What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a safe, non-invasive mental health treatment for depression and various other mental health conditions. It is often recommended for individuals who have not found relief through traditional talk therapy or antidepressants. Many patients notice improvements in their mood, energy, and overall well-being within six weeks or less of starting TMS therapy. Think of your brain as a busy network of highways transporting thoughts, emotions, and mood signals. When depression sets in, some of these routes slow down or become blocked. TMS therapy employs gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain—most commonly the left prefrontal cortex, which is linked to mood regulation. By jumpstarting these pathways, TMS helps restore healthier brain activity and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does TMS Therapy work?
TMS therapy is a simple, comfortable, and non-invasive mental health treatment option. Here’s what you can expect from TMS treatment at Cohen Psychiatric:
A small device is placed on your head (typically near your forehead).
The device delivers gentle magnetic pulses, similar to an MRI, but far more focused and much lighter.
These pulses stimulate specific nerve cells in the brain that are linked to mood regulation and emotional balance, making it an effective depression treatment.
Each session lasts 20 to 40 minutes, and most patients receive treatment five days a week for 4 to 6 weeks.
Every TMS therapy plan is customized to the patient, ensuring the best chance of improving symptoms of depression and supporting long-term recovery.
Who is it for?
TMS therapy, a promising depression treatment, is most commonly recommended for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who haven’t found relief with antidepressant medication or traditional talk therapy.
In addition to serving as an effective depression treatment, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is also being studied and utilized as a non-invasive mental health treatment for other conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If you’ve struggled with depression or related conditions and are seeking a non-invasive, drug-free alternative, TMS therapy may be an effective option to help restore balance and improve your quality of life.
Is it safe?
Yes! TMS therapy is FDA-approved and recognized as a safe, well-tolerated depression treatment and effective for other mental health conditions. Unlike medications, TMS therapy specifically targets your brain’s mood center without affecting your entire body. Most patients remain awake and alert during the treatment. Common side effects are mild, such as a tapping sensation or slight headache afterward, which typically subside after a few sessions and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. For many individuals, TMS offers a non-invasive mental health treatment alternative to medication, providing fewer side effects and lasting relief from depression.
Accepted Insurances
