How Does NeuroStar TMS Therapy Work in Scottsdale?
If you are struggling with depression that has not responded to medication, you are not alone — and there are options. At The Schulte Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, we offer NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy, a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that can produce profound improvements in mood, emotional regulation, and quality of life when traditional treatments have fallen short. Here is an in-depth look at exactly how NeuroStar TMS therapy works at our Scottsdale clinic.
Request an AppointmentThe Science Behind NeuroStar TMS Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that delivers electromagnetic pulses through the scalp to reactivate regions of the brain involved in mood control that have become underactive during episodes of depression. In healthy brain function, nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex — the region most closely associated with mood regulation — fire regularly and maintain the neural connections that keep us emotionally balanced. In patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), these connections weaken, synaptic activity decreases, and the brain’s capacity for emotional regulation diminishes.
NeuroStar Advanced TMS targets this underactivity directly. During a session, a small magnetic coil is precisely positioned against your scalp over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The coil generates focused magnetic pulses — similar in strength to those used in MRI machines — that pass through the scalp and skull and into the targeted brain tissue. These pulses excite the dormant neurons, stimulating their activity in a safe, controlled, and highly localized way. NeuroStar uses a patented technology called Contact Sensing to ensure the exact, consistent dosage of each electromagnetic pulse, making treatment more precise than standard TMS systems. To understand what conditions this approach can address, visit our Conditions Treated page.
What Happens During a TMS Session at The Schulte Institute?
When you arrive for your NeuroStar TMS session at The Schulte Institute, you will be comfortably seated in a treatment chair in our Scottsdale clinic. Your provider places the treatment coil gently against the appropriate area of your scalp. During the session, you may feel a tapping, tingling, or warming sensation at the treatment site — this is normal, typically mild, and fades as you continue sessions. You are fully awake throughout the entire procedure. You can read, watch TV, listen to music, or simply relax. No sedation, no anesthesia, no recovery time.
Each session lasts between 19 and 45 minutes depending on your personalized TMS prescription. When the session is over, you can drive yourself home or return directly to work. There are no systemic side effects because TMS is completely non-systemic — the magnetic pulses target only the localized brain tissue under the coil and do not circulate through your bloodstream or affect the rest of your body. For a complete overview of the side effect profile and safety considerations, visit our FAQs page.
The Full Course of NeuroStar TMS Treatment
A standard NeuroStar TMS treatment course at The Schulte Institute consists of 36 sessions delivered five days per week over approximately seven weeks. Before your first treatment session, your provider performs an initial mapping appointment to precisely identify the optimal coil placement and determine the correct magnetic pulse intensity for your brain — this individualized calibration is a key part of why NeuroStar produces such consistent results.
Most patients begin to notice a gradual shift in mood and energy within the first four to six weeks of consistent treatment. While some may feel early improvements after just a few sessions, the full therapeutic benefit typically develops over the complete treatment course. Completing all recommended sessions is strongly encouraged to maximize and sustain results. Clinical data show that the effects of NeuroStar TMS last up to 12 months, significantly outperforming the diminishing returns seen with repeated antidepressant medication trials. To see whether you meet the criteria for treatment, visit our Candidates page.
Clinically Backed Efficacy and Durability
NeuroStar Advanced TMS is the number-one physician-recommended TMS system in the United States and is backed by some of the most extensive clinical evidence of any TMS platform available. In real-world outcomes data, 83% of patients who completed a NeuroStar treatment course experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, and 62% achieved complete remission (Sackeim et al., 2020). These results were measured across thousands of patients in more than 100 clinical sites, reflecting how the therapy performs in actual clinical practice — not just controlled trials.
Equally important is the durability of those results. Unlike antidepressant medications — where research shows that with every subsequent trial, the probability of achieving remission decreases and the likelihood of abandoning treatment due to side effects increases — NeuroStar TMS has been shown to produce results lasting up to 12 months. This makes it an especially compelling option for patients who have already exhausted multiple medication options. The Schulte Institute also offers Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray for patients who may benefit from a complementary advanced treatment alongside or after TMS. For more on how TMS compares to other options, visit our Why NeuroStar TMS page.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Does NeuroStar TMS Therapy Work?
How exactly do the magnetic pulses in TMS therapy affect the brain?
The focused magnetic pulses delivered by NeuroStar TMS pass through the scalp and skull and generate a small electric current in the targeted brain tissue. This current stimulates the underactive nerve cells in the mood-regulating regions of the brain — particularly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex — causing them to fire more regularly. Over the course of treatment, this repeated stimulation strengthens neural connections, helping the brain restore its natural capacity for emotional regulation and mood stability.
Is NeuroStar TMS the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
No. NeuroStar TMS and ECT are very different treatments. ECT requires general anesthesia and induces brief seizures to alter brain chemistry. TMS is completely non-invasive — you are awake throughout each session, no anesthesia is required, and there is no seizure induction. You can return to normal activities, including driving, immediately after a TMS session. TMS also has a significantly better side effect profile than ECT and does not carry the cognitive or memory impairment risks associated with electroconvulsive therapy.
How long does each NeuroStar TMS session take at The Schulte Institute?
Each session lasts between 19 and 45 minutes, depending on the personalized TMS prescription determined during your initial mapping appointment. You are fully awake throughout each session, require no sedation or anesthesia, and can leave the office and resume normal daily activities — including driving — immediately after treatment.
When will I start to feel results from TMS therapy?
Most patients at The Schulte Institute begin to notice a gradual improvement in mood, energy, and overall emotional balance within the first four to six weeks of consistent TMS treatment. Some patients notice subtle changes earlier, while for others the full benefit develops toward the end of the treatment course. Completing all recommended sessions gives you the best chance of achieving maximum and lasting results. Clinical data show that NeuroStar TMS results can last up to 12 months.
What makes NeuroStar different from other TMS systems?
NeuroStar is the number-one physician-recommended TMS system in the United States and features a patented Contact Sensing technology that ensures precise, consistent magnetic pulse dosing at every session. It has the most extensive real-world clinical outcome data of any TMS system, with results published from thousands of patients across more than 100 sites. NeuroStar is also the only TMS system with durability of effect established over 12 months in clinical studies. Visit our Why NeuroStar TMS page for a full comparison.
Can I continue taking my medications while doing TMS?
Yes. Because NeuroStar TMS is non-systemic and does not interact with medications through the bloodstream, most patients continue their current medications throughout the TMS treatment course. In many cases, TMS is used alongside antidepressants as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Your provider at The Schulte Institute will review all of your current medications during your initial consultation to ensure there are no concerns.
How do I get started with NeuroStar TMS at The Schulte Institute in Scottsdale?
Getting started is straightforward. Call (480) 941-9004 or submit an appointment request online to schedule your initial consultation at The Schulte Institute. During that appointment, Dr. Schulte or Dr. Koreny will review your diagnosis, treatment history, and medical background, verify your insurance benefits, and — if you are a candidate — schedule your initial mapping session to begin the treatment process.
