Brain Photobiomodulation (PBM) Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital
Guest Reviews
A specialized clinical research program at MGH for treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric conditions. Patient testimonials highlight dramatic improvements in mood and cognitive function after completing treatment protocols.
Contact & Hours
About Brain Photobiomodulation (PBM) Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital
The Brain Photobiomodulation (PBM) Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the only dedicated clinical programs in the United States applying transcranial near-infrared light therapy for the treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions. Located at One Bowdoin Square, 6th Floor in Boston, the clinic operates within MGH's Department of Psychiatry under the direction of Paolo Cassano, MD, PhD — a Harvard Medical School faculty member and leading researcher in the field of brain photobiomodulation. The clinic serves patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), cognitive impairment, and other neuropsychiatric conditions who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. PBM treatment at MGH involves the application of near-infrared light to the scalp, where specific wavelengths penetrate the skull and stimulate neuronal activity in prefrontal cortical regions implicated in mood regulation, executive function, and stress response. A typical session lasts fewer than 10 minutes. Patients remain awake, fully clothed, and seated throughout — no anesthesia, no sedation, no systemic medications. The non-invasive nature means patients can return to normal activities immediately. Side effects are minimal and typically limited to mild scalp warmth or tingling during stimulation. The treatment protocol involves multiple sessions over several weeks, and outcomes are monitored closely by the clinical team. Clinical research published in peer-reviewed journals supports PBM's potential to improve mood, reduce depressive symptoms, and enhance cellular metabolism in brain tissue through mitochondrial activation. For patients who have exhausted conventional psychiatric options, the MGH PBM Clinic represents a scientifically grounded, rigorously supervised alternative at the intersection of photobiology and psychiatry.
Service Menu
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Near Infrared | Call for pricing |
| Photobiomodulation | Call for pricing |