Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
in Tucson, AZ

TMS therapy is a new and novel type of brain stimulation that treats depression using brief electromagnetic pulses (significantly weaker than those used in an MRI machine). These pulses pass through the skull easily and stimulate neurons in underactive regions of the brain thought to be responsible for depression. First approved in 2008, it is an effective form of treatment against drug-resistant depression.

TMS therapy has been demonstrated to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective in numerous clinical trials and double-blind studies, with little to no side effects. Tens of millions of people around the world have received TMS therapy. Research shows it to be at least as effective as antidepressant medication. Close to 70% of patients receiving TMS therapy will feel some benefit and relief in depression symptoms – half of those patients will be in full remission after treatment.

For a 3-minute video of a person who has had TMS, click here.

TMS therapy is applied by a TMS device with a stimulating coil. The patient sits reclined in a comfortable chair while the technician takes some measurements of the patient’s head. Once appropriate measurements have been made to determine the optimal location of the coil placement, the technician then places the stimulating coil on the patient’s head and starts treatment. This treatment typically lasts for 3-15 minutes. This is conducted over a 4-6 week time frame of daily sessions. After each session, the patient can drive home or back to work unassisted and can immediately resume normal daily activities.

Most patients report increased energy, focus, and motivation to perform activities and hobbies in as few as 5-10 sessions. Many patients describe TMS therapy as life-changing. Oftentimes, family members will notice effects before the patient does. As functional MRI imaging has clearly demonstrated, TMS increases blood flow to the area of the brain being stimulated, and if done repetitively, also increases gray matter density.

Most patients report feeling positive benefits of TMS therapy even some years after their initial treatment. In most cases, effects can be felt up to a year. If needed, maintenance TMS therapy sessions can be done.

Yes, TMS is covered by many insurance plans in Arizona, including major providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, and even AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid) for treatment-resistant depression, but coverage depends on your specific plan, meeting clinical criteria (like failing antidepressants), and getting prior authorization. Reach out to our team to verify costs and coverage.

No. But it might be mildly to moderately uncomfortable for the first few sessions as the patient gets used to it. It depends on the individual. In the great majority of patients, TMS is a well-tolerated and very safe procedure. Most people describe TMS as a mild tapping sensation where the stimulator coil is being applied. The sensation of the pulse may feel similar to a TENS unit.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is well-known for its effectiveness in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and anxious depression. It serves as a promising alternative treatment for these conditions, as it aims to restore healthy neural activity without the systemic side effects often associated with medications.

You might be a good candidate for TMS if you have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and have not achieved sufficient improvement from antidepressant medications, also referred to as treatment-resistant depression. Schedule an initial consultation with our team to assess whether this treatment is the right choice for your situation and health history.

You might be a good candidate for TMS if you have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and have not achieved sufficient improvement from antidepressant medications, also referred to as treatment-resistant depression. Schedule an initial consultation with our team to assess whether this treatment is the right choice for your situation and health history.

TMS does not alter personality or negatively impact cognitive abilities, including memory and intelligence. The therapy specifically targets the brain’s mood centers. That is why patients report feeling more like their “old selves” as their depressive symptoms improve, noting increased clarity, focus, and energy.