TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Key takeaways
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an advanced care option for people with difficult-to-treat depression
- The therapy delivers gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation. Sessions are quick and don’t require any recovery time
- You can choose between a standard six-week schedule or a shorter, accelerated option, depending on your needs and availability
Summary
At Montage Health, we offer advanced TMS therapy for depression, right here in Monterey County. Learn how it can help when depression hasn’t improved with traditional treatments and know what to expect from care at our clinic.
Living with depression is hard, especially when you’ve tried multiple treatments and still don’t feel like yourself. If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. There’s still hope.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment offered at Montage Health for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It may be an option if your symptoms haven’t improved with therapy or medication.
How does transcranial magnetic stimulation work?
TMS works by gently stimulating certain areas of the brain. During treatment, you’ll wear a special helmet that delivers brief magnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain linked to mood, motivation, and decision-making.
These pulses help “wake up” underactive neural pathways associated with depression. Over time, this stimulation can support healthier brain activity patterns, leading to noticeable improvements in mood.
At our clinic, we use BrainsWay Deep TMS™, a form of repetitive TMS that targets deeper brain structures. We have two TMS machines on-site.
Is TMS right for me?
Before starting treatment, you’ll complete a psychiatric evaluation to make sure TMS is safe and appropriate for you. It may be a good fit if you have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and haven’t found enough relief with antidepressants and therapy.
What happens during a TMS session?
Treatment sessions are quick and easy to fit into your routine. You’ll sit comfortably in a chair while a medical technician positions the TMS helmet. You’ll remain awake the entire time.
TMS isn’t painful. Some people describe the sensation as a light tapping on the scalp. Each session lasts about 20 minutes. Afterward, you can return to your normal daily activities. There’s no downtime or need for someone to drive you home.
TMS treatment course options
A full course of TMS includes 36–40 sessions. We offer two ways to complete a course, depending on your schedule, goals, and eligibility.
Standard TMS is the most common approach. It takes place over six weeks with daily weekday sessions.
For patients who are traveling or have limited availability, an accelerated treatment option may be available. Instead of one session per day, you’ll complete five or six sessions, spending about eight hours in the clinic daily. This approach allows you to finish the full course in just 1–2 weeks.
Do I need a referral for TMS treatment?
Most patients start TMS with a referral from a psychiatrist or mental health provider. We also accept self-referrals, though a psychiatric evaluation is required first.
People also ask
Is TMS safe?
TMS is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as headache. Serious side effects are rare. Your provider will review any medical factors that might affect safety before treatment begins.
Can TMS help other conditions?
At our clinic, we primarily use TMS to treat depression. Research is ongoing to understand how it may help with other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Your care team can help determine whether TMS or another treatment option is appropriate for your symptoms.
How long does it take for TMS therapy to work?
Everyone’s experience with TMS is different. You may notice subtle shifts partway through treatment. According to research from BrainsWay, many patients begin feeling a difference within about 20 sessions, with remission rates around 60 percent at that point.
What is the difference between TMS vs. electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression?
TMS and ECT are both options for treatment-resistant depression, but they work in very different ways.
TMS is noninvasive. You stay awake during each session and can return to normal activities right away. We consider this option first because it has fewer side effects.
ECT is a more intensive procedure that requires anesthesia medication. It involves inducing a brief seizure to affect brain activity. Doctors typically reserve it for severe or life-threatening depression.
Does insurance cover TMS?
Many insurance plans cover standard TMS for eligible patients. Coverage for accelerated courses is typically more limited. Our team will explain any expected costs and answer your questions about billing and insurance.
