Since 2010, Dr. David Sikowitz and The TMS Center of New Jersey have provided specialized mental health care across the Tri-State area. Our clinic offers TMS Therapy for adolescents, a non-medication alternative for teenagers struggling with persistent depression.
Of adolescents with depression do not achieve remission after their first antidepressant trial
Minimum age for FDA-cleared NeuroStar TMS for major depressive disorder (ages 15–21)
Response rate in adolescents receiving TMS for treatment-resistant depression (real-world clinical data)
Sessions over approximately 7 weeks comprise a full adolescent TMS treatment course (5 sessions per week)
Major depressive disorder affects approximately 13% of adolescents, and nearly 40% fail to achieve remission after two antidepressant trials. The FDA cleared TMS for adults in 2008 and has since extended clearance to adolescents aged 15 and older using the NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System — a formally approved, non-drug option when medications fall short. The TMS Center of New Jersey, under board-certified psychiatrist Dr. David Sikowitz, has provided this treatment from its Tinton Falls location since 2010, serving the Jersey Shore and Tri-state region.
Standard antidepressants affect the entire body, causing side effects like weight gain, emotional blunting, and fatigue — particularly problematic for adolescents. TMS delivers focused MRI-strength magnetic pulses directly to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC), normalizing underactive mood-regulation circuits connected to deeper emotional structures, with no drugs, no sedation, and nothing entering the bloodstream.
Treatment-resistant depression in adolescents carries serious risks including academic failure, social withdrawal, and increased suicide risk. TMS offers a proven, noninvasive alternative without systemic side effects.
A full teen TMS therapy course requires approximately 7 weeks of treatment, with 5 sessions per week (Monday–Friday). Each session lasts 19 minutes, depending on the custom protocol developed for your adolescent. Teens remain awake, alert, and can return to school or activities immediately afterward.
Depressive Domain in Teens
Persistent low or irritable mood
Loss of interest in activities
Fatigue or low energy
Sleep disturbance
Appetite change
Concentration difficulty
Worthlessness or guilt
Suicidal thoughts
Common Impact
Conflict with family, school disciplinary issues
Withdrawal from sports, hobbies, friends
Falling asleep in class, skipping homework
Insomnia or sleeping past noon on weekends
Weight loss or gain over several weeks
Grades dropping despite normal ability
Self-critical statements, low self-esteem
Self-harm risk requires immediate evaluation
When symptoms persist for more than four weeks despite an adequate antidepressant trial (typically 6–8 weeks at therapeutic dose), clinical evaluation for adolescent TMS treatment is indicated.
Teenage depression presents differently than adult depression. Irritability often replaces a sad mood. Social withdrawal may appear as isolation in their bedroom. School performance declines. The combination of medication failure and persistent symptoms defines treatment-resistant adolescent depression.
No-cost discussion of symptoms, prior medication trials, and whether TMS fits your teen’s clinical picture. Call (732) 842-0505 to schedule.
Dr. David Sikowitz or Kerry (board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience) assesses depression history, medication response (including failed trials), safety factors, and treatment goals. Parent/guardian consent required alongside adolescent assent.
Individual motor threshold determined. Left DLPFC mapped for precise NeuroStar coil positioning. Initial session: approximately 1.5 hours.
Teen reclines in a comfortable treatment chair while the NeuroStar coil delivers focused magnetic pulses. Session duration: 19–37 minutes. The sensation is a mild tapping or clicking on the scalp. Teens remain completely awake and may watch TV, read, or listen to music during treatment.
No required downtime. No sedation. No cognitive impairment. Teen drives themselves (if licensed) or is transported back to school or home immediately. No missed academic day.
Feature
FDA Clearance for Adolescents
Invasiveness
Systemic Side Effects
Works When Meds Fail
Treatment Duration
Recovery Time
Insurance Coverage
TMS (Adolescent)
✓ 15+ (NeuroStar)
✓ Noninvasive — no anesthesia, no IV
✓ None — mild scalp tapping possible
✓ Yes
~36 sessions over ~7 weeks (5x/week)
✓ None — return to school same day
✓ Most major plans (increasing)
SSRIs
✓ Varies by agent
Systemic (oral)
Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, emotional blunting, nausea, sedation
No
Ongoing (months to years)
Variable
✓ Routinely covered
CBT
✓ First-line
Noninvasive
None
Yes, but difficult if severely depressed
12–20 sessions
None
✓ Routinely covered
ECT
✓ Severe cases only
Invasive — anesthesia required
Memory loss, cognitive confusion
Yes
6–12 sessions
Extended recovery room
✓ Specific indications
Multiple peer-reviewed sources confirm transcranial magnetic stimulation for teens achieves meaningful results:
Large naturalistic study of adolescents (n > 1,000) receiving NeuroStar TMS for treatment-resistant depression
Same cohort achieved full symptom remission after completing TMS course
Meta-analyses show symptom reduction may begin as early as the second week of treatment. Parents may notice improved sleep, increased engagement, or renewed interest in daily activities before the full course is completed.
Pediatric TMS safety reviews confirm no seizures, no cognitive decline, and excellent tolerability when protocols are followed
Naturalistic study of NeuroStar TMS in adolescents and young adults with treatment-resistant depression (peer-reviewed published data available via NeuroStar clinical evidence library). Studies confirm the safety and efficacy profile in adolescents mirrors that of adult populations.
Unlike some adult protocols, adolescent TMS for teenage depression does not require symptom provocation or exposure procedures. The standard left DLPFC protocol directly targets mood regulation circuits.
At first I thought that this treatment was just the “same old, same old.” In fact, it turned out to be a very relaxing time which I am now trying to duplicate at home as part of a regular morning routine. I always felt that the staff were there to support me completely through follow-up sessions and trying to make me comfortable. TMS exceeded my wildest expectations. Almost immediately the world looked bright and new. I so appreciate the opportunity to find a very different world and life.
Brooke Sherman
Tinton Falls, NJ
I was severely depressed over a period of three years. I tried several antidepressants but nothing really seemed to work. I had a severe allergic reaction. My family was very poorly impacted by the whole problem of my depression. By the end of the TMS treatment, things were better than I could have imagined. After that sixth week, I was so excited that my life was starting to resume. It could actually get better and that I had more to look forward to.
Joneen Smith
Tinton Falls, NJ
During that time, it was probably the darkest time in my life. I was sad and miserable all the time. Before when I was going through depression, I felt hopeless. Since TMS, my perspective on life has been so positive that I know there is hope.
J P
Tinton Falls, NJ
remission from depression:
Mariah’s patient experience with
NeuroStar
elsa’s experience:
Discovering NeuroStar & her husband’s journey
Tod’s story:
Remission from depression
Bart’s story:
From medication to NeuroStar TMS
Coverage for teen TMS insurance has expanded following FDA clearance for ages 15+. However, policies vary by carrier. The TMS Center of New Jersey provides dedicated account management (contact Gia) to verify benefits, manage prior authorizations, and explain coverage before treatment begins.
Confirmed MDD diagnosis in adolescent aged 15–21
Documented treatment resistance (failure of at least 1–2 antidepressant trials at adequate dose and duration)
Some insurers require concurrent psychotherapy documentation
No contraindications (metal implants in head, seizure disorder, etc.)
Aetna (varies by plan; prior authorization typically required)
Blue Cross Blue Shield (New Jersey plans increasingly cover ages 15+)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum (some plans; requires documented treatment resistance)
Tricare (coverage varies; pre-authorization required)
Most commercial PPO plans (requires advocacy and documentation)
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder in adolescents aged 15–21. For patients under 15, TMS is considered off-label and typically offered only in research settings. Dr. Sikowitz can discuss individual circumstances during consultation.
Yes. Multiple pediatric safety reviews and large naturalistic cohorts confirm TMS is well-tolerated in adolescents when proper screening and protocols are followed. Common sensation: mild tapping or clicking on the scalp during the 19–37 minute session. No cognitive decline, no systemic effects. Seizure risk is very rare (<0.1% per patient) and no seizures were reported in the large adolescent naturalistic study.
Clinically, TMS is appropriate when:
FDA clearance for adolescents is specifically for major depressive disorder. Some emerging research explores TMS for teen anxiety and pediatric OCD, but these remain off-label uses. The TMS Center of New Jersey treats adult OCD with TMS. Discuss specific symptom profiles with Dr. Sikowitz.
Yes. There is zero downtime, no sedation, no cognitive impairment. Most teens return to school immediately after morning appointments. Our Tinton Falls location is easily accessible from the Jersey Shore area.
Increasingly, yes — but coverage is not universal. Most major insurers require documented treatment resistance (failed 1–2 antidepressants), prior authorization, and medical necessity documentation. Gia, our account manager, handles benefits verification and appeals.
Medicare is for adults 65+ or specific disabilities. Adolescent TMS is covered by commercial insurance, New Jersey Medicaid (varies), or Tricare for military families.
Treatment resistance typically means failure to achieve remission after two adequate antidepressant trials (6–8 weeks each at therapeutic dose). Some definitions also include intolerance to side effects that prevents continued treatment. Dr. Sikowitz will formally assess during psychiatric evaluation.
Yes. The TMS Center of New Jersey offers secure video telehealth for initial consultations and follow-up appointments. Initial TMS sessions must be in-person at our Tinton Falls location.
TMS response rates in adolescents are approximately 59%, with 36% achieving full remission. That means some teens do not respond. Alternative options include medication adjustment, ECT (for severe refractory cases), or investigational protocols. Dr. Sikowitz discusses realistic expectations before starting.
Call Us:
(267) 214-1941
