mild to moderate discomfort or a tapping sensation at the treatment site, which typically subsides within the first week of sessions.

No. NeuroStar has been systematically evaluated in clinical trials, which demonstrated that the therapy does not result in any adverse effects on memory or concentration.

During the session, you will feel a tapping sensation on your head. Each treatment session lasts around 19 minutes. Some patients experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site during the first week of treatment, but this is usually temporary and subsides as your sessions continue.

No. NeuroStar is completely different from ECT (sometimes called “shock therapy”). NeuroStar uses targeted magnetic waves, similar in strength to an MRI, to stimulate the brain while you are fully awake. ECT, on the other hand, applies direct electrical current to the brain, which must be done under anesthesia and requires a recovery period.

Yes, NeuroStar TMS Therapy for depression is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare. Coverage is usually approved after medication options have proven ineffective. Our team at KMHM will help verify your specific benefits and coverage before you begin.

For patients whose treatment is not covered by insurance, or who are self-pay, there are still options. You can utilize healthcare financing programs like CareCredit or Advance Care to help manage co-pays, deductibles, or full cash-pay treatments.

Not at all. NeuroStar was cleared by the FDA in 2008 to treat depression, and received additional clearances in 2022 for decreasing anxiety symptoms in adult patients with MDD, and as an adjunct therapy for adults with OCD. Today, it is the top TMS choice of doctors, with over 8.2 million treatments delivered nationwide.