What to Expect During a TMS Treatment Session

If you or a loved one is struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, or another mental health condition that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments, alternative therapies are available. One such option is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Here at SD Wellness Group, we offer TMS treatment using a NeuroStar® device. If you’re considering this groundbreaking therapy, here’s what you can expect throughout the process.

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy with a NeuroStar® device is an FDA-cleared treatment designed to relieve symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as depression.

TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, such as areas associated with mood regulation. This gentle, non-invasive stimulation is believed to help “reawaken” underactive regions of the brain, improving mood and overall well-being.

The NeuroStar® device is an advanced, precise system backed by years of clinical research. It’s currently the only TMS therapy cleared by the FDA as an add-on treatment for adolescents 15 years and older, offering new hope for adolescents as well.

Preparing for a TMS Treatment Session

Before Your Appointment

Gather all records of past treatments, medications, and relevant medical history and bring them to your initial consultation with your SD Wellness Group clinician. We’ll carefully review the information you’ve provided and discuss your goals before creating a customized treatment plan.

Should that plan include TMS, you’ll have an initial therapy consultation in which the entire process is explained. Once we’ve answered any questions you may have, we’ll conduct a mapping session to identify the exact area of your brain that will receive the stimulation.

What Happens During a TMS Session?

To begin your treatment session, you’ll first relax in a comfortable chair, fully awake and alert. Because this is a non-invasive procedure, there’s no need for sedation or anesthesia, which means you can drive yourself home after the therapy.

Next, the NeuroStar® device will be positioned over your scalp and set up according to your mapping session. When you’re ready, the session will begin. You’ll feel a series of tapping sensations where the device delivers magnetic pulses. While these pulses may feel unusual at first, they’re not painful, and most clients adjust quickly to the new sensation.

Each session lasts about half an hour, and you can spend that time in a number of ways: reading, listening to music, or closing your eyes and relaxing. Our clinicians will be standing by to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the session.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

When you receive TMS therapy at SD Wellness Group, you’ll need to come to our San Diego clinic every day for roughly 30 days. Consistency is key, and attending all initial sessions helps ensure the best possible results.

After your initial series, we’ll discuss how your symptoms have improved, how you’ve responded to TMS, and what the next steps look like.

How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost?

The cost of TMS therapy can vary, but because our mental health clinic is in-network with most major insurance providers, this potentially life-changing treatment is more accessible than you may think.

What’s more, many insurance providers cover NeuroStar® TMS therapy, especially when traditional treatments like medications haven’t worked. If you’re interested in exploring TMS for depression or another mental health condition, we encourage you to connect with your insurance provider for any specific coverage questions you may have.

TMS Therapy Could Be Your Turning Point

If you’ve struggled to find relief from a mental health condition, TMS for PTSD, depression, or anxiety could be the turning point in your journey toward wellness. Our San Diego mental health clinic offers:

• Same- or next-week appointments to quickly get you on the road to recovery
• Specialized care for adolescents (as young as ten on a case-by-case basis) and adults
• Outpatient, non-invasive TMS therapy
• Access to additional mental health support, including ketamine and psychiatry services

Your comfort and long-term well-being are our top priorities, so schedule your NeuroStar® consultation today and take the first step toward a brighter future.