Is NeuroStar TMS Therapy Right for You? What Redding Patients Need to Know
If antidepressants haven’t worked for you — or you’ve struggled with their side effects — you’re not out of options. NeuroStar TMS Therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-drug treatment for depression that’s helping patients in Redding, CA find lasting relief. Psychiatric Care Center (PCC) is the only psychiatric center in Redding offering NeuroStar TMS, and we’ve seen it change lives.
Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, who it’s for, and what to expect.
What Is NeuroStar TMS Therapy?
NeuroStar TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an advanced, non-invasive brain stimulation therapy used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Unlike antidepressants, which affect brain chemistry throughout your entire body, NeuroStar delivers precisely targeted magnetic pulses to the specific areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression.
Think of it like physical therapy for the brain — gently reactivating neural pathways that depression has dampened.
With more than 5.4 million treatments performed nationwide, NeuroStar is one of the most studied and trusted TMS systems available today.
How Does NeuroStar TMS Work?
During a NeuroStar treatment session at our Redding office, a small curved magnetic coil is positioned lightly against your head. The device then delivers focused magnetic pulses — similar in strength to those used in an MRI machine — to the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain most associated with mood regulation.
These pulses stimulate nerve cells and may positively influence neurotransmitter levels, helping your brain restore healthy patterns of activity. The result? Many patients notice meaningful improvements in their depression symptoms.
What makes this treatment remarkable is what it doesn’t require:
- No medication
- No sedation or anesthesia
- No downtime or recovery time
- No effect on your alertness or memory
You can drive yourself to and from every session.
Who Is NeuroStar TMS Therapy For?
NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared for adults with Major Depressive Disorder who have not achieved satisfactory results from antidepressant medication. It is also indicated as an adjunct therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and can help reduce anxiety symptoms in patients with comorbid anxiety alongside depression.
TMS may be the right next step if you:
- Have tried one or more antidepressants without sufficient relief
- Have experienced unwanted side effects from depression medications
- Have had to switch medications due to side effects or ineffectiveness
- Are interested in a clinically proven, drug-free approach
- Feel that depression is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or work
If two or more of those statements resonate with you, we encourage you to reach out. Our providers can help determine whether NeuroStar TMS is an appropriate fit for your individual situation.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before Your Session
You’ll settle into a comfortable reclining chair in our Redding office. A small curved magnetic coil is gently positioned on your head — no needles, no incisions, no sedation needed.
During Your Session
NeuroStar delivers focused magnetic stimulation to targeted areas of the brain. You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a light tapping sensation on your scalp. Most patients read, listen to music, or simply relax during treatment. You’re fully awake and alert throughout.
After Your Session
There is no recovery period. You can drive yourself home and return to your normal activities immediately — whether that’s going back to work, picking up kids, or running errands.
Treatment Schedule
A typical course of NeuroStar TMS therapy consists of sessions that last 19 to 37 minutes, administered five days a week for approximately seven weeks. Many patients begin to notice improvements within the first four weeks of treatment.
Is NeuroStar TMS Safe?
NeuroStar TMS has an excellent safety profile backed by extensive clinical research. The most common side effect is mild discomfort at or near the treatment site, which typically resolves after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure (less than 0.1% per patient).
NeuroStar TMS is not recommended for patients who have non-removable conductive metal in or near the head. Your provider will conduct a thorough evaluation before recommending this treatment.
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is available by prescription only.
Does Insurance Cover TMS Therapy?
Yes — NeuroStar TMS is covered by most major health insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare. Psychiatric Care Center accepts all major insurance carriers and cash payments. (Please note that we are currently unable to accept Partnership/MediCal.)
Not sure if your insurance covers TMS? Our team can help you verify your benefits before you begin. Just give us a call at 530-221-7474.
Why Choose Psychiatric Care Center for TMS in Redding?
PCC is the only psychiatric center in Redding offering NeuroStar TMS Therapy. Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Andrews, MD — who has been serving patients for over 25 years — our team provides comprehensive psychiatric care in a compassionate, supportive environment.
We don’t just offer TMS in isolation. We also offer complementary therapy alongside TMS treatment. When neurons are activated through the stimulation process, patients benefit greatly from concurrent therapy — learning new thought patterns and coping strategies that support lasting recovery. Our approach is whole-person care, from the inside out.
We serve patients from Redding, Palo Cedro, Anderson, Shasta County, and across Northern California.
Take the First Step
You don’t have to keep cycling through medications that aren’t working. NeuroStar TMS offers a proven, drug-free path to relief — and PCC is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Call us at 530-221-7474 or visit pcccares.com/request-an-appointment to get started.
Take our 2-minute depression survey to see if TMS may be right for you.
