Depression can affect adolescents differently than adults, and treatment decisions need to account for each patient’s age, symptoms, treatment history, and development. MagVenture TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder in adolescents ages 15–21 (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025). At The Mind Grove TMS Center in Colorado Springs, Dr. Bowers brings specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to every adolescent evaluation, and medication can remain part of care when clinically appropriate.
Depression in Adolescents: What Makes It Different
Major depressive disorder in adolescents can include persistent sadness or irritability, loss of interest in usual activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, and problems at school or home (Mayo Clinic, 2026). Because some of these changes can be mistaken for typical adolescent behavior, we look at the full clinical picture rather than any one symptom when evaluating a younger patient.
Some adolescents continue to have significant depression symptoms despite medication, evidence-based psychotherapy, or both. Definitions of treatment-resistant depression can vary, so we review the individual patient’s treatment history rather than relying on a single threshold. TMS may be another option for qualifying adolescents, and medication can remain part of the treatment plan when clinically appropriate.
The FDA Clearance for Adolescents
MagVenture TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder in adolescents ages 15–21 (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025). This clearance expanded the FDA-cleared use of TMS to younger patients with MDD, while research continues to examine treatment protocols, outcomes, and implementation in adolescent care (Srivastava et al., 2026). Insurance coverage is determined separately by each payer and its medical-necessity requirements.
The current MagVenture adolescent MDD indication applies to patients ages 15–21. Patients younger than 15 are outside this FDA-cleared adolescent indication.
Why Specialized Training Matters for Adolescent Patients
Adolescent TMS uses the same non-invasive TMS technology used in adult care, but evaluating and treating a younger patient requires attention to development, family involvement, school and social factors, treatment history, and how depression is presenting at that stage of life.
At The Mind Grove TMS Center, our founder, Dr. Megan Bowers, MD, PhD, completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital and holds dual ABPN board certification in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. That specialized training shapes how evaluations with adolescent patients are conducted, how families are included in the treatment conversation, and how clinical decisions are made for a population with its own developmental considerations.
What the Treatment Involves
We provide TMS in our Colorado Springs office with patients seated and awake throughout treatment. TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and there is no routine recovery period. Most patients can resume their usual activities after an appointment, although individual experiences can vary.
Current research supports a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile for TMS in younger patients, although studies have used different populations and treatment protocols (Wang et al., 2026). Side effects can include temporary headache or scalp discomfort. We review potential side effects with adolescents and their families before treatment begins and monitor how each patient is tolerating treatment throughout the course.
Before treatment begins, Dr. Bowers evaluates each adolescent to determine whether TMS is appropriate. She reviews the diagnosis, prior medication and psychotherapy history, current medications, safety considerations, and the patient’s current care plan. We also discuss family involvement and treatment expectations before recommending a protocol. Results vary by individual.
Insurance Coverage for Adolescent TMS
TMS for adolescent MDD may be covered by many insurance plans for qualifying patients ages 15–21, depending on the payer and its medical-necessity requirements. Coverage criteria can include prior treatment history and other clinical requirements. Off-label treatment is generally not covered by insurance, and Colorado Medicaid does not currently cover TMS.
We review insurance and cost considerations with families before treatment begins so they understand what their specific plan may cover and any expected out-of-pocket costs.
FAQ
Is TMS safe for teenagers?
MagVenture TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared as an adjunct treatment for MDD in adolescents ages 15–21 (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025). Current research supports a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile in younger patients, although studies vary in their populations and treatment protocols (Wang et al., 2026). TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation. Dr. Bowers evaluates each adolescent individually to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Can my teenager do TMS while still taking antidepressants?
In many cases, yes. TMS does not inherently require stopping current medications, and medication can remain part of care when clinically appropriate. Dr. Bowers reviews each patient’s current medications during the evaluation and can incorporate medication management into the treatment plan when needed.
Will TMS affect my teenager’s ability to go to school?
TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and there is no routine recovery period. Most patients can return to school or other usual activities after an appointment. Temporary effects such as headache or scalp discomfort can occur, so we discuss scheduling and individual treatment experience with each family.
How involved are parents in the treatment process?
We welcome family involvement in the evaluation and treatment process for adolescent patients. The appropriate level of involvement depends on the patient’s age, preferences, clinical needs, and treatment plan, and we discuss that with each family from the beginning.
What if my teenager doesn’t respond to TMS?
Not every patient responds to TMS. If symptoms do not improve as expected, Dr. Bowers reassesses the patient’s response and overall treatment plan. Medication management can remain part of care when clinically appropriate, and we can coordinate with other members of the patient’s care team when needed. Before treatment begins, we discuss what TMS may reasonably offer and the limits of any individual outcome.
Key Takeaways
MagVenture TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared as an adjunct treatment for MDD in adolescents ages 15–21.
Dr. Bowers is dual board-certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry, bringing specialized training to the evaluation and treatment of adolescent patients.
TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and current research supports a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile in younger patients.
Medication can remain part of care when clinically appropriate; we do not treat TMS as a replacement for every other part of an adolescent’s treatment plan.
Dr. Bowers reviews diagnosis, prior treatment, current medications, safety considerations, and the current care plan to determine whether TMS is appropriate. Individual results vary.
If your teenager continues to experience significant depression symptoms despite prior treatment, we can evaluate whether TMS may be appropriate. Dr. Bowers brings specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to that evaluation and reviews your teenager’s diagnosis, treatment history, current medications, safety considerations, and overall care plan before making a recommendation. Contact The Mind Grove TMS Center in Colorado Springs to schedule a consultation.
References
Mayo Clinic. (2026). Depression (major depressive disorder): Symptoms and causes.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
Srivastava, A. V., Nemeroff, C. B., & O’Sullivan, S. J. (2026). TMS in adolescent depression: A milestone FDA clearance. Molecular Psychiatry, 31, 3254–3256.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-026-03455-0
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). MagVenture TMS Therapy System (K251125).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf25/K251125.pdf
Wang, X., Zhang, Z., Li, Y., Gao, Y., & Cao, Q. (2026). Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults with depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders, 392, 120132.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40865772/
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this blog is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. TMS therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical or psychiatric provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.