Why Choose NeuroStar TMS Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ?
When you are living with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or anxious depression, choosing the right treatment can feel overwhelming — especially if medications and therapy have not delivered the relief you need. At The Schulte Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, we offer NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy because it works differently from every other treatment option and has the clinical evidence to back it up. Here is why NeuroStar stands apart.
Request an AppointmentNeuroStar Treats Depression at Its Source
Depression, OCD, and anxious depression are not just emotional conditions — they are neurological ones. In patients with these disorders, the synapses in the brain’s mood-regulating networks stop functioning correctly, leading to decreased activity in regions like the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex that are directly responsible for how we process emotions, regulate mood, and experience motivation. Antidepressant medications work by chemically altering neurotransmitter levels throughout the entire body — including in the digestive tract — which is why systemic side effects are so common. They do not directly address the underactive neural circuits at the root of the problem.
NeuroStar TMS works differently. By delivering focused electromagnetic pulses precisely to the targeted brain regions, NeuroStar directly stimulates the dormant neurons and trains them to resume normal activity. With regular treatment sessions, the brain learns to sustain higher levels of activity on its own — and when those neurons remain consistently active, depressive symptoms diminish or resolve entirely. This is why patients who complete the full NeuroStar course often experience remission that lasts up to 12 months. To understand the session-by-session process in detail, visit our How It Works page.
How NeuroStar Compares to Other Treatment Options
NeuroStar TMS vs. Antidepressant Medications: Antidepressants work systemically — they alter neurotransmitter levels throughout the body via the bloodstream, which is why side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, and sedation are so prevalent. Research from the STAR*D study also shows that with every subsequent antidepressant trial, the probability of achieving remission decreases while the likelihood of abandoning treatment due to intolerable side effects increases. NeuroStar TMS is completely non-systemic — it delivers magnetic pulses to a localized brain region only, with no impact on the rest of the body and none of the medication side effects.
NeuroStar TMS vs. Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy encourages insight, behavioral change, and the development of coping strategies — and it is a valuable component of comprehensive psychiatric care. However, psychotherapy alone often cannot address the underlying neurological imbalances that drive depression and OCD. NeuroStar TMS addresses these imbalances directly at the brain circuit level, making it a powerful complement to therapy for patients who need more than talk therapy can offer.
NeuroStar TMS vs. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is an invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia and induces brief seizures to alter brain chemistry. While ECT can be effective for severe cases, it carries significant risks including cognitive side effects and memory impairment. NeuroStar TMS is entirely non-invasive — no anesthesia, no seizure induction, no recovery time, and no impact on cognition or memory. You are awake throughout each session and can drive yourself home and return to work immediately after. For patients who also want to explore Spravato as an alternative or complement to TMS, visit our Spravato (esketamine) page.
The Technology That Makes NeuroStar Different
Not all TMS systems are the same. NeuroStar Advanced TMS is the number-one physician-recommended TMS system in the United States and features a patented Contact Sensing technology that ensures a precise, consistent magnetic pulse dosage at every session. This means you receive the exact therapeutic dose your brain needs — session after session — rather than a variable approximation. In the largest real-world outcomes data for any TMS system, NeuroStar produced an 83% response rate and 62% full remission rate across thousands of patients treated in real clinical settings. It is also the only TMS system with durability of effect established over 12 months in clinical studies.
At The Schulte Institute, Dr. Henry J. Schulte, MD, DFAPA, has administered NeuroStar TMS for over a decade, bringing one of the deepest levels of hands-on TMS experience available in the Scottsdale area. Dr. Danielle M. Koreny, DNP, PMHNP-BC, adds further expertise in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. Together, they combine the most clinically validated TMS system on the market with the personalized, holistic approach to psychiatric care that defines The Schulte Institute. To learn more about our providers, visit our About page. To see if you qualify for NeuroStar TMS, visit our Candidates page or call (480) 941-9004 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Why NeuroStar TMS Therapy in Scottsdale?
Why is NeuroStar TMS therapy better than antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression?
Antidepressants work systemically and carry a growing list of side effects with each subsequent trial, while the probability of achieving remission decreases with every failed medication. NeuroStar TMS is completely non-systemic — it targets the specific underactive brain circuits responsible for depression without affecting the rest of your body. In real-world outcomes, 83% of patients responded to NeuroStar TMS and 62% achieved full remission, representing outcomes that diminishing-returns antidepressant trials rarely match for treatment-resistant patients.
Why is NeuroStar the best TMS system available?
NeuroStar is the number-one physician-recommended TMS system in the United States, backed by the most extensive real-world clinical outcomes data of any TMS platform. Its patented Contact Sensing technology ensures a precise, consistent magnetic pulse dose at every session. It is also the only TMS system with durability of effect clinically established over a full 12 months — making it the gold standard for non-invasive depression treatment. Our providers at The Schulte Institute have over a decade of experience administering NeuroStar specifically.
Is NeuroStar TMS safe, and what are the risks?
NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared and has an excellent safety profile. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort or mild tapping sensation at the scalp treatment site, which typically resolves within the first week. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with TMS — less than 0.1% per patient. TMS should not be used in patients with non-removable conductive metal in or near the head. Unlike ECT, TMS carries no risk of cognitive impairment or memory loss. Our team reviews all safety considerations with you in full during your consultation.
How does NeuroStar TMS work for OCD differently than for depression?
For depression, NeuroStar TMS targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex — the brain region most closely linked to mood regulation and most commonly underactive in MDD. For OCD, the coil is repositioned to target the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex — regions involved in emotional response regulation and the compulsive thought-behavior cycles characteristic of OCD. The underlying principle is the same: focused magnetic stimulation reactivates underactive neural circuits, but the specific brain target differs by condition.
Why should I choose The Schulte Institute for NeuroStar TMS in Scottsdale?
The Schulte Institute offers over a decade of hands-on NeuroStar TMS experience under the leadership of Dr. Henry J. Schulte, MD, DFAPA — one of Scottsdale’s most experienced psychiatrists. Our practice takes a holistic approach to psychiatric care, treating each patient as a whole person across biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. We also offer Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray and off-label TMS applications, giving patients access to a full spectrum of advanced interventional psychiatry options in one practice.
Can NeuroStar TMS be used together with Spravato for treatment-resistant depression?
Yes. At The Schulte Institute, our providers may recommend combining NeuroStar TMS with Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray for patients with treatment-resistant depression who may benefit from a multi-modal approach. Both treatments are available at our Scottsdale practice, allowing for fully coordinated, individualized care. The decision to combine treatments is made on a case-by-case basis following a thorough evaluation by Dr. Schulte or Dr. Koreny.
How do I get started with NeuroStar TMS at The Schulte Institute?
Call (480) 941-9004 or submit a request through our appointments page to schedule your initial consultation at The Schulte Institute in Scottsdale. During your appointment, Dr. Schulte or Dr. Koreny will review your diagnosis, treatment history, and medical background, confirm your insurance coverage, and — if you are a candidate — schedule your initial mapping session to begin NeuroStar TMS therapy.
