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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique used to treat certain psychiatric conditions.  

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What Can TMS Treat?

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  • Major Depressive Disorder (FDA approved)

  • OCD (FDA approved)

  • PTSD

  • Post Partum Depression

  • Addiction

  • Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (FDA approved)

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How does it work?

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​Some parts of the brain work differently in psychiatric conditions such as depression and OCD.  TMS delivers targeted magnetic pulses to these brain regions that painlessly and non-invasively stimulate the brain area being targeted to help them work more normally.

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86%

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Sustained improvement or remission in depression after one year

68%

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Achieve remission of depressive symptoms following TMS

80%

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Experience at least a 50% reduction in depressive symptoms

Results

Effective​

For reducing depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder with a low risk of of inducing a mania

58%

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Respond to treatment for OCD with at least a 40% reduction in symptoms

Types of TMS

TMS can be delivered in different ways depending on your needs. Traditional TMS is the most common. Accelerated TMS condenses treatment for faster and often stronger results—especially in treatment-resistant depression.

Accelerated TMS
Traditional TMS

Frequency​

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Duration

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Session time

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Use case​​

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Insurance

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​Typically 1-2 sessions per day

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Lasts 4-6 weeks, for 36 total sessions

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Longer sessions, typically 30 minutes per session

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Designed for a gradual therapeutic effect and for individual with less schedule flexibility

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Most insurances cover a full course of Traditional TMS

The most robust protocol available with multiple sessions per day (5-20 sessions per day)

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Condensed into a few days (1-10 days)

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Shorter bursts, often under 10 minutes per session

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Aimed at providing rapid symptom relief, in particular patients with severe symptoms 

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Most insurances do not cover accelarated TMS, self pay is the most common arrangement

What are the side effects?

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Most people experience minimal side effects from TMS, with the most common being mild headaches or scalp discomfort at the site of the magnetic pulses. These side effects are usually temporary and subside shortly after treatment.

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Is any special preparation needed?

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​There is no special preparation needed. You can eat normally, take your medications, and won't be put to sleep during TMS. You can drive yourself to and from the clinic, and many patients return to work or school right after

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How long does a TMS session take?

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A traditional TMS session takes roughly around 30 minutes.  An accelerated TMS session takes around 10 minutes.  

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How soon will I see results from TMS?

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Many patient begin to notice improvement in symptoms after several sessions, though the timeline can vary.  Some people may experience relief sooner while others may take a longer time to see significant changes.

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How long will I see symptom relief for?

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Most patients do not need to continue TMS long-term especially if treatment was received during the first episode of depression.  For patients with recurrent depression, symptom relief is typically seen for 1-2 years. 

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How much does TMS cost?

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We accept insurance and other self-pay options.  Coverage for each insurance plan varies.  During the insurance verification process, your insurance company will provide a cost estimate.  For self-pay options, please contact our office to give you details following your consultation as treatment protocols are tailored for each individual.  

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Does it work for everybody?

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78% of patients respond to treatment, and 50-60% of patients go into remission when treated using the advanced 1-day treatment protocol for depression.  Symptoms improvement is typically seen 1-2 weeks after the treatment day. 

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Rates of response and remission are higher for TMS than for a 3rd medication trial. For traditional TMS, 50% of patients respond to treatment with TMS.  Depression response is defined as a reduction in symptoms by half.  OCD response is defined as a symptom reduction of 30-40%.  Roughly 33% of patients go into remission from depression when they have not responded to 2 or more antidepressants.  

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When does insurance cover TMS?

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Most insurance plans cover traditional TMS for Major Depression.  Some insurance plans cover newer forms of accelerated TMS if certain criteria are met.  OCD is covered by some insurance plans and increasing coverage is seen each year. 

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Insurance typically covers TMS for individual with Major Depressive Disorder when a person:

  • is diagnosed with major depression

  • fails to improve or does not tolerate 2-4 antidepressants

  • completed or has ongoing psychotherapy

  • has no history of seizures 

  • has no metallic or magnetic implants in or near the head (metal on teeth is okay) 

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Insurance may cover TMS for individuals with OCD when a person:

  • is diagnosed with OCD

  • fails to see significant improvement or is unable to tolerate 2 antidepressants

  • completed or has ongoing psychotherapy

  • has no history of seizures 

  • has no metallic or magnetic implants in or near the head (metal on teeth is okay) 

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