Depression treatment in McLean,
when medication alone hasn't worked.
If you've tried antidepressants and still don't feel like yourself, you're not out of options. Brain Bloom is a psychiatry practice offering medication management and FDA-cleared NeuroStar® TMS for adults and teens (15+), all under one roof.
Physician-led care with a psychiatrist as Medical Director
FDA-cleared NeuroStar® TMS when medication hasn't worked
Medication management with our psychiatric providers
Another prescription isn't the only next step. We offer medication management and NeuroStar® TMS in the same office, and they can be combined. After your free consultation, your provider recommends the plan that fits you.
A psychiatric evaluation and an ongoing medication plan with our psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioners. It can stand on its own or complement your existing regimen.
Time commitment
An evaluation, then follow-up visits with your provider
Often a fit if
You want a fresh look at your current medications, or you are just starting treatment
FDA-cleared magnetic stimulation of the area of the brain that helps regulate mood. Non-invasive, non-habit-forming, and no anesthesia. You can drive yourself home after each session.
Time commitment
About 5 sessions a week for 4 to 6 weeks, roughly 20 to 40 minutes each
Often a fit if
Antidepressants haven't worked well enough, or their side effects are hard to live with
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses a small curved coil, placed lightly on your head, to deliver magnetic pulses to the area of the brain that helps regulate mood. You're awake, seated in a comfortable chair, and free to go about your day afterwards.
01
Targeted pulses
Pulses are aimed at the prefrontal cortex, an area linked to mood that is often underactive in depression.
02
Neurons activated
Repeated sessions stimulate those nerve cells and help restore more typical activity in mood circuits.
03
Lasting relief
Over a full course, many patients feel their mood, energy, and focus return.
FDA-cleared
No anesthesia or sedation
Non-habit-forming
No time off needed
The research
Real-world results with NeuroStar®.
Outcomes reported in published NeuroStar® studies. Individual results vary, and your provider will talk through what to expect for you.
of patients responded to treatment1
83%
reached remission1
62%
durable benefit for most responders over a year of follow-up2
12mo
typical course, about 5 sessions a week
4–6wk
1. Sackeim HA, et al. J Affect Disord. 2020;277:65-74. Clinician-rated (CGI-S) outcomes from the NeuroStar® outcomes registry.
2. Dunner DL, et al. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014;75(12):1394-1401. Results may vary.
Who we help
Depression looks different for everyone.
From depression that won't lift to the anxiety that often comes with it. Tap what fits and we'll add it to your request.
What if I've already tried medication and therapy?
That is exactly who NeuroStar® TMS is for. It's FDA-cleared for adults with major depression who didn't improve enough on antidepressants, and it's an option when side effects have been hard to tolerate. We'll review what you've tried and talk through next steps.
What depression treatments do you offer?
Medication management with our psychiatric providers, FDA-cleared NeuroStar® TMS, and accelerated TMS. They can be combined. Your provider recommends a plan after your free consultation.
Is NeuroStar® TMS safe?
NeuroStar® is FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and needs no anesthesia. The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site, which usually fades after the first week. There is a rare risk of seizure (less than 0.1% per patient). Your provider reviews your health history before you start.
Does TMS hurt?
Most people feel a tapping sensation on the scalp. Some feel mild scalp discomfort at first, and it usually eases after several sessions. You're awake the whole time and can talk, listen to music, or just relax.
How long until I feel better?
Everyone is different. With TMS, a standard course is about 5 sessions a week for 4 to 6 weeks, and many people begin to notice improvement within four to six weeks.
Do I have to stop my medication?
Not necessarily. TMS can be used alongside your current treatment. Our psychiatric providers review your medications and can manage them alongside TMS, so you're never making those decisions alone.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
We accept most major insurance, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Tricare. Insurance covers TMS for depression, and most plans ask for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, two or more antidepressant trials, and psychotherapy. We verify your benefits and handle the authorization for you.
Do you treat teenagers?
Yes. Our Medical Director, Dr. Ehsan Habibpour, is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, and NeuroStar® is FDA-cleared as an add-on treatment for major depression in patients aged 15 to 21.
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time, or call 911 for an emergency.
Your first conversation is free.
A 30-minute consultation in our McLean office, with no obligation. We'll review what you've tried and recommend the right next step.