NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
If depression has made your daily life feel smaller, NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy at The Schulte Institute in Scottsdale, AZ offers a clinically proven, non-drug path forward. Our team guides you through every step of the process — from confirming candidacy and coordinating insurance benefits to tailoring a treatment plan that fits your goals and schedule — so you can focus on what matters most: feeling better.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy?
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy uses Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to trigger the areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. This non-invasive procedure delivers focused magnetic fields — similar in strength to those produced by an MRI machine — to activate nerve cells linked to mood that have become underactive due to depression. Unlike antidepressant medications, TMS is non-systemic, meaning it does not travel through the bloodstream, and does not carry the systemic side effects commonly associated with medication such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, or sedation.
NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), depression with comorbid anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is also cleared as an adjunct treatment for adolescents aged 15 and older with MDD. Treatments are performed in our Scottsdale office, require no anesthesia, and typically take as little as 19 minutes per session. Because it is not a drug or surgery, you can drive yourself home and return to normal daily activities immediately after each visit. To learn more about what conditions we treat with TMS, visit our Conditions Treated page.
Does NeuroStar TMS Hurt?
Most patients describe a tapping or pulsing sensation on the scalp during the first few sessions. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort at or near the treatment site, which typically diminishes after the first week of treatment as you acclimate. There is no sedation involved, and the device’s settings can be adjusted to enhance your comfort throughout the course of treatment. Our clinical team monitors you closely during every visit to our Scottsdale office and will review all of these details with you in full during your initial consultation. If you are wondering whether you are a good fit for this therapy, visit our Candidates page for a full overview of candidacy criteria.
Neurostar Advanced Therapy TMS Highlights
Non-Invasive
Non-invasive and Non-systemic
36 Treatments
Typical treatment consists of 5 sessions per week over 7 weeks
19 Minute Sessions
Each treatment session typically lasts 20-45 minutes
Awake and Alert
You can read or watch TV and return to work after your treatment
Proven Results: What the Data Shows
In the largest real-world outcomes registry for depression, clinician ratings showed that 83% of patients experienced a positive response to TMS, and 62% achieved full remission from symptoms after an acute course of NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy. Patient-reported results demonstrated equally meaningful improvement. These outcomes were published from thousands of patients treated across more than 100 clinical sites in the United States, supporting NeuroStar as one of the most rigorously studied non-drug treatments for depression available today (Sackeim et al., 2020; Carpenter et al., 2012).
A typical NeuroStar treatment course consists of 36 sessions — five days per week over seven weeks — with each session lasting between 19 and 45 minutes depending on your prescription. Most patients begin noticing meaningful symptom improvement within four to six weeks of consistent treatment, and results have been shown to last up to 12 months. To understand the full treatment process step by step, visit our How It Works page.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy and Insurance Coverage
Most major health plans — including BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Tricare — cover NeuroStar TMS therapy when medical necessity criteria are met. Coverage details and pre-treatment requirements vary by carrier. Plans commonly require documentation of an MDD or OCD diagnosis and prior attempts with antidepressant medications, often two or more at adequate dose and duration. In some cases, a prior trial of psychotherapy or augmentation strategies may also be required.
Our team at The Schulte Institute in Scottsdale verifies your insurance benefits and helps gather the records that insurers require so you understand your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. For a full breakdown of what to expect from the insurance process, visit our Insurance Coverage page. If you are ready to get started, contact us at (480) 941-9004 to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose The Schulte Institute for NeuroStar TMS in Scottsdale?
With decades of experience in psychiatry and a dedicated focus on advanced, evidence-based treatment, The Schulte Institute is one of the most established TMS providers in the Scottsdale, AZ area. Dr. Henry J. Schulte, MD, DFAPA, has been administering TMS therapy for over a decade, bringing deep clinical expertise and a personalized approach to every patient’s care. Our team also includes Dr. Danielle M. Koreny, DNP, PMHNP-BC, who brings additional expertise in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. Together, they provide a holistic standard of care that considers the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of each patient’s mental health.
In addition to NeuroStar TMS, we offer Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, giving patients access to two of the most advanced interventional psychiatric treatments available in one practice. We also offer off-label TMS applications for conditions such as anxiety and bipolar depression — learn more on our TMS Off-Label page. Our providers offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments for flexible, accessible care. Have questions? Visit our FAQs page or call (480) 941-9004 to speak with our team directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About NeuroStar TMS Therapy in Scottsdale
What is NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy and how does it work?
NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to activate underactive nerve cells in the brain’s mood-regulating regions. The magnetic fields used are similar in strength to those produced by an MRI machine. By stimulating these dormant neural connections, TMS helps restore the brain’s natural signaling function and can produce significant relief from depression, anxious depression, and OCD — without the systemic side effects of medication.
Who is a good candidate for NeuroStar TMS Therapy at The Schulte Institute?
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or OCD who have not found adequate relief from at least one antidepressant medication. NeuroStar is also FDA-approved as an adjunct treatment for adolescents ages 15–21 with MDD. During your consultation at The Schulte Institute, our providers will review your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals to determine whether TMS is appropriate for you. Visit our Candidates page for more information.
How long does a NeuroStar TMS treatment session take, and how many sessions will I need?
Each session lasts between 19 and 45 minutes depending on your personalized TMS prescription. A standard treatment course consists of 36 sessions — five days per week over approximately seven weeks. You are fully awake and alert throughout each session, require no sedation or anesthesia, and can return to normal activities — including driving — immediately after each visit.
What does NeuroStar TMS feel like during treatment?
Most patients describe a tapping or pulsing sensation on the scalp at the treatment site during their first few sessions. This discomfort is temporary and typically diminishes significantly after the first week as your scalp adjusts. The device settings can be modified to improve your comfort, and our team monitors you closely throughout every session at our Scottsdale office.
What results can I expect, and how long do they last?
In the largest real-world outcomes registry for depression, 83% of patients who completed NeuroStar TMS experienced measurable symptom relief and 62% achieved full remission. Most patients begin noticing improvement within four to six weeks of consistent treatment. Results have been clinically shown to last up to 12 months. Your provider at The Schulte Institute will track your progress throughout treatment and adjust your plan as needed.
Does insurance cover NeuroStar TMS at The Schulte Institute?
The Schulte Institute is contracted with BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, United Healthcare/Optum, Cigna, and Tricare West for TMS therapy. Coverage requires a qualifying diagnosis and prior antidepressant trials, and is determined through prior authorization. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises. Visit our Insurance Coverage page or call (480) 941-9004 for more details.
Can NeuroStar TMS be combined with other treatments like Spravato?
Yes. NeuroStar TMS can be used as a standalone therapy or in combination with other treatments. At The Schulte Institute, we may recommend combining TMS with Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray or other psychiatric services depending on your individual needs and treatment response. Our team takes an integrated, whole-person approach to mental health care.
We accept the following insurance providers for Spravato and TMS services:
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