Teen TMS Therapy in Southern California
FDA-cleared TMS therapy for teens and young adults ages 15-21. 75% response rate. Covered by insurance.
We are in-network with nearly every insurance provider.
When nothing else has worked for your teen’s depression
Up to 20% of adolescents will experience major depressive disorder before adulthood. Among the 5 million U.S. teens struggling with depression, 30-50% don’t respond to traditional treatments, and up to 60% stop taking their medications due to side effects.
If your teen is part of this group, there’s another option.
TMS therapy uses gentle magnetic pulses – with an MRI strength magnet – to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike medication that affects the entire body, TMS targets only the brain circuits involved in depression. This means no weight gain, no emotional numbing, no fatigue – just focused treatment where it’s needed most.
At Neuro Wellness Spa, 75% of patients show positive response to TMS.
- Non-invasive – no surgery or anesthesia required.
- Medication-free – works without adding new prescriptions.
- Quick – each session lasts about 20 minutes.
- Well-tolerated – the most common side effect is mild discomfort on the scalp early in treatment.
Teen TMS therapy tailored specifically to your child
Your teen relaxes in a comfortable chair while our MagVenture TMS system delivers targeted magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex – the brain region that regulates mood. Each 20-minute session feels like gentle tapping on the head. Teens can scroll their phones, watch videos, or do homework during treatment. TMS is a noninvasive procedure and does not require anesthesia or systemic medication.
The typical treatment course:
- Acute phase: Daily sessions (Monday-Friday) for 4-6 weeks
- Tapering phase: 2-3 sessions per week for 3 weeks
- After-school appointments available
- No recovery time – return to activities immediately
Most teens see improvement within 2 weeks, compared to 6-8 weeks for medications. Benefits can last up to 6 months or longer.
Why parents choose TMS for their teenagers
“Many of our adolescent patients arrive feeling hopeless – believing they’ve exhausted treatment options and will never again enjoy friends, hobbies, or school. With TMS therapy, we’ve observed sustained improvements in mood and function, especially in those who were previously medication non-compliant.“
– Dr. Martha Koo, Chief Medical Officer, Neuro Wellness Spa
Immediate Past President, Clinical TMS Society
TMS is FDA-cleared for adolescents 15-21 with major depression when done in conjunction with therapy and/or medication. This isn’t experimental or off-label use — it’s a proven, insurance-covered treatment that’s been extensively studied in teenage populations.
The teenage brain responds remarkably well to TMS. Many of our teen patients not only see their depression lift but also experience improved focus, better sleep, and renewed energy for school and activities. These improvements often last months to years, and if symptoms do return over time, insurance typically covers another round of treatment.
Supporting your teen through TMS treatment
We understand that teen depression impacts the whole family. That’s why our approach includes family education and support throughout the TMS journey.
Our team will help you understand what to expect during treatment and how to best support your teen’s recovery. We balance keeping parents informed with respecting your teenager’s privacy and growing independence. Many families find that as symptoms improve, communication becomes easier and family relationships naturally strengthen.
After treatment, we provide guidance on maintaining improvements and recognizing any signs that additional support might be needed. Your involvement can make a real difference in your teen’s success with TMS therapy.
Depression, anxiety, ADHD and more
While FDA clearance for adolescents specifically covers treatment-resistant major depression, research continues to explore TMS applications for other conditions that commonly affect teenagers. Anxiety, which often co-occurs with depression in adolescents, frequently improves alongside depression symptoms during TMS treatment.
Emerging research also suggests potential benefits for teens struggling with ADHD symptoms, particularly when traditional medications haven’t helped or have caused intolerable side effects. While these applications are considered off-label, our psychiatrists stay current with the latest research and can discuss whether TMS might be appropriate for your teen’s specific situation.
Teen TMS therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions
TMS therapy is effective in treating many mental health disorders, including:
Other teen services we offer
Our compassionate team at Neuro Wellness Spa works with you to determine the specialized teen mental health treatment that will work best for you. We are here with you every step of the way on your journey.
Adolescent therapy
Therapy sessions are available for teenage clients seeking support with anxiety, mood disorders, or stress. Our licensed clinicians use evidence-based modalities such as CBT and mindfulness in a calming setting for our clients.
Adolescent psychiatry
Our team provides psychiatric care designed to support teens facing emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges. Our adolescent psychiatric services are designed to help young people build coping skills, manage symptoms, and improve their well-being through personalized treatment.
How it works
We’re ready to support you on your healing journey
01
Connect with us
We’ll work together to figure out the best path forward, and even navigate your insurance.
We’ll make the process simple, so you can focus on the important stuff.
02
Meet your provider
Get matched with a provider who fits your teen’s personality, needs, and goals.
We won’t stop until we find the right clinician for your teen.
03
Start the journey
Help your teen take the courageous first step toward a healthier future.
We’ll make sure compassionate care fits with your teen’s schedule and lifestyle.
You’re in good hands
Each of our Neuro Wellness Spa treatment centers is supported by a team of approachable, compassionate, and experienced clinicians and healthcare professionals. We meet you where you are, and help you get to where you want to be.
Frequently asked questions
Read through our FAQ for any questions you may have about TMS therapy, or give us a call today. We are here to answer your questions and support you or your loved one through their healing journey.
Is TMS safe for my teenager?
Yes, TMS is FDA-cleared for teens and young adults ages 15-21 and has been extensively studied. It’s non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and has none of the systemic risks of medications. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort during active treatment.
Will my teen need to stop their current medications?
TMS can work alongside current medications, though many teens are able to reduce or eliminate medications after TMS treatment. Our psychiatrists will partner with your adolescent to create a personalized plan.
How do we fit this into the school schedule?
We offer flexible after-school appointments and work with schools to minimize academic disruption. Sessions are only 20 minutes, and many students schedule them before or after activities. No recovery time needed – your teen can got back to their day straight away.
What if it doesn’t work?
Most teens see significant improvement. For those who don’t achieve full remission, even partial improvement can be life-changing. Our team will work with you to explore all options and adjust treatment as needed.
