Serving Rockville & nearby areas • Most major insurances accepted

Defeat your depression into remission with TMS

google logoBright Horizons PsychiatryBright Horizons Psychiatry
4.8 Stars - Based on 179 Reviews
TMS
TESTIMONIALS

What others are saying

My life changed forever

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!

Finding Hope and Healing

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.

Life-Changing Experience

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.

The process

How does it work?

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FREE initial consultation

Mental health screening with an expert member of our care team

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Office visit

1-hour mental health evaluation with provider, creating a personalized treatment plan

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Treatment

Alleviation of depressive symptoms within the first few weeks

Trusted By

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TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression

What is TMS Therapy?

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.

Before Treatment

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.

During Treatment

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.

After Treatment

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.

How TMS Therapy at Bright Horizons Psychiatry Works

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Not just another pill:
TMS for treatment resistant depression

Backed by science and most major health insurances cover consultation with our mental health provider

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About Dr. Amir Etesam, MD

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.

Meet the people who care

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.

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Safe & FDA-Approved

TMS is FDA- approved, safe, and highly effective in treating depression

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Covered by Insurance

Almost all major insurance plans cover TMS therapy.

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No side effects

There is no down time! No pain! Go about your day right after treatment! weeks.

What Our Patients Are Saying About Bright Horizons Psychiatry

Rated out of 5 stars based on customer reviews.

Great first introduction to the services that Bright Horizons psychiatry can offer. Dr listened, made eye contact, showed concern and true dedication to helping patients live their best version of themselves.
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Anna Freidhoff Avatar
Anna Freidhoff
19 Feb 2026
Office was clean and nicely decorated with soft music in the background. The receptionist was friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. The doctor was very kind, attentive, and knowledgeable. He was a good listener and didn't make me feel rushed. He provided good explanations of medication, therapies, and on going process of treatment.
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Ida Gharagozlou-Romero Avatar
Ida Gharagozlou-Romero
17 Feb 2026
Great doctor, very professional and friendly staff. They know how to make you feel comfortable, and actually feel good about talking of what is concerning you. Highly recommend this doctor and staff.
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Tony Latsio Avatar
Tony Latsio
06 Feb 2026
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Frances Castillo Avatar
Frances Castillo
05 Feb 2026
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Kim M Avatar
Kim M
01 Feb 2026
Salvaron mi vida!!! Tuve una depresión muy grande, con un dolor que no podía soportar. Estuve internada, visité dos psiquiatras me dieron diferentes medicamentos, pero nada funcionaba y mi vida era miserable, hasta que di con Bright Horizons. Desde el primer momento el doctor Etesam me dio el tratamiento y medicación adecuada y la Dra Valliath me hizo seguimiento continuo. La atención de todo el staff es increíble. Mil gracias por cambiar mi vida.
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Soledad Sosa Avatar
Soledad Sosa
31 Jan 2026
Dr Amir Etesam is a gem of a doctor. I was so nervous going into his office but he eased my mind with his knowledgeable expertise along with his kindness and detailed explanation of my options for treatment and who I need to see. He has excellent bedside manners and genuinely cares. He took his time answering my questions. Not rushing like so many others. For my particular case he gave me three references to call so I can set up an appointment to go see a neuropsychiatrist instead. He left open the fact that I can always go back to his office. I wish I could have been treated by him. I have been to many different doctors throughout my life. By far he is the best. I can't thank him enough for such a positive experience. His team is pleasant, friendly and making an appointment was easy. Very professional. The office is clean and the environment is light and positive.
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Beatriz De Leon Avatar
Beatriz De Leon
29 Jan 2026
As a psychotherapist myself, I’m very selective about where I refer my clients for medication management, psychological testing, and advanced treatments and Dr. Etesam and his team truly stand out as exceptional. Their practice offers an impressive and thoughtful range of services, from traditional psychiatry to TMS and ketamine treatments, all delivered with a level of care, professionalism, and integrity that is rare to find. I consistently feel confident referring my clients here because I trust the quality of care and the clinical expertise across the entire team. On a personal level, I am also a patient of Anita Paudel, and she has been absolutely wonderful! I always feel heard, supported, and well cared for. I highly recommend Dr. Etesam and his team to both colleagues and my own clients seeking high-quality, comprehensive psychiatric care.
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Olya Rich Avatar
Olya Rich
23 Jan 2026
Dr. V is very empathetic, understanding, and professional. I thank her immensely for the care that she gives. I would not have recovered and made it this far without her guidance and passion! By far the best experience I have had with a psychiatrist.
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Benjamin Lawrence Avatar
Benjamin Lawrence
31 Dec 2025
She was awesome. She made me feel very comfortable. I would definitely be back.
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Sandra Thompson Avatar
Sandra Thompson
31 Dec 2025
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Niloufar Avatar
Niloufar
19 Dec 2025
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Edward Bennett Avatar
Edward Bennett
18 Dec 2025
I feel like this may be a new beginning for me, the staff was very polite and helpful, the doctor was extremely helpful, made everything crystal clear, having some test done that I’ve never knew existed, so I’m finding new ways with these people to help me feel better about myself and get a new lease on life. Thanks to all Edward.
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Edward Bennett Avatar
Edward Bennett
18 Dec 2025
We had a scheduled appt for my son. He was depressed and upset in the car before his appt. Dr E, walked to car with me and saw my upset son and didn't even try to communicate with him. He said to me he’s not ready(??) !! Then he just walked back in the building and left us. So unprofessional and disappointing. Didn't give recommendations, nothing. What kind of a professional psychiatrist would leave a person in distress?? Just unbelievable and shocking.
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pat mckay Avatar
pat mckay
15 Dec 2025
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Hugo Kotler Avatar
Hugo Kotler
12 Dec 2025
I had an excellent experience at this practice. The office is impeccably clean, comfortable, and has a calming, positive vibe. Everyone was professional and welcoming. The person I met with was on her A-game—confident, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. She made me feel completely at ease even though I wasn’t sure what to expect. I left feeling impressed and grateful to have found such a competent and caring practice. 🫶
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Mella Davis Avatar
Mella Davis
04 Nov 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Ready To Leave Depression Behind?

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