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A Noninvasive Treatment Option When Medication Isn’t Enough

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It may be an option for people whose depression has not improved enough with medication or who are looking for an alternative to additional medication.

TMS does not require anesthesia, needles, or hospitalization, and patients can generally return to their normal activities after each session.

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS delivers targeted magnetic pulses to areas of the brain associated with mood, emotion, motivation, and focus. Repeated stimulation may help normalize activity in these brain regions and reduce symptoms of depression.

TMS is commonly considered for:

Major depressive disorder, including treatment-resistant depression

Certain anxiety-related symptoms or conditions, when clinically appropriate

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), using FDA-cleared protocols

Other conditions when supported by an appropriate clinical evaluation

Your clinician will determine whether TMS is appropriate based on your diagnosis, treatment history, symptoms, and overall health.

Why Patients Consider TMS

TMS can provide another treatment pathway for people who feel that their current approach is no longer enough.

Antidepressant medications have not provided enough relief

Medication side effects are difficult to manage

Want to consider a nonmedication treatment option

Depression continues despite therapy and medication

Looking for evidence-based options for treatment-resistant depression

How TMS Works

During a TMS session, a treatment coil is positioned near the scalp. The device delivers controlled magnetic pulses to a targeted area of the brain.

A typical treatment session may include:

About 20–30 minutes, depending on the treatment protocol

Treatment while comfortably seated and awake

No anesthesia or sedation

No needles or surgical procedures

No routine recovery period

The exact number and frequency of sessions depend on the treatment protocol and your individualized care plan.

Potential Benefits of TMS

For appropriately selected patients, TMS offers a noninvasive alternative or complement to medication with no systemic exposure, minimal downtime, and the immediate ability to resume normal activities. Patients often experience improvement in depressive symptoms, motivation, concentration, and overall daily functioning.

TMS does have potential side effects, most commonly scalp discomfort or headache during or after treatment. Your clinician will discuss benefits, risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes before treatment begins.

Is TMS Right for You?

TMS may be worth considering if you have depression that has not improved adequately with medication or if medication side effects are limiting your treatment options.

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether TMS is appropriate for you. Your clinical team will review your symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatments, medications, and relevant medical history before making a recommendation.

Insurance & Accessibility

TMS coverage varies by insurance plan and eligibility criteria. Many insurance plans provide coverage for TMS for qualifying patients with major depressive disorder.

Insurance benefit verification

Prior authorization support

Flexible scheduling options

Comprehensive treatment coordination

We work to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMS is FDA-cleared for specific indications, including major depressive disorder and OCD, depending on the device and treatment protocol. TMS may also be used in other clinical situations when appropriate. Your clinician can explain which treatment options apply to your condition.
TMS is generally considered safe and well tolerated when administered by appropriately trained professionals. Common side effects include temporary scalp discomfort or headache. Your provider will review potential risks and whether TMS is appropriate for you.
Many patients describe the treatment as a tapping or clicking sensation on the scalp. You remain awake throughout the session and can generally return to normal activities afterward.
Individual sessions commonly take approximately 20–30 minutes, although the duration varies by treatment protocol. A full course typically involves multiple sessions scheduled over several weeks.
Many major insurance plans cover TMS for qualifying conditions, but coverage requirements vary. Our team can verify your benefits and help with the authorization process.
Medication works throughout the body, while TMS uses magnetic stimulation targeted to specific brain regions. TMS may be considered when medication has not provided adequate relief, when side effects are problematic, or when a patient wants to explore additional treatment options.

Medical Disclaimer: TMS is not appropriate for everyone. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional after an individualized evaluation. Results vary from person to person, and TMS does not guarantee symptom relief.

Begin Your Journey Toward Healing

Take the next step toward better mental and behavioral health with compassionate, individualized support. Schedule your appointment with Balance Behavioral Health today.