A safe, non-invasive treatment for depression.

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.

It does not require anesthesia, sedation, or medication changes in most cases.

TMS is typically recommended for adults with depression who have not improved with one or more antidepressant medications or who have experienced intolerable side effects.

TMS is most commonly used for treatment-resistant depression and is also FDA-cleared for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Certain medical conditions or implanted devices may affect eligibility, which is reviewed during the evaluation process.

Unlike medications, which work throughout the body, TMS targets specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.

Because it is a localized, non-systemic treatment, TMS does not typically cause the systemic side effects associated with oral medications.

TMS is often considered for patients who have not achieved sufficient improvement with medication alone or who have experienced limiting side effects.

TMS has been shown to be effective for many patients with treatment-resistant depression, particularly when medications alone have not provided sufficient relief.

Response varies by individual, and results are evaluated over the course of treatment.

Patients are awake and seated during treatment. Most describe a tapping sensation on the scalp during each pulse.

There is no anesthesia or recovery time required, and patients can resume normal activities afterward.

Yes. TMS is an outpatient procedure and does not require sedation or recovery time.

Most patients are able to drive themselves to and from appointments and return to normal daily activities immediately afterward.

A typical course of TMS involves daily weekday sessions over several weeks. Each session generally lasts about 20–40 minutes, depending on the treatment protocol used.

Some protocols, such as theta burst stimulation, may involve shorter session times.

The overall length of treatment is individualized and may be adjusted based on clinical response.

Some patients begin noticing improvements in mood, energy, or motivation within the first few weeks of treatment.

However, most people experience gradual improvement over the course of the full treatment series, rather than immediately after individual sessions.

The duration of benefit varies by individual.

Many patients experience sustained improvement for months after completing treatment. In some cases, maintenance sessions or repeat treatment courses may be recommended if symptoms return.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery, implanted devices, sedation, or anesthesia.

It is generally well tolerated. Most side effects are mild, occur during treatment, and tend to decrease over time.

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Scalp discomfort at the treatment site
• Tingling, twitching, or facial muscle movements during stimulation

These effects are typically temporary and often improve as treatment progresses. If needed, the treatment settings can be adjusted to improve comfort, and over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended before sessions.

Less common but more serious risks include:

• Seizure (rare)
• Hearing changes if proper ear protection is not used
• Manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder

These risks are uncommon, and safety screening is completed prior to starting treatment to help determine whether TMS is appropriate.

In most cases, patients continue their current psychiatric medications during TMS treatment.

Medication decisions are individualized and based on your clinical history, current symptoms, and overall treatment plan. Any adjustments, if needed, are made in coordination with your prescribing clinician.

In some cases, patients may be able to reduce or simplify their medication regimen over time as part of an overall positive treatment response, but this is not required for TMS to be effective.

Not all patients respond to TMS, and results can vary.

If TMS is not effective, we will review your response in detail and reassess your treatment plan. In some cases, adjustments to the TMS protocol or an extended course may be considered based on clinical factors.

We may also recommend other evidence-based treatment options, which can include medication optimization, Spravato® (esketamine), ketamine-based therapies, or other interventional psychiatric approaches.

TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is most commonly used in clinical practice for treatment-resistant depression.

In some cases, TMS may also be considered for other symptoms or conditions associated with mood disorders, depending on clinical evaluation and the available evidence base.

Treatment recommendations are made on an individual basis after a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.

TMS is often covered by commercial insurance plans when medical necessity criteria are met, including documentation of treatment-resistant depression.

Coverage varies by plan. Our office can assist with benefit verification and prior authorization before starting treatment.

In select cases, accelerated or modified treatment schedules may be considered based on clinical evaluation and treatment goals.

Standard TMS protocols remain the most commonly used and well-studied approach. However, some patients may be evaluated for alternative scheduling strategies depending on clinical indication, severity of symptoms, and prior treatment history.

All treatment planning is individualized and determined after a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.