If you’ve been navigating anxiety, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for a long time and traditional treatments haven’t helped, you’re not alone. I often work with patients who feel stuck deciding whether to try yet another medication or a new therapist, wondering if things will ever get better.
For many, I’ve seen transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offer relief when nothing else has worked. It’s backed by decades of research, covered by many insurance plans and proven effective for a range of mental health conditions.
Here are the questions I get most often -- and how I answer them -- to help you decide if TMS could be the right next step for you.
What is TMS and how does it work?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It is often used to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD and trauma-related disorders like PTSD when medication and therapy haven’t been effective.
Here’s what a typical session looks like:
- A trained clinical specialist gently places a small magnetic coil against your scalp.
- The coil sends repeated magnetic pulses to parts of the brain involved in mood regulation.
- Over time, those pulses help form new neural pathways -- improving brain function and easing symptoms.
The part of the brain we target depends on the condition we’re treating. For example, TMS for anxiety targets the right prefrontal cortex, a key area in regulating mood. TMS for depression targets the left prefrontal cortex, which research shows is underactive in people with depression.[1]
How long does TMS treatment last?
A full series of TMS therapy includes 36 sessions, each lasting about 15-30 minutes. Most people complete treatment over the course of six to eight weeks, with sessions scheduled five days per week.
It’s important to be aware of the time required and commit to completing this series with minimal interruptions. Staying consistent plays a big role in how well the treatment works.
How many TMS treatments are needed to feel better?
Progress for each patient can vary, but most people start to notice improvement around the halfway point of treatment. That’s typically when symptoms feel easier to manage.
For example, patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) may find that sadness or heaviness related to external factors doesn’t feel as intense. With OCD, we see compulsions and fears feel less intrusive.
It’s different for everyone, with some responding to treatment earlier and some later -- but the key is staying consistent with your weekly session schedule.
Are the effects of TMS permanent?
The effects of TMS last to varying degrees. Some people can go a few years without needing another course of treatment, while others may need it sooner.
It is important to follow your treatment plan and work closely with your outpatient psychiatrist and therapist. Patients who stay engaged in care tend to have better long-term outcomes with TMS.
Are there side effects of TMS treatments?
TMS is well tolerated by most patients, but minimal side effects can occur.
The most common is a mild headache, usually during or shortly after a session. This happens because the magnetic pulses stimulate scalp muscles on their way to the brain, which can create a muscle tension-type headache.[2] Some people also experience temporary scalp discomfort, tingling sensations, brief dizziness or lightheadedness and, in rare cases, seizures.
That said, the biggest surprise for most people is how quick and easy the procedure is. There is no observation period after a session, so patients can return to their usual activities right away.
Can TMS cause brain damage?
No. Researchers have studied TMS for decades, and there is no evidence that it causes brain damage. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and there are only a few cases where TMS was likely the cause.[3].
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover TMS if you are treatment-resistant. This means you’ve tried psychotherapy -- in the past or currently -- and have also tried two to four medications without enough improvement.
I know how important the financial aspect is, so I work with patients and their insurance providers to obtain coverage for treatment or explore other available options. Most plans will also cover another series of TMS every six months if needed.
Is TMS right for me?
TMS may be right for you if you’ve tried multiple medications and therapeutic interventions and haven’t seen meaningful improvement. When meeting someone who is considering TMS for the first time, I like to get to know them, understand their condition, see what they’ve tried and learn what they’re hoping to get out of treatment.
TMS tends to be a good fit for those who:
- Have been diagnosed with MDD, OCD, anxiety or trauma
- Haven’t found complete relief through traditional treatment methods
- Struggle with unwanted side effects from medication
It’s also important to consider the time commitment. TMS involves 36 sessions that must be done over the span of six to eight weeks for treatment to be most effective.
You deserve to feel better. With TMS, you can.
TMS often surprises people -- not just because of how quick and easy the sessions are, but because of how much better they start to feel.
Studies have shown that nearly 40% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experience significant symptom reduction with TMS, and about 36% achieve remission.[4] For OCD and anxiety, about 40% of patients see significant improvement, and for trauma-related symptoms, TMS has been shown to reduce core symptoms with long-lasting effects.[5]
TMS offers hope when traditional methods haven’t worked. That’s why we’re proud to offer it as a standalone outpatient service at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Denver. To find out if TMS is right for you, call us at (866) 622-5914 or click here to schedule a free 15-minute call today. We’ll listen to what you’re going through and help you find the exact support you need.