Brain Photobiomodulation Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital
Guest Reviews
A pioneering clinical program at Massachusetts General Hospital that offers transcranial near-infrared photobiomodulation for patients with treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric conditions. Patient narratives and research publications highlight meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety, and the clinic draws referrals nationally due to its Harvard Medical School affiliation.
Contact & Hours
About Brain Photobiomodulation Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital
The Brain Photobiomodulation Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the most clinically rigorous photobiomodulation programs in the United States. Directed by Dr. Paolo Cassano, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, the clinic delivers transcranial near-infrared light therapy to patients with treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric conditions including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, traumatic brain injury, and early-stage dementia. The treatment is non-invasive and typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes per session, during which a technician places a device equipped with near-infrared LEDs on the patient's scalp, directing low-energy photons toward targeted brain regions. Unlike antidepressant medications, PBM carries minimal side effects, with most patients reporting only a gentle warming sensation during treatment. The clinic is formally authorized by the MGH Executive Credentials Committee for off-label treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. Because photobiomodulation is off-label, most insurance plans do not cover the cost, making it an out-of-pocket expense. For anyone in the Boston area managing chronic, difficult-to-treat mental health or neurological conditions, the Brain Photobiomodulation Clinic at MGH represents a rare convergence of hospital-grade care, Harvard-affiliated research, and a genuinely novel therapeutic modality backed by peer-reviewed evidence. Referrals can come from psychiatrists, neurologists, or primary care physicians, and the program collaborates closely with the MGH Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation.
Service Menu
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Photobiomodulation | Call for pricing |