TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses delivered through a coil on the scalp to stimulate brain areas linked to symptoms. It is often considered when psychotherapy and medications have not provided relief.

What are the benefits of TMS therapy?

TMS can improve mood and reduce symptoms for those with treatment-resistant conditions, especially depression. Sessions are relatively short, allow minimal disruption to daily life, and can be used alongside psychotherapy.

What are the side effects of TMS treatment?

TMS is generally low risk. Common side effects are mild headache or scalp discomfort during treatment. Rare risks include seizures. Individuals with certain metal implants or a history of epilepsy may not be eligible.

Is TMS therapy evidence-based?

Yes. TMS has replicated positive results for major depressive disorder. It is not a first-line treatment for other conditions, though research is ongoing for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety.

Has the FDA approved TMS?

Yes. TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. It is not FDA-approved for other mental health conditions at this time.

How many TMS sessions do I need?

Many participants begin to notice improvement within 10 to 15 sessions. Treatment commonly lasts four to six weeks with sessions occurring several times per week.

Does insurance cover TMS therapy and which providers may cover it?

Insurance may cover TMS when certain requirements are met, such as trying other treatments first or obtaining prior authorization. Plans from major insurers, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare, may offer coverage. AMFM can verify your specific benefits.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at AMFM Healthcare

Published: 11/15/2024 | Updated: 05/06/2026

Authored by: Zachary Ehrmann, MSc

Edited by: Emma Loker, BSc, PgDip

Depression can be such a unique experience, which also means it doesn’t respond to treatment the same way for everyone.

For some, antidepressant medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) don’t make an appreciable difference, which can be incredibly frustrating. If this is the case for you – try not to be disheartened. There are many other approaches that could be highly beneficial for you.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is an Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for conditions like major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, migraines, and smoking cessation.^[1] It utilizes targeted, magnetic pulses to stimulate the nerve cells in areas of your brain associated with mood regulation.

A Mission For Michael offers TMS treatment at our California adult residential locations as part of our comprehensive approach to mental health care. At AMFM Healthcare, this support is integrated into a holistic, well-considered treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Our Approach to TMS Therapy at AMFM

TMS for treatment-resistant depression can be beneficial for those who have not found relief in ongoing medication management and talk therapy.

TMS procedure delivers rapid magnetic pulses to targeted regions of the prefrontal cortex – the brain area involved in mood regulation. The process doesn’t require any anaesthesia or recovery time, and you’ll remain awake throughout the process.

Psychiatric treatment with TMS does, however, require a doctor’s authorization and a clinical determination that it’s the right route for you. It is always part of a wide-reaching treatment plan that includes many other total-person interventions for holistic healing.

AMFM Healthcare will review your mental health and treatment history to determine if TMS could be beneficial for you during the assessment and review process. It’s worth noting that a history of three or more prior TMS or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) episodes may mean our levels of care might not be appropriate for your needs. If this is the case, we’ll work with you to determine this and help you find the best possible path to your recovery.

What is ECT Therapy?

Electroconvulsive therapy is one of the oldest psychiatric interventions still in use, along with one of the most misunderstood. It involves delivering electrical currents to the brain to intentionally induce a brief seizure, administered under general anaesthesia.^[2]

For more severe psychiatric conditions, it can be highly effective, though it also carries more potential side effects, including short-term memory loss.^[3]

TMS vs. ECT differ in the way they work, as well as in their intensity and recovery. TMS uses magnetic pulses instead of electrical currents, targeting specific regions without causing seizures, and does not require anaesthesia. A session usually takes anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes and has none of the post-procedure recovery ECT requires.^[4]

Non-invasive brain stimulation via TMS is best suited for those clients who are stable enough to engage in a full course of treatment programming and would benefit from adding on a targeted, neurological intervention as part of their unique plan.

What to Expect From TMS Therapy at AMFM Healthcare

TMS therapy can be an incredible addition to your treatment plan if your needs call for it. Here’s what you can expect at AMFM Healthcare:

Clinical Assessment and Eligibility

Before anything else, your treatment team will evaluate your psychiatric history, previous responses to treatment, and current presentation when considering TMS at the start of your care. We require a double doctor recommendation before we’d begin, along with taking into account any prior history with TMS or ECT.

Beginning Treatment

TMS sessions are conducted on an outpatient basis within the residential program’s clinical schedule. This means you’ll be supported by a strong team of trained clinicians throughout the process.

Monitoring and Adjustment

Your clinical team will track your responses over the course of your stay, as brain stimulation therapy of this kind usually requires multiple sessions before its effects are measurable.

We’ll adjust your approach as needed, with progress tracked in the same weekly collaborative meetings we convene for all clinical decisions at AMFM.

Outpatient Referrals When Needed

For all our clients receiving outpatient-based care at our sister company, Mission Connection, who can’t access TMS, we’ll provide you with referrals. That way, you can still access TMS if you’d benefit from this cutting-edge treatment.

Find out about our free assessment & admissions process

We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.

Program Structure and Weekly Schedule

TMS at A Mission For Michael is available at our Orange County and San Diego adults residential locations in California. Unfortunately, it isn’t offered at our Virginia or Minnesota residential facilities or delivered via Mission Connection’s outpatient programs. However, we’re happy to refer you if we feel TMS would be a good fit for you.

Within our residential program, TMS sessions are scheduled as part of the broader treatment week that allows you to move directly back into your regular schedule afterwards. A full course of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment usually lasts for several weeks, with sessions occurring multiple times throughout the week. The exact frequency and duration are determined in collaboration with your clinical providers.

Find Mental Health Treatment Programs

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Mental Health support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.

California Locations

See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.

Fallbrook - Peony

Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with library, large backyard, and pool with beautiful views.

Dana Point - Blue Lantern

Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features calming large rooms, updated interior, and outdoor pool.

Carlsbad - Goldenbush

Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.

Lake Forest - Grayston

Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, relaxing spaces, & covered seating in backyard.

Laguna Niguel - Campeon

Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, and covered seating in backyard.

Laguna Hills - Waterwheel

Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, and large backyard.

Dana Point - Crystal Lantern

Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Includes large rooms, updated interior, and private treatment rooms.

San Juan Capistrano - Banderas

Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features updated, modern interior with relaxing outdoor space to unwind.

San Juan Capistrano - Valencia

Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Features large rooms, updated interior, & covered seating in backyard.

Fallbrook - North Ridge

Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Featured amenties include tennis court, pool, and game area.

Carlsbad - Hoover

Male identifying house with double occupancy rooms for our clients with beautiful ocean views, large rooms and relaxng atmosphere.

Lake Forest - Sunnybrook

Female identifying house with double occupancy rooms. Newly remodeled interior with large rooms and backyard with garden.

Mission Viejo - Michelle's House

Residential treatment center just for women who’ve experienced trauma, domestic violence, or overwhelming life challenges

Minnesota Locations

Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.

Stillwater - Arcola

Male residential house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard many dedicated spaces for therapy.

Stillwater - Dellwood

Female mental health residential house with double and single occupancy rooms. Beautifully appointed, relaxing atmosphere for healing.

Virginia Locations

View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.

Great Falls - Kellie Jean

Gender inclusive house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with movie theater, game room, and large property.

Vienna - Corsica

Gender inclusive house with double & single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard, movie theater, & dedicated therapy spaces.

Fairfax Station - Derbyshire

Male only house with double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large rooms, gorgeous interior, and music/game room.

Annandale - Rebel Rose

Female identifying house with single and double occupancy rooms. Secluded area with movie theater, on a large property.

Vienna - Browns Mill

Gender inclusive property with double and single occupancy rooms providing compassionate care in a peaceful setting for adults.

Vienna - Lawyers

Male identifying house with double and single occupancy rooms. Secluded area with large backyard many dedicated spaces for therapy.

McLean - Lewinsville

Female house with double occupancy rooms. Featuring modern living spaces, comfortable meeting rooms, & well-appointed bedrooms.

Treatment Modalities We Use

At AMFM Healthcare, advanced depression treatment through TMS is only one component of a thoughtfully designed program that will address your mental health challenges from several angles.

Our neurological work is supported by and integrated with the full range of therapeutic and holistic modalities available across our programming, including:

Individual therapy
Group therapy
Psychiatric care
Medication management
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Recovery-oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R)
Psychodynamic therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Mindfulness and meditation practices
Art therapy
Music therapy
Animal-assisted therapy
Yoga

Why Choose Us?

AMFM Healthcare offers TMS for treatment-resistant depression and other indications – but that’s not what makes us unique. What sets us apart is how we embed this unique treatment in a supportive program that addresses your biological, psychological, and relational needs, all at the same time.

Combining the benefits of TMS therapy with the insights gained from therapy can strengthen recovery. Skills learned in group work and long-term planning also help build a stable foundation for ongoing wellness.

Call us today to verify your insurance benefits and find out how you can get started.

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