Until recently, adolescents suffering from depression had limited treatment options: medication and psychotherapy. While these approaches work well for some, they don’t always provide the relief that others desperately need. As depression rates among teenagers continue to rise, there has been a growing demand for additional treatment options—particularly ones that can address the unique needs of this vulnerable group.
In a promising development, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adolescents. This new approval marks an important milestone in adolescent depression treatment and offers a third, highly effective option for teens. While TMS is relatively expensive compared to traditional treatments like medication and therapy, its benefits have led to increasing insurance coverage, making it more accessible for families.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The treatment is aimed at areas of the brain responsible for regulating mood. TMS is typically used when patients do not respond to antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. While TMS has been approved for adult patients for years, the recent FDA approval for adolescents is a significant step forward in addressing mental health issues in young people.
The treatment involves placing a magnetic coil on the patient’s scalp, which delivers short magnetic pulses to the brain. These pulses can help increase the activity in certain parts of the brain, particularly those associated with mood regulation. TMS has been shown to be effective in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mood disorders in adults. Now, with FDA approval for teens aged 15-21, it has become a potential game-changer for adolescent depression treatment.
The Importance of TMS for Adolescents
Adolescent depression is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on mental, emotional, and social development. Depression in teens is linked to poor academic performance, strained relationships with family and peers, substance abuse, and even suicidal ideation. The current treatment options—pharmaceuticals and therapy—are often effective, but they don’t always work for everyone. For some teens, antidepressants may cause unwanted side effects or may not provide the desired results. Additionally, psychotherapy requires the teen to be actively engaged, which may be difficult for certain individuals who struggle with severe depression.
For these reasons, TMS offers a non-invasive alternative that can be particularly beneficial for those who have not responded to traditional treatments. Moreover, since TMS does not involve medication, it offers an option that avoids the side effects often associated with antidepressants, such as weight gain, sleep disturbances, or gastrointestinal issues. TMS is also generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, most commonly mild discomfort at the site of stimulation, which can easily be managed.
The approval of TMS for adolescents provides a much-needed lifeline for those who are not responding to traditional treatments, offering hope to teens and their families who have struggled with limited options in the past.
HCSC Leads the Way in Coverage Expansion
One of the most exciting developments surrounding adolescent depression treatment is the expansion of insurance coverage. While TMS can be more expensive than pharmaceuticals or therapy, payers have begun to recognize its potential and increasingly offer coverage for this treatment. Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), one of the largest customer-owned health insurers in the U.S., has recently made a major move by covering TMS as a first-line treatment option for adolescents aged 15 and older with depression.
This is a particularly important change because, for adults, insurers typically require patients to try and fail two medications combined with psychotherapy before TMS will be covered. However, for adolescents, HCSC has eliminated the “fail-first” requirement, meaning that teens can begin TMS treatment right away without having to go through multiple unsuccessful treatments. This policy change is a huge win for adolescent mental health, as the “fail-first” model can delay effective treatment, especially in young people who are already struggling.
Keith Sullivan, President and CEO of Neuronetics, the company behind the NeuroStar TMS system, which is the first and only TMS system approved for adolescents, praised HCSC’s decision. “This milestone policy by HCSC is a testament to the growing recognition that our young people need earlier access to proven mental health treatments like NeuroStar TMS,” Sullivan said in a statement. “We commend HCSC for their leadership in patient access, as well as our NeuroStar providers and Health Policy team for their advocacy to create positive change for mental health.”
Widespread Coverage Expands Access
HCSC’s decision is part of a larger trend, with more insurers recognizing the benefits of TMS for adolescents. Just earlier this month, BCBS of North Carolina expanded its coverage to include TMS for teens. Other insurance providers, such as Aetna, California Medicaid, and Humana, have also extended coverage for this therapy to adolescents. This trend is expected to continue, and experts predict that more insurers will soon follow suit as they realize the importance of expanding access to mental health treatments for younger populations.
As of August 2025, over 425 claims for adolescent TMS have been submitted to various payers, and remarkably, none of these claims have been denied. Keith Sullivan expressed confidence that this trend would continue to grow, noting that insurance companies are likely to adopt TMS coverage for teens once enough claims have been processed. “I anticipate all of the payers are going to follow suit [and cover TMS for teens],” he stated. “They just have to get enough claims from physicians submitted, and then they’ll change. Nobody is going to fight getting a child treated.”
Breaking Down Barriers to Access
The growing trend of coverage expansion for TMS is incredibly significant, as it reduces the barriers to accessing care that many families face. Mental health treatment is often costly, and even with insurance, families may struggle with high deductibles or co-pays. By expanding coverage for TMS, insurers are helping ensure that this effective treatment becomes a more accessible option for adolescents who need it most.
In addition to financial access, expanding TMS coverage is also critical because it addresses the urgency of getting young people the help they need as early as possible. Depression in adolescence can affect various aspects of a teen’s life, from academic performance to relationships with family and friends. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term consequences, and TMS offers a faster route to relief compared to traditional methods.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Adolescent Mental Health Treatment
As more insurance companies offer coverage for TMS and as awareness grows about its benefits, there’s hope that TMS will become a common and accessible treatment option for adolescents suffering from depression. The expansion of coverage and FDA approval signal a brighter future for adolescent depression treatment, where effective treatments are more widely available and accessible.
For families navigating the complex world of adolescent depression, the approval and growing coverage of TMS offer a new hope. With treatment options continuing to evolve, there’s optimism that young people will receive the support and care they need to recover and thrive.
If your teen is struggling with depression, it may be worth exploring TMS as a treatment option. With increasing insurance coverage and FDA approval, now is the time to consider this innovative therapy as a path to healing. By staying informed about the latest treatment options, you can take a proactive role in your teen’s mental health and give them the best chance at a brighter future.
Final Thoughts
Adolescent depression is a complex and often overwhelming condition, but treatments like TMS are showing promise in changing the landscape of care. As insurers like HCSC and others expand coverage, more adolescents will have access to this life-changing therapy, offering new hope for those who may have exhausted other options. With continued advocacy, support, and coverage, TMS may soon be a standard treatment for depression in teens, providing a powerful tool in the fight against mental health struggles in young people.
