Bright Horizons Psychiatry "*" indicates required fields
After years of ineffective medications, TMS at Bright Horizons transformed my outlook. With compassionate care and painless treatments, I feel lighter, think differently, and highly recommend this!
Bright Horizons exceeded my expectations, guiding me from darkness to hope. With caring staff and effective treatment, I feel lighter, more positive, and on the path to recovery from depression.
A life-changing journey with Bright Horizons—after decades of depression, I’ve found joy, connection, and hope. Grateful for the care, support, and transformation this experience has brought me.
Mental health screening with an expert member of our care team
1-hour mental health evaluation with provider, creating a personalized treatment plan
Alleviation of depressive symptoms within the first few weeks
TMS is a non-invasive outpatient treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that may be underactive in depression. The magnetic pulses help ‘wake up’ certain parts of the brain, which can help mood, reduce feelings of sadness, and help you feel like yourself again! This treatment is safe, effective, and generally painless.
You’ll meet with Dr. Etesam, lead Psychiatrist and Medical Director. During this session, he will use gentle techniques to find your specific ‘motor threshold’- basically, the specific spot on your scalp where your brain responds best to the magnetic pulses. This helps him target the right areas of your brain during TMS to get you the best results for depression alleviation.
You’ll simply sit back and relax in a comfortable chair. A helmet will be placed gently on your head, and it will send soft, painless magnetic pulses to the areas of your brain that need a little boost. You might feel a light tapping or a slight sensation in your scalp, but it’s completely comfortable. Each session lasts about 20-30 minutes, and you can unwind during the treatment while watching something on our TVs or listen to music.
You can go back to your normal routine right away. It’s common to feel more relaxed or at ease after treatment, and over time, you will start to notice improvements in your mood. Your provider will guide you on what to expect and how many sessions you’ll need for the best results.
Backed by science and most major health insurances cover consultation with our mental health provider
and many more
Dr. Amir Etesam, MD, is a Johns Hopkins–trained, Board-Certified, psychiatrist and the founder of Bright Horizons Psychiatry in North Bethesda, Maryland. He is a distinguished member of Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), the nation’s most respected medical honor society, recognizing excellence in scholarship and integrity in medicine.
Dr. Etesam’s clinical work is exclusively focused on patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD)—those who have not improved despite multiple trials of medication and therapy. His practice centers on advanced neuromodulation therapies, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Intranasal Esketamine (Spravato®), provided in a private, state-of-the-art setting designed for comfort and healing.
He no longer accepts new patients for other psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or OCD.
For patients seeking care for other psychiatric conditions—such as anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and general mood or behavioral concerns—a highly trained team of psychiatric nurse practitioners works side-by-side with, and under the close supervision of Dr. Etesam. This collaborative model ensures that every patient receives the same standard of thoughtful, evidence-based care that defines Bright Horizons Psychiatry.
We’re not just healthcare providers. We’re real people who care deeply about your journey.
Led by Dr. Amir Etesam, our compassionate team includes nurse practitioners, mental health coordinators, and neuromodulation specialists—all focused on one thing: helping you heal.
TMS is FDA- approved, safe, and highly effective in treating depression
Almost all major insurance plans cover TMS therapy.
There is no down time! No pain! Go about your day right after treatment! weeks.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, helping to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is often recommended for individuals who haven’t found relief from antidepressant medications, or when medications are no longer effective. It can also be a great alternative for those who prefer a non-medication option.
TMS doesn’t affect the rest of your body, so it doesn’t cause side effects like weight gain, sexual issues, nausea, dry mouth, or tiredness. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headaches, which usually get better after the first week of treatment, and for some people, even a few minutes after treatment.
TMS is a great option for individuals with depression who haven’t found relief from traditional treatments like medication or therapy. It’s also ideal for those looking for a non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects. Candidates are able to commit to a series of treatments over a few weeks. If you’re uncertain whether TMS is right for you, a consultation with your provider can help you explore your options.
On average,, many patients start to notice improvements after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. For some, it may take a little longer, depending on individual factors. Consistent sessions are key to achieving the best results, and your provider will monitor your progress throughout the treatment to make any necessary adjustments.
Yes, TMS is considered a safe treatment. It is non-invasive, with minimal side effects. TMS does not involve medication, so it doesn’t carry the risks associated with drug treatments. It has been thoroughly tested and is FDA-approved for treating depression. As always, your provider will evaluate your individual health needs to ensure TMS is the right option for you.
The effects of TMS therapy can last for several months, with many patients experiencing sustained improvements in mood. Some individuals may need maintenance treatments every few weeks to continue benefiting from TMS. The duration of results varies from person to person, and your provider will work with you to develop a plan for ongoing care based on your progress.
We are here to support you in the healing journey
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