For those who are living with treatment-resistant depression, it can feel like there is no hope. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment method that can be helpful for those who have not responded to other treatments and antidepressant medications. AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers TMS treatment in some locations, when appropriate. We have locations in California, Minnesota, Washington, and Virginia.
Our treatment facilities offer comprehensive care for various mental health conditions including major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. We offer TMS treatment in some of our facilities, reserved for those who are living with treatment-resistant depression. If you’re struggling with Major Depression and your current treatment sessions feel ineffective, or you’re experiencing increased symptoms of depression, contact us today or read more about TMS therapy below.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation procedure that may be used with those who have not found relief from mental health disorders with other treatment options. This generally means that you have tried psychotherapy, primary care, medications to treat psychiatric conditions, holistic approaches, and a combination of these options.
This clinical procedure involves magnetic pulse stimulation through the use of an electromagnetic coil on your scalp. These pulses are focused on the areas of your brain that are related to your mental health symptoms. TMS therapy sessions are considered to be safe, and it does not come with serious risks. This is one of the factors that sets it apart from options like electroconvulsive therapy. TMS should not be utilized if you are at risk of seizure. If you would like to explore the possibility of engaging in TMS therapy sessions, we encourage you to contact AMFM today for a confidential and free assessment to determine your treatment needs.
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.
TMS therapy offers a non-invasive treatment option for those who have not found symptom relief for mental health conditions, especially depression with traditional antidepressant medications. TMS can be an option for those who struggle to take medications due to the side effects of psychiatry.
TMS sessions are usually short, allowing you to continue in your daily life with little to no interruption. This makes TMS a convenient and effective treatment option for some who are struggling with major depression. Additionally, TMS can be used with psychotherapy, which allows you to receive comprehensive care and a thorough course of treatment. Harvard Health has cited studies indicating that over half of those who are living with depression and have not found relief from psychiatric medications found benefit in TMS therapy.1
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation works by using magnetic pulses to activate, or inhibit, areas of the brain that are connected to the symptoms you’re struggling with. TMS is considered a neuromodulation therapy that encourages brain connectivity modulation when it targets parts of the brain responsible for mood, cognition, and emotion regulation.
The TMS mechanism of action is the magnetic coils that are placed on your scalp. These coils send magnetic currents to your brain, without any invasive procedures. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) differs from TMS because it uses repetitive or patterned pulses over more than one session. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), rTMS doesn’t cause seizures or memory loss.2 Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) is a form of rTMS that uses rapid pulses over a shorter treatment time.
You can expect your TMS therapy session to last 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, you will sit in a chair, with earplugs in to drown out the clicking sound, so that coils can be placed on your scalp. These coils will then deliver magnetic pulses to specific areas of your brain. The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain targeted for those struggling with mood disorders.
During your treatment, you’ll hear, and feel, fast tapping on your scalp. There is a pattern of tapping, often followed by a brief pause. You may experience some discomfort, but only when the tapping occurs. Typically, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities after your session, with little to no disruption. The frequency of your sessions can vary, but typically occur a few times throughout the week.
TMS therapy is a low-risk treatment, with common side effects being mild headache or scalp discomfort during the procedure. Serious side effects are rare, but may include risk of seizure. Healthcare professionals conduct a thorough assessment before beginning TMS therapy to ensure that it is a viable option based on your mental health symptoms, and overall physical health.
Those who have metal implants or a history of epilepsy may not be eligible for TMS therapy. If you have questions about TMS efficacy and safety, we encourage you to contact AMFM today.
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TMS treatment for depression is FDA-approved. This provides additional treatment options for those who have not experienced relief from their depression symptoms with other wellness and mental health treatment approaches. We encourage you to contact AMFM to learn about how TMS could help improve your emotional well-being.
While TMS is not approved by the FDA for other mental health conditions, research is ongoing for its use with obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety treatment.
TMS is an evidence-based treatment option, and its safety has been proven in various TMS clinical trials. There are potential risks associated with TMS, though they are rare. This includes mood swings and seizures. TMS should not be used by those who have certain medical devices implanted, and those living with epilepsy.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment approved by the FDA in 2008 to treat major depressive disorder. It’s now under study for conditions like postpartum depression, Parkinson’s-related depression, and post-stroke depression.3
TMS has shown varying success rates across different mental health conditions, with clinical trials reporting 40% to 50% success in obsessive-compulsive disorder, 33% to 62% for post-traumatic stress disorder, and between 19% and 56% for generalized anxiety disorder, as well as for repetitive behaviors like smoking cessation.4 During each session, the number of magnetic pulses can vary, especially for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.5
Insurance companies may provide you with coverage for TMS therapy. TMS is not a first-line treatment, which means that there are likely needed steps for you to utilize your insurance coverage. This can include trying traditional treatments first, and requiring prior authorizations
If you would like assistance understanding your insurance benefits and how they apply to TMS treatment programs, complete our AMFM insurance verification form. This provides us with the information we need to contact your insurance carrier directly and inquire about the details of your coverage.
What to Expect
Insurance Verification
Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.
Contact From Admission Representative:
Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that is known for causing persistent sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Individuals who find themselves struggling with helplessness, hopelessness and isolation often benefit from comprehensive mental health treatment. A Mission For Michael has multiple behavioral health centers that offer whole-person care located in California, Washington, and Virginia. Our treatment programs blend the use of traditional and holistic treatment methods to provide optimal care.
We provide treatment for a range of mental health disorders, including dual diagnosis conditions. Your treatment journey will begin with a comprehensive depressive assessment so that we can understand the full scope of your depression symptoms. From there, we can review your depression treatment options and help you get the care you need.
Traditional treatment methods for many mental health conditions include psychotherapy and the use of psychiatric medications. Sessions can help you learn new stress management skills, coping strategies and self-care practices to improve cognitive functioning. TMS differs because it uses a magnetic field to directly stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation.
TMS is also used after you have tried other treatments for your conditions. If you’ve found that antidepressants don’t work, or that you’ve developed treatment-resistant depression, TMS may help. Mood disorders are an example of a mental health condition that can be treatment-resistant in some cases. TMS has fewer side effects when compared to other treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and even some psychotropic medications. Unlike medications, it is not necessary to remember taking your medication every day. Some medications lose their potency when doses are taken inconsistently, which can limit its effectiveness.
Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.
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Adam P. Stern, M. (2020, October 27). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): Hope for stubborn depression. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-for-depression-2018022313335
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, April 7). Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625
Somani A, Kar SK. Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: the evidence thus far. Gen Psychiatr. 2019 Aug 12;32(4):e100074. doi: 10.1136/gpsych-2019-100074. PMID: 31552384; PMCID: PMC6738665.
Abdullah Bolu, İbrahim Gündoğmuş, Mehmet Sinan Aydın, Duygu Fadıloğlu, Yasemin Erken, Özcan Uzun, Ten years’ data of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A naturalistic, observational study outcome in clinical practice, Psychiatry Research, Volume 301, 2021, 113986, ISSN 0165-1781, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113986.
Erickson, M. (2021, October 29). Experimental depression treatment is nearly 80% effective in controlled study. News Center. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/10/depression-treatment.html
