Expansion of Deep TMS Coverage for Adolescents by Optum: A Significant Step for Mental Health Treatment
On December 22, 2025, BrainsWay Ltd. (NASDAQ: BWAY), a leader in advanced noninvasive brain stimulation technologies, announced that Optum Behavioral Health had expanded its medical policy to include coverage for Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) therapy. This policy applies to adolescents aged 15 and older diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The expansion is particularly noteworthy given Optum’s extensive reach, encompassing over 48 million covered lives within its network, part of the larger UnitedHealth Group.
The decision to include Deep TMS for adolescents aligns Optum with several other prominent insurance providers that already recognize the therapy as a viable treatment option for MDD. Current coverage extends beyond Optum to include major payers such as Evernorth Health Services and several Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Collectively, these insurers cover approximately 180 million lives, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of Deep TMS’s role in modern mental health care.
According to BrainsWay, an estimated 5 million adolescents between the ages of 15 to 21 in the U.S. are affected by major depression, highlighting a pressing public health challenge. This age group often experiences significant disruptions in crucial developmental milestones, impacting academic performance and social interactions. Comprehensive treatment options are critical, especially for adolescents who struggle with medication intolerance or inefficacy.
Deep TMS, which is FDA-cleared as an adjunct therapy for adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder, has demonstrated clinically significant improvement in response and remission rates among young patients. As CEO Hadar Levy stated, “Optum’s policy expansion marks an important step forward in expanding access to a more effective, clinically proven, and non-drug treatment option for young people affected by MDD.”
The clinical evidence supporting Deep TMS treatment underscores a historic gap in effective mental health interventions for adolescents. By increasing access to this non-invasive therapy, a shift in the treatment landscape for younger patients might occur, potentially reducing the risk of co-morbid conditions such as substance abuse and suicidal ideation.
Despite these advances, it is crucial to note that the policy expansion currently applies solely to adolescents aged 15 and older, thereby excluding younger teens from coverage. This limitation emphasizes the need for continued advocacy for broader access to effective mental health treatments.
As BrainsWay continues to lead in neurostimulation therapies with its proprietary technology, the implications of expanded insurance coverage highlight a critical intersection of mental health care accessibility and innovative treatment options. Moving forward, the continued alignment of more insurers with Best TMS therapy could significantly shape the trajectory of adolescent mental health treatment in the United States.
