A No-Drug Approach for Treatment-Resistent Depression with NeuroStar® TMS Therapy
Licensed in Tennessee and Virginia, serving patients in Kingsport, Bristol, and surrounding communities.
When depression doesn’t respond to medication or other treatments, NeuroStar® Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a safe, non-invasive option for healing. At Open Minds, our licensed providers deliver TMS therapy in a calm, supportive environment that helps patients regain hope and clarity.
About NeuroStar TMS Therapy
At Open Minds, we use NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to gently activate key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. TMS is a modern, non-invasive treatment — and it is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).
While the exact cause of depression is not fully understood, the leading scientific theory is that it stems from an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters — the chemical messengers that help brain cells communicate and regulate mood.
TMS helps address this imbalance by stimulating underactive regions of the brain. Through precise, repeated magnetic pulses, the treatment encourages healthier neural communication, promotes the growth of new connections, and supports the brain’s ability to produce and distribute “feel-good” neurotransmitters. Over time, this strengthens mood-regulation pathways and helps you feel more balanced and emotionally stable.
If you’re ready to explore whether TMS can help you feel better, schedule a consultation with Open Minds today.
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
During a NeuroStar treatment session, a magnet similar in strength to that used in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine is used to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain thought to control mood. These magnetic pulses usually have a positive effect on the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, making long-term remission possible.
Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is easy:
- Therapy sessions are conducted in the Open Minds located in Kingsport.
- You can return to normal activities right away after each treatment
- You are awake and comfortable during treatment; no anesthesia or sedatives are ever used.
- There is no recovery time and there are no negative effects on memory or sleep
- It’s covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare
With more than three million treatments delivered, this approach to achieving remission is bringing new hope to people every day.
How NeuroStar® TMS Therapy Works
Here’s what you can expect from a NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS) session:
Before Treatment
You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head.
During Treatment
NeuroStar delivers focused magnetic stimulation directly to the target areas of the brain.
You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a gentle tapping sensation on your head.
Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, each treatment takes between 19 and 37 minutes.
After Treatment
You can resume normal activities immediately. Because there are no effects on alertness or memory, you can drive yourself to and from treatment sessions.
In-office treatment with NeuroStar TMS Therapy typically takes 19-37 minutes and is administered 5 days a week for approximately 4-6 weeks.*
Is TMS Therapy right for you?
Take our quick 1‑minute depression assessment so the Open Minds team can help you explore whether NeuroStar TMS could be the next step in your care.
Who Can Benefit from TMS Therapy
You may be a good fit for NeuroStar TMS if you:
- Struggle with depression that hasn’t improved with medication
- Experience side effects from antidepressants
- Want a drug-free, safe, and effective alternative
Your Open Minds provider will create a plan tailored to your needs, symptoms, and goals.
Why Choose Open Minds for TMS
- Certified NeuroStar® Better Me TMS providers with extensive training and experience
- Collaborative care with psychiatry and therapy
- Comprehensive support
- Insurance assistance for pre-authorization and claims
- Licensed to operate in Tennessee and Virginia
Serving Kingsport TN and
Surrounding Communities
We proudly support families and adults across Kingsport, Tennessee, Virginia, and nearby communities. In-person and telehealth appointments are available, making screening accessible no matter your location.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.
How does TMS work?
TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain.
How long is TMS treatment?
A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.
Is TMS Therapy covered by my insurance?
A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans.
Is TMS Therapy a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications?
Since TMS is a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t involve medications, it does not have side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort —generally mild to moderate—occurring less frequently after the first week of treatment.
Is TMS Therapy like other alternative therapies that use magnets to treat some illnesses?
No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for a therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low-intensity, static magnetic fields. Those products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells. The activation and stimulation of brain cells is a key part of why TMS is so effective.
Open Your Mind to a Better You
You don’t have to live with depression that feels unshakable. NeuroStar TMS offers a proven, drug-free path toward lasting relief — provided by the compassionate care of the Open Minds team.