TMS is a type of prescribed mental health treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain that have been demonstrated to control mood.

For those who have not responded well to other mental health treatments or are looking for alternatives to antidepressants in San Diego, TMS therapy performed through SD Wellness Group may be an option.

Our clinic performs this procedure with a NeuroStar device, as they’re known for their precision and being at the forefront of ground-breaking, safe treatments.

TMS therapy is designed to treat certain mental health conditions through targeted magnetic stimulation that activates nerve cells in the brain.

Here’s how it works:

A device (in our case, NeuroStar) generates targeted magnetic pulses, typically aimed at the prefrontal cortex, which is believed to play a role in mood regulation.

Those pulses help stimulate nerve cells. These stimuli can potentially increase brain activity in areas that have been shown to be under-active in those dealing with certain mental health struggles.

As those once under-active areas start to become more active, mood can be improved.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation will need to be prescribed to you by a licensed provider, such as those here at SD Wellness Group.

TMS is not right for everyone. It’s best suited for those:

• Who have not responded to conventional treatments, such as medication or traditional therapies.
• Looking for alternatives to medication.
• Who can commit to the treatment schedule; you must come into the office every day for roughly 30 days. Treatments last around 30 minutes.
• Adults and adolescents struggling with mental health, particularly depression and OCD. Currently, NeuroStar is the first and only TMS therapy cleared by the FDA as an add-on treatment for adolescents 15 years and older.

If you're interested in transcranial magnetic stimulation but aren't sure if you're a good candidate, start by scanning the QR code below. It will direct you to our quick questionnaire and, once completed, it will be sent directly to our team.

We'll be in touch shortly to discuss if TMS could be the right treatment option for you.

If you’re approved for TMS procedures, here’s what to expect:

You’ll receive your treatment here at our San Diego location every day for at least 30 days. Sessions last about half an hour.

Once comfortable in your treatment room, a coil will be placed on your scalp. TMS is completely non-invasive; it does not require surgery or anesthesia. You’ll be awake, alert, and comfortable the entire time.

When you’re ready, the NeuroStar device will begin delivering the magnetic pulses.

As this is an outpatient procedure, once your session has concluded, you’ll be able to drive yourself home.

TMS therapy is FDA-cleared, safe, and well-tolerated by most patients. While side effects are rare, mild scalp discomfort or headaches can happen.

Because this is a non-invasive treatment for mental health that does not require anesthesia, it can be a safer alternative compared to other therapy options.

TMS Benefits

• Non-invasive
• FDA-cleared
• Fast daily treatment sessions
• Antidepressant alternative
• Covered by most insurance providers

Does TMS work? NeuroStar TMS not only has proven effectiveness in drug-resistant depression, but effectiveness that lasts.

In the largest Outcomes Registry in depression, those treated with NeuroStar TMS had a:

Response rate of 83%

Many experienced significant relief in depression symptoms.

Remission rate of 62%

For many, depression went away altogether.

Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry. 75(12):1394-1401, Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J. Affect. Disord. 277:65-74. Janicak PG, et al. (2010). Brain Stimulation, 3(4):187-199, Outcomes Registry data was published by Sackeim HA, et al. J Affective Disorders, 2020, 277(12):65-74. The outcomes reported represent the subset of study patients for which the CGI-S data was reported before and after an acute course of NeuroStar TMS. Patients were treated under real-world conditions where patients may have been prescribed concomitant depression treatments including medications. "Measurable relief" was defined as a CGI-S score <=3 and "complete remission" was defined as a CGI-S score <=2 at the end of treatment.

We offer personalized, compassionate care and because we use the NeuroStar TMS system, that care is also advanced and FDA-cleared.

SD Wellness Group is certified and trained to ensure your experience is both effective and comfortable. We’re committed to your well-being and offer the supportive environment and holistic mental health therapy needed to achieve long-lasting relief.

It all starts with a TMS consultation in our San Diego clinic. We’ll discuss your needs, symptoms, and other treatments you’ve tried to determine if transcranial magnetic stimulation is right for you.

Request an appointment to learn more about our TMS services and to take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy system is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you.

Patients’ results may vary.

Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.

Adult Indications for Use - The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode. The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Adolescent Indications for Use - NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).

Important Safety Information - NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary. The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient). Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.