FREE initial consultation

Mental health screening with an expert member of our care team

Office Visit

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

Treatment

Alleviation of depressive symptoms within the first few weeks

NOT JUST ANOTHER PILL: TMS FOR TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION

Backed by science and most major health insurances

and many more

How TMS Therapy at Bright Horizons Psychiatry Works

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What is TMS Therapy?

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.

TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression

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.

Dr. Amir Etesam, MD

Dr. Amir Etesam, MD, is a Johns Hopkins-trained Psychiatrist at Bright Horizons Psychiatry in North Bethesda, Maryland. After receiving his medical degree, Dr. Etesam chose to focus his career on mood and anxiety disorders. He is a member of the well-respected Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), the only medical honor society in the world. Diagnostic clarification and appropriately treating psychiatric disorders are the fundamentals of Dr. Etesam’s practice and his promise to his patients. His particular interests include complex psychopharmacology, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Intranasal Ketamine Esketamine (Spravato®) treatment. Dr. Etesam is a National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) certified TMS provider. At present, he sees and treats patients with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD, including severe and treatment-resistant cases. He warmly welcomes all patients into Bright Horizons Psychiatry, and he looks forward to caring for them.

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MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Amir Etesam (Psychiatrist and Medical Director)

Shelly Valliath (Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Supervisor, Neuromodulation)

Cierra Coughlin (Nurse Practitioner, Neuromodulation)

Anita Paudel (Nurse Practitioner)

Hesam Etesam (TMS Director)

Sepideh Adl (Head Administration)

Nancy Vargas (Office Manager)

Ayca Gumus (Patient Care Coordinator)

Sianne Bell (Lead Esketamine Coordinator)

Mehjabeen Khalid (TMS Coordinator)

Naomi Velez (Administrative Assistant)

Sasha Amirov (Marketing Specialist)

Minimal Side Effects

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

Covered by Insurance

Almost all major insurance plans cover TMS therapy.

Safe & FDA-Approved

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

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Patients Are Saying About Bright Horizons Psychiatry

Q1. What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression?

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.

Q2. How does TMS Treatments differ from traditional antidepressants?

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.

Q3. Who is a good candidate for TMS?

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.

Q4. How long does it take to see results from TMS Treatment?

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.

Q5. Is TMS safe?

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.

Q6. How long do the effects of TMS Treatment last?

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.

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Defeat your depression to remission with TMS

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