Discover how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers breakthrough relief for treatment-resistant depression. FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and covered by most insurance plans.
When medications haven’t provided the relief you need, TMS therapy for depression offers a scientifically proven alternative. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation—without medication, surgery, or significant side effects.
At Elevated Healing Treatment Centers, our TMS therapy program has helped countless individuals find relief from depression, anxiety, and OCD when other treatments haven’t worked. As one of the few mental health treatment centers in Woodland Hills offering TMS, we’re committed to providing this breakthrough technology to our community.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Explained
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation was FDA-cleared for depression treatment in 2008 and has since become a mainstream option for treatment-resistant depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, TMS offers a safe, effective alternative when medications don’t provide adequate relief.
During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The device delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex—the region of the brain involved in mood regulation. These pulses are similar in strength to an MRI and are completely non-invasive.
How TMS Works on the Brain
Depression is associated with reduced activity in the left prefrontal cortex. TMS works by:
- Increasing neural activity in underactive brain regions
- Strengthening neural pathways associated with mood regulation
- Balancing neurotransmitter systems naturally over time
- Promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections
Treatment-Resistant Depression
For about one-third of people with depression, medications don’t work adequately. They’re left struggling with persistent symptoms and limited options.
Targeted Brain Stimulation
TMS directly stimulates the brain regions responsible for mood, bypassing the digestive system and avoiding medication side effects.
Lasting Symptom Relief
Most patients experience significant improvement after 4-6 weeks, with effects often lasting 6-12 months or longer.
Non-Invasive Depression Treatment
Unlike other brain stimulation treatments like ECT, TMS is completely non-invasive. There’s no anesthesia, no sedation, and no recovery time needed. You can drive yourself to and from appointments and return to normal activities immediately after each session.
The FDA has cleared TMS for the treatment of:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxious Depression
- Migraine (preventive treatment)
TMS Response Rates for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Based on clinical research and treatment outcome studies
Brain Stimulation Therapy Benefits
The benefits of brain stimulation therapy through TMS extend beyond symptom relief. Research published in peer-reviewed journals and summarized by the American Psychiatric Association shows multiple advantages:
Advantages of TMS Over Medications
- No systemic side effects – Unlike antidepressants, TMS doesn’t cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or fatigue
- No drug interactions – Can be used alongside medications or as standalone treatment
- Non-addictive – No risk of dependence or withdrawal
- Works when medications fail – Designed specifically for treatment-resistant cases
- Long-lasting effects – Benefits typically persist 6-12+ months
FDA-Approved Depression Care
TMS has been FDA-cleared for depression since 2008, with additional clearances for OCD, anxious depression, and migraine prevention. This isn’t alternative medicine—it’s established, evidence-based treatment that’s covered by most major insurance plans including Medicare.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
Initial Consultation: Our psychiatrist evaluates whether TMS is appropriate for your situation, reviews your history, and develops a treatment plan.
Treatment Sessions: Sessions typically last 19-37 minutes, depending on the protocol. You’ll sit in a comfortable chair while the TMS coil is positioned against your head. You may feel a tapping sensation and hear clicking sounds during treatment.
Treatment Schedule: Standard TMS involves daily sessions (5 days/week) for 4-6 weeks. Accelerated protocols with multiple daily sessions may reduce this timeline.
After Sessions: You can immediately return to normal activities—no recovery time needed. Most patients report minimal side effects, with mild headache being most common (and usually resolving quickly).
Is TMS Right for You?
Schedule a consultation with our TMS psychiatrist to learn if this breakthrough treatment could help.
Schedule TMS Consultation Call: 747-888-3000Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Research shows that 50-60% of people with treatment-resistant depression experience significant improvement with TMS, and about one-third achieve full remission. These are patients for whom medications hadn’t worked.
Yes, most major insurance plans cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression, including Medicare. Our team handles insurance verification and prior authorization. Check your benefits at no cost.
Most patients describe TMS as mildly uncomfortable but not painful. You’ll feel a tapping sensation on your scalp during treatment. Any discomfort typically decreases after the first few sessions as you acclimate.
TMS has minimal side effects compared to medications. The most common is mild headache during or after treatment, which usually responds to over-the-counter pain relievers. There’s no weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or cognitive impairment.
Benefits typically last 6-12 months or longer. Some patients need maintenance sessions periodically. If symptoms return, a shorter course of TMS usually restores benefits.
Yes, TMS can be combined with antidepressants. Many patients eventually reduce or discontinue medications after successful TMS treatment, but this should always be done under medical supervision.
TMS isn’t appropriate for people with metal implants in or near the head (except dental fillings), those with certain seizure disorders, or individuals with some medical devices. Our psychiatrist evaluates candidacy during consultation.
TMS at Elevated Healing
At Elevated Healing Treatment Centers, TMS is integrated into our comprehensive mental health treatment programs. Whether you’re in residential treatment, PHP, IOP, or outpatient care, TMS can be added to enhance your treatment outcomes.
Our Joint Commission accredited facility combines TMS with evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR for comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of mental health.
Don’t settle for a life limited by depression. Call (747) 888-3000 or contact us online to learn if TMS therapy could be your breakthrough.
When Medications Aren’t Enough, There’s TMS
Find out if this FDA-cleared treatment could provide the relief you’ve been seeking.
Explore TMS Options Confidential help: (747) 888-3000