Brainsway TMS machine helment over a comfy white chair against a white wall with moss art handing and a lamp on a side table

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an insurance-covered treatment shown to provide relief for those who haven't had success with other treatments.

Stella also offers advanced protocols such as Deep TMS, Accelerated TMS and theta burst.

TMS has been shown to have positive effects on a wide range of symptoms and conditions. 

Explore Stella's TMS Treatment Locations

 We accept major insurances for transcranial magnetic simulation (TMS) therapy. Use our insurance look up tool to see what's available and covered in your state: 

Treatments vary per location. We understand that navigating insurance can feel overwhelming. Call our care advocates directly to discuss your coverage. 

Stella accepts insurance

Depending on your location and plan, selected services may be covered by insurance.

Results vary. Medical evaluation required.

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a biological treatment for depression that's rooted in brain science. 

Medical treatments for depression are usually centered around antidepressants that rely on the systems in your body to deliver relief.

TMS treatments go right to the source of depression — the brain.

There are specific areas in your brain that control mood. When synapses in those mood-regulating areas are underactive, connections are broken and depression can result. TMS revitalizes those dormant synapses, "waking up" the brain to function as it was meant to. 

DEEP TMS FOR TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION

Deep TMS for Depression

Deep TMS for treatment resistant depression

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation requires a more advanced technology to deliver electromagnetic fields deeper into the brain.

Deep TMS treatment sessions lasts about 20 minutes. When using theta burst for Deep TMS treatment, treatment sessions last for 3 minutes.

Patients undergoing Deep TMS treatment often report experiencing a marked improvement of their well-being within three weeks of the initial session. Deep TMS was reported to have even higher efficacy rates within a real-life clinical setting, approximately 75% achieved a beneficial clinical response, and one of two patients achieved remission. 

What's the difference between TMS and Deep TMS?

TMS and Deep TMS have both been show to be effective in treating major depressive disorder. 

TMS uses a figure-8 coil to deliver magnetic pulses to brain areas up to 2.5 cm deep. Deep TMS uses an H-coil to penetrate deeper, stimulating brain areas up to 4 cm deep.

TMS targets superficial brain structures like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Deep TMS can target deeper brain structures like the subgenual cingulate gyrus and nucleus accumbens.

 

Results vary. Medical evaluation required.

ACCELERATED TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC SIMULATION (ATMS)

Accelerated TMS

Young woman in a Brainsway TMS machine with a peaceful look on her face

At Stella Mental Health, we provide Accelerated TMS, a research-backed, rapid protocol for individuals seeking faster relief from major depressive disorder.

Accelerated TMS condenses the benefits of a 6-week TMS course into a 5-day intensive treatment, delivering results in a fraction of the time.

Clinical studies have shown that Accelerated TMS can lead to rapid and durable remission for patients with major depressive disorder — often within days of completing treatment.

Patients report improved energy, clearer thinking, and a renewed ability to engage in daily life.

While Accelerated TMS is an advanced protocol with FDA clearance, insurance coverage is still expanding. Accelerated TMS is considered a cash pay service until more insurances adopt coverage.

 

Results vary. Medical evaluation required.

Reviews

Results vary. Medical evaluation required.

Frequently Asked Questions about TMS Therapy

How does TMS therapy work?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy uses non-invasive magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. Key points of how TMS's working mechanism:

  • A magnetic coil is placed on the patient's scalp.
  • The coil generates short pulses of magnetic fields.
  • These pulses induce small electric currents in targeted regions of the brain that are mapped by licensed mental health experts.
  • The currents activate nerve cells in the targeted areas of the brain and help improve its function of mood regulation.

Does TMS work for depression?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared treatment that is proven to reduce and relieve depressive symptoms safely. By clinician rating, 83% of patients responded to an acute TMS course and showed improvement of depression symptoms, and 62% achieved remission*.  Call 908-293-7559 to talk to our care advocate team and get more info.

(Source:https://neurostar.com/hcp/results/)

Is TMS therapy covered by insurance?

Yes, Deep TMS and TMS therapy are typically covered by insurances. Call our team directly to discuss your coverage.

How much is TMS out of pocket?

Stella takes most insurances for TMS services. A patient's out-of-pocket cost will depend on the type of insurance and how much of their deductible has been met. Our team will check your insurance benefits and provide a comprehensive financial estimate prior to treatment. Fortunately, most insurances have meaningful coverage. For those whose insurance does not cover TMS or if a patient has not met an insurance's requirements for coverage, a patient may choose to pay $3,700 for the entire 36 sessions.

 

 

 

Does TMS therapy hurt?

While there may be some minor discomfort at the treatment site (where the device touches your head), it generally subsides within the first week or treatment. There is no sedation, or impact on your alertness. You can read, watch TV, or talk with your treatment coordinator during your session, and you can drive home immediately after treatment.

 

How long is a TMS session?

TMS and Deep TMS sessions lasts about 20 minutes.

Deep TMS treatments using theta busts lasts for 3 minutes. 

Since TMS does not require anesthesia, patients can return to daily life, work, etc. immediately following a session.

 

How long does a TMS therapy course last?

The recommended treatment course for TMS is five days a week for 36 treatments continuously. However, our providers will work with you to accommodate your schedule without compromising the outcome of the treatment.

 

Can you fall asleep during TMS?

During a TMS treatment session, you will sit on a reclined and comfortable chair. You will be required to stay awake, and you can read, watch videos, or simply relax. 

 

Can you be on your phone during a TMS session?

We don't recommend the use of cell phones during the TMS therapy. However, an iPad may be provided during treatment for entertainment or other purposes.

 

Who is not a good candidate for TMS?

While TMS is a proven safe treatment, it is not recommended for the following types of patients due to safety concerns. 

  • Patients who have non-removable metallic objects near or around the head (excludes dental hardware)
  • Patients who have conductive, ferromagnetic, or other magnetic-sensitive metals implanted or non-removable within 30 cm of the treatment coil
  • Patients who have an implanted device that is activated or controlled by physiologic signals, even if the device is located outside of the 30cm distance (pacemakers, deep brain stimulation, cochlear implants)
  • Patients who have wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCD)
  • Patients with Seizure history or family history
  • Patients with disorders that cause electrolyte imbalances which can induce seizures (eating disorder, vomiting/diarrhea, kidney disease)
  • Patients with some neurological disorders (structural brain lesions from head trauma, stroke, tumor, MS)
  • Patients who are pregnant
  • Children 12 and under
  • Patients with unstable heart disease
  • Patients with unstable diabetes
  • Patients with PTCAs/antipsychotics
  • Patients with bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders

Can you do TMS as an outpatient?

Yes, all TMS treatments are provided in an outpatient setting.

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