TMS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, medication-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses (similar to MRI technology), to stimulate the specific areas of the brain that control your mood.
When traditional treatment isn’t enough
If depression continues to impact your life despite medication or therapy, TMS may offer a different path forward. This FDA-approved treatment targets the areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
Without surgery, anesthesia, or downtime, allowing you to get back to your day right away.
Your TMS Treatment Journey
Knowing what to expect can make starting treatment feel easier. TMS is a non-invasive treatment that requires no anesthesia and no recovery time. Here's what the process typically looks like.
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We begin with a comprehensive mental health assessment to determine whether TMS is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you.
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You’ll meet with our psychiatric team to review your needs, discuss available options, and create a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
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A specialized mapping session identifies the precise area of the brain to target, ensuring treatment is accurate and personalized.
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Before treatment begins, we'll walk you through the process, schedule, and what to expect throughout your course of care.
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TMS sessions typically last between 3 and 30 minutes and are completed five days a week over 6–8 weeks. You remain awake, alert, and can return to your day immediately afterward.
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Throughout treatment, you'll receive continued monitoring, progress assessments, and psychoeducation to support your overall mental health and long-term well-being.
TMS: What the Data Shows
Mood improvement
50–75% of patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms, typically defined as at least a 50% improvement in mood.
Symptom relief
30–50% of patients experience full relief from depressive symptoms and a return to a normal mood state.
Sustained benefits
About 50–60% of patients who respond to TMS maintain their improvements six months after treatment, though some may benefit from occasional maintenance (“booster”) sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain. It's typically used when antidepressants haven't worked well enough.
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Adults with Major Depressive Disorder who haven't responded to at least one antidepressant. It's also used for OCD and anxious depression. People with metal implants in or near the head (cochlear implants, certain aneurysm clips) are generally not candidates.
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A standard course is 36 sessions over 6–7 weeks, five days a week. Each session is 19–45 minutes depending on the protocol (standard TMS vs. theta burst).
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If TMS doesn't provide adequate relief, other options include Spravato (esketamine), medication adjustments, or ECT, all of which your provider can discuss with you.
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Most major commercial insurers and Medicare cover TMS for MDD when at least one antidepressant has failed. Prior authorization is required. We verify benefits before treatment begins.
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Yes. No anesthesia or sedation is involved, you're fully alert and can drive to and from every session.
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Many patients begin noticing changes around weeks 3–4. Clinically, 50–60% of medication-resistant patients experience meaningful improvement.
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The most common is mild scalp discomfort or headache, especially early on. No memory issues, weight changes, or sexual side effects like those associated with antidepressants.