Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
A noninvasive treatment option for depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic stimulation to target areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. For some people with depression, TMS may offer another path forward.
At Alpine Psychiatry, TMS is considered within the context of your broader mental health care, helping you understand whether it may be an appropriate option for your needs.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a noninvasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood. Unlike medication, TMS does not travel through the bloodstream or affect the entire body. Treatment is performed while you are awake and does not require anesthesia.
TMS is most commonly used to treat depression, particularly when other approaches have not provided adequate improvement. Whether TMS makes sense for you depends on your symptoms, treatment history, health history, and other individual factors. Our team can help determine whether TMS may be an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
What to expect during TMS treatment
Before beginning TMS, you'll meet with a provider to review your symptoms, health history, previous treatments, and current medications. This helps determine whether TMS is appropriate for you and gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the process.
If you move forward with treatment, you'll attend a series of TMS sessions over a period of time. During each session, a treatment device is positioned against your head and delivers magnetic pulses to a targeted area of the brain. You'll remain awake throughout the appointment and can return to your usual activities afterward.
Your TMS treatment process may include:
An initial consultation and evaluation
Review of your current symptoms and treatment history
Discussion of medications and other health considerations
Development of an individualized treatment plan
A series of scheduled TMS treatment sessions
Ongoing monitoring of symptoms and progress
Regular opportunities to discuss questions or concerns
Coordination with your broader mental health treatment when appropriate
Because TMS involves a series of treatments rather than a single procedure, consistency is an important part of the process. Your care team will monitor how you're doing throughout treatment and help you understand what to expect along the way.
Your treatment plan will depend on your individual needs and the clinical recommendations of your care team.
Who may benefit from TMS?
TMS may be considered for individuals who:
Are experiencing depression
Have not experienced enough improvement with previous treatments
Have had difficulty tolerating certain psychiatric medications
Are interested in exploring a noninvasive treatment option
Have been referred for TMS by a psychiatric or healthcare provider
Would like to understand what additional treatment options may be appropriate
TMS is not the right treatment for everyone. A consultation allows your provider to review your history, answer your questions, and determine whether TMS may be an appropriate next step.
Mental health conditions we commonly treat
TMS is most commonly associated with the treatment of depression. Your provider can help determine whether it may be appropriate based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment history.
Providers who offer TMS
Our providers evaluate each patient's needs and treatment history to determine whether TMS may be appropriate and help coordinate care throughout the treatment process.
Where we provide TMS
TMS is an in-person treatment and is available at select Alpine Psychiatry locations. Your care team can help you understand where treatment is available and what to expect if TMS is recommended as part of your care plan.
Understanding insurance coverage for TMS
Insurance coverage for TMS can depend on your individual plan, diagnosis, treatment history, and other clinical criteria. If TMS is being considered as part of your care, our team can help review your insurance benefits and explain the coverage requirements that may apply before treatment begins.
Learn more about TMS
Explore articles about TMS, depression treatment, and what to consider when evaluating additional treatment options.
Is TMS the right next step?
If previous approaches haven't provided enough improvement, TMS may be an option worth exploring. A consultation can help you understand the treatment, review your history, and determine whether TMS makes sense as part of your care.