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TMS for Adolescent Depression in McLean

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Is your teen constantly withdrawn and easily upset? Do you feel like you don’t know what’s going on with them because they don’t talk? You wonder if your teenager might be depressed. They might not be, but it would be important to know for sure. Watching your teenager struggle with depression can leave you searching for answers that feel both safe and effective. Our team offers an additional path forward when first-line treatments have not fully worked.

Depression in youth is a serious issue. Major depressive disorder (MDD) typically begins around the mid-teen years. Approximately 10% of 11- to 16-year-olds have emotional disorders, and this number increases to 15% by the age of 17 to 19.

We have witnessed a rising rate of depression among teenagers. Isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the increased presence of social media, have played large roles in the rise of teenage depression. Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the number of adolescents with depression has increased by 1.5 to 2 times.

We believe every teenager deserves an evaluation from a psychiatrist who understands the adolescent brain. That is why our child and adolescent psychiatrist leads a thorough assessment before recommending TMS therapy, ensuring your teen receives a plan built around their specific symptoms, history, and goals. Contact Brain Bloom Neurotherapy Center to learn more about medication management, cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), and TMS therapy for adolescent depression in McLean. TMS therapy is an alternative mental health option that is FDA-cleared to treat numerous conditions.

Why Adolescent Depression Calls for a Specialized Approach

Teenagers facing depression often experience symptoms differently than adults do. Irritability, withdrawal from friends, and a drop in academic performance can appear alongside sadness, and these signs are sometimes mistaken for typical teenage behavior. We take the time to distinguish between normal developmental changes and a clinical condition that deserves treatment, and we involve parents throughout the process so you understand each step your teen is taking.

Because adolescence is a period of significant brain development, we approach treatment planning with extra care. Our McLean psychiatrist considers your teen’s age, the severity of their symptoms, and how depression is affecting their daily life at school and at home before recommending any course of treatment, including TMS for teen depression.

First Steps: Assessment and Treatment Options

To understand what’s happening with your teen, a professional will assess the situation through various means. This may involve a psychiatric evaluation, questionnaires, and, if necessary, psychological testing.

At Brain Bloom Neurotherapy Center, we have different treatment modalities. Whether they need talk therapy, medication, or TMS, our lead doctor will pick the best treatment option for your child depending on the results of their psychological assessment. Our newest option, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a drug-free treatment that has been FDA-approved for adolescents ages 15+ and can be the first-line of treatment for adolescents ages 15-17.

At Brain Bloom Neurotherapy Center in McLean, we offer TMS treatments for adolescent depression under the care of Ehsan Habibpour, MD, a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. TMS therapy is also covered by most insurance plans. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Aetna, and Tricare.

What Should Parents Expect During an Evaluation?

An initial evaluation for adolescent depression typically includes a detailed conversation with your teen and a review of prior treatment history. From there, we build a plan that may include medication management, psychotherapy, or TMS, depending on what your teen has already tried and how they have responded.

During this evaluation, our psychiatrist considers whether your teen has tried at least one antidepressant without adequate improvement, since this history often points toward TMS as a reasonable next step. We also discuss your family’s goals and any concerns you have about starting a new form of treatment, so families feel informed before moving forward.

First Steps: Assessment and Treatment Options

Combining Medication Management and TMS for Lasting Support

For many adolescents, medication management and TMS work well together rather than as separate paths. McLean teens who continue to see a psychiatrist for ongoing medication support, while also receiving TMS sessions, often benefit from this coordinated approach. Our practice focuses exclusively on brain stimulation and psychiatric care rather than offering a wide range of unrelated services, which allows our team to stay closely attuned to how your teen is progressing.

We recognize that starting TMS is a significant decision for any family, and we take time to explain how sessions are scheduled, what your teen can expect to feel during treatment, and how progress is measured along the way. Our goal is to keep you informed at every stage so that you and your teen feel supported rather than uncertain.

Contact Our McLean Mental Health Team to Learn More About TMS and Other Treatments for Adolescent Depression

If your teenager has struggled with depression despite trying therapy or medication, we invite you to reach out and learn more about TMS for adolescent depression in McLean. It takes the right team to battle depression. TMS therapy is not one-size-fits-all therapy. We can help you determine if your child needs medication, CBT, or TMS therapy. 

Our child and adolescent psychiatrist and care team are ready to walk alongside your family, answer your questions, and help determine whether this treatment could be the right next step for your teen. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward renewed hope for your child.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Depression in Adolescents

Yes. Unlike adults, teens display depression through irritability, aggression, and oversensitiveness. Though these symptoms are seen in anyone with depression, they are more likely to be seen in teens and children in the adolescent stage than in adults.

Absolutely. This has become one of the common causes of depression in adolescents. Academic pressure, social rejection, and bullying can trigger or worsen depression.

Stay calm and don’t force anything. It’s common for teens to feel defensive or unsure about their feelings. Try validating their perspective, involving trusted individuals, and normalising mental health.

No. Depression isn’t something that should be neglected. If not treated properly, it may worsen and cause serious consequences for your child’s life. Request professional help immediately if you notice.

Depends. Teens with initial stages of depression can continue schooling and other activities, with the permission of their therapist. But if the symptoms are critical( suicidal thoughts, self-harm, etc.), your child should be under constant monitoring and stopped from schooling.

Yes. Teens with depression can show contrasting behaviors. You may see them laugh, socialize, and act completely normal, yet struggle internally. Parents need to monitor their children’s behavior closely to identify their mental health needs.

No. Depression treatment helps children to embrace their true selves, hidden by depression symptoms. It doesn’t change your child’s core personality.

Candidates for TMS Therapy in McLean

Please note: We are not affiliated with any Brain Bloom mobile application. There is no association between us and a Brain Bloom app. We are a private therapy center in McLean, VA.

Brain Bloom Neurotherapy

Brain Bloom Neurotherapy N/a
McLean
1303 Vincent Pl McLean, VA 22101
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(703) 712-7539

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