How effective is TMS for treating depression?
TMS is an evidence-based treatment option for major depressive disorder, especially when symptoms have continued after medication or psychotherapy. Results vary by person, diagnosis, treatment history, and consistency with the recommended schedule. TMS Center Centennial reports that 89% of its patients experience a significant reduction in depression symptoms, while approximately 69% achieve complete remission. A clinical evaluation helps determine whether TMS is appropriate.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a non-invasive outpatient treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas involved in mood regulation. During treatment, a clinician positions a coil against the scalp while you remain awake and seated. TMS does not require surgery or anesthesia, and patients can generally return to regular activities immediately after their appointment.
What are the different types of TMS?
TMS approaches can differ in the coil technology, stimulation pattern, and treatment schedule. TMS Center Centennial offers BrainsWay Deep TMS, which targets broader and deeper brain networks; Swift Deep TMS, an accelerated protocol for eligible patients; and Theta Burst Stimulation, which uses short bursts of pulses and may reduce session time. Your clinician recommends an approach after evaluation.
Does TMS work for depression?
TMS can help many people with depression, including individuals who have not achieved adequate relief with antidepressants or therapy. It works by stimulating neural circuits associated with mood regulation over a planned series of sessions. It is not a guaranteed cure, and response differs between patients. A qualified clinical assessment reviews your symptoms, history, goals, and eligibility before treatment begins.
Who may be a candidate for TMS treatment?
TMS may be considered for adults with major depressive disorder, particularly when symptoms have persisted despite two or more antidepressant medications or a course of psychotherapy. Insurers generally look for inadequate response to at least two antidepressants before authorizing treatment. Candidacy requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation that reviews diagnosis, prior treatment, current symptoms, medications, and medical history. A history of psychotherapy is generally required as part of that evaluation - you'll just need to tell us who you saw for therapy and roughly when. On the medication side of that review: yes, patients can continue their current medications during the TMS protocol. Patients should stay stable on their medications during treatment. Keeping medications stable helps limit variables during treatment, so the clinical team can tell what is actually working. Any medication changes should be made under medical supervision, and preferably after finishing the TMS protocol rather than during it, always guided by the prescribing clinician. Your clinician will also discuss whether any implants, seizure history, or other factors affect suitability for magnetic stimulation. Things we need to know about metal: removable items around the head and neck - earrings, necklaces, hearing aids, hairpins, and similar items - are taken off before the session and are not a disqualifier. Implanted or permanent metal needs a clinical evaluation, including aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, stents, metal within about 30 centimeters of the treatment area, retained bullet fragments or other ferrous metal fragments, and tattoos containing inks formulated with metals. Please raise anything you are unsure about during your evaluation.
What does a TMS session feel like?
During a TMS session, you sit in a treatment chair while a trained coordinator positions the treatment coil on your head. You may hear clicking sounds and feel tapping or a light knocking sensation on the scalp. Sessions are performed while you are awake, with no anesthesia or recovery period required. Your care team can adjust positioning and discuss comfort throughout treatment.
How long does a course of TMS take?
The schedule depends on the TMS approach recommended and your individualized treatment plan. Conventional schedules commonly involve repeated weekday appointments over several weeks, with depression protocol visits typically about 30 minutes in the office, while accelerated protocols such as Swift Deep TMS may provide multiple sessions over a shorter timeline for eligible patients. Theta Burst Stimulation can also shorten individual session duration to only a few minutes. Your evaluation will clarify the expected commitment and treatment calendar.
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Coverage for TMS depends on your insurance plan, diagnosis, clinical history, and authorization requirements. TMS Center Centennial works with major insurance providers, including Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, United Healthcare, Aetna, and most Medicare plans. Plans often need confirmation that previous depression treatments have not provided adequate relief. The team can help you understand authorization steps and available coverage before treatment starts. If prior treatments or paperwork do not line up perfectly, still call - exceptions may exist, and a more in-depth medical evaluation can often unlock options a quick review would miss.