Optum Policy Update Enables Broader Access To NeuroStar TMS Therapy For Depression Treatment
Neuronetics expands access to NeuroStar TMS therapy as Optum policy allows nurse practitioners to deliver treatment for major depressive disorder across millions of patients.
Breaking News
Apr 14, 2026
Vaibhavi M.
Neuronetics has announced a significant policy update from Optum, UnitedHealthcare, and United Behavioral Health, expanding access to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. Under the revised clinical policy, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are now authorized to order, supervise, and administer TMS therapy, responsibilities that were previously limited to psychiatrists.
This update applies to PMHNPs practicing in states that grant full practice authority (FPA) and operating within their legal scope as advanced practice registered nurses. By broadening the pool of qualified providers, the policy is expected to significantly increase access to NeuroStar Advanced Therapy for approximately 34.8 million individuals covered under Optum/UHC/UBH plans.
Brian Banks, MSN, BSN, PMHNP-BC, owner of Lighthouse Mental Wellness in Pembroke, MA, applauds Neuronetics' health policy team's advocacy efforts. “I have seen firsthand how effective NeuroStar TMS can be for patients who have not responded to medication,” said Brian Banks, MSN, BSN, PMHNP-BC. “This policy update is recognition that nurse practitioners are highly qualified to deliver this therapy, and it opens the door for so many more patients to get the help they need. I am proud to have been part of the journey that helped lead to this moment.”
The expanded policy will impact 26 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., improving availability of TMS therapy in regions where access to specialized psychiatric care may be limited. This move is particularly important for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a condition affecting around 21 million adults in the U.S., many of whom do not respond adequately to traditional antidepressant medications.
“Nurse practitioners have long been on the front lines of mental healthcare, and this policy update by Optum/UHC/UBH is a significant milestone for expanding care across the country,” said Dan Reuvers, President and CEO of Neuronetics, Inc. “By recognizing the critical role that psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners play in delivering care, this decision will help ensure that more patients, particularly those in underserved communities, can access the life-changing treatment they deserve. We are proud of the work our dedicated health policy team has done to help make this possible.”
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative by using targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation. Real-world data from the NeuroStar Outcomes Database shows response rates of up to 83% and remission rates of 62%, highlighting its potential as an effective treatment option. Neuronetics also emphasised its ongoing efforts to work with providers and payers to advance health policy changes that improve patient access to innovative therapies.
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