Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
What you will learn:
- Benefits of TMS, an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for various mental health disorders.
- How TMS is integrated into a broader treatment plan at Guardian Recovery, including therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management.
- Guardian Recovery's holistic approach that combines TMS with comprehensive mental health services.
Living with a treatment-resistant mental health disorder can feel like hope and healing are just out of reach. When medications and traditional therapies haven’t provided relief, it’s natural to feel discouraged. But Guardian Recovery offers an innovative approach that has helped countless individuals find renewed hope, namely transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.
Our approach to TMS therapy is unique because we believe in treating the whole person, not just individual symptoms. By integrating TMS with our comprehensive suite of mental health services, we create personalized treatment plans that address both immediate symptoms and long-term wellness goals.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS is a revolutionary, pain-free, and FDA-approved treatment that harnesses the power of magnetic fields to activate specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation. These magnetic pulses stimulate nerve cells in brain regions that often show decreased activity in individuals with depression.1
Unlike traditional treatments such as medication or talk therapy alone, TMS works at a neurological level to help restore normal brain function. The magnetic pulses generate small electrical currents that stimulate brain cells, potentially helping to “reset” neural pathways and improve communication between different regions of the brain. This biological approach to treatment makes TMS particularly effective for individuals who haven’t responded well to other forms of therapy.
Typically used in conjunction with other types of care, TMS typically comprises several sessions over a period of weeks. You remain awake and alert during care, and following the painless procedure, you can typically continue with your normal daily activities.Â
TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression and migraine headaches, and a specific brand of this therapy received approval from the FDA to be marketed for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).2 However, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) asserts that TMS has been used to treat a range of mental and physical health conditions, including depression, OCD, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pain, substance use disorders, and more.1
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Mental Health Disorder Treatment
At Guardian Recovery, we employ TMS therapy to treat a range of mental health conditions. While it’s most commonly known for treating major depressive disorder, research has shown promising results in addressing anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. Our experienced clinical team carefully evaluates each patient to determine if TMS could be beneficial for their specific condition.
What truly sets our program apart is our integrated treatment approach. We recognize that mental health challenges rarely exist in isolation, which is why we combine TMS with other evidence-based treatments. Plus, we offer a comprehensive care model that includes individual therapy sessions, psychiatric care, medication management, and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that empowers clients to truly transform their lives.
Plus, our team of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, specialty providers, and more coordinate your care across the full continuum of options. They regularly confer on your progress and make treatment recommendations and care plan adjustments as necessary to ensure your care is highly tailored to meet your specific needs. This multi-faceted approach allows us to address not only the biological aspects of mental health but also the psychological and social factors that contribute to overall well-being.
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Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Insights from NAMI indicate that up to 64% of TMS patients report an improvement in their depression symptoms.1Â However, the benefits of TMS therapy seem to extend far beyond depression.Â
Unlike traditional antidepressant medications, TMS doesn’t circulate through your entire body and typically causes few, if any, systemic side effects. Patients appreciate that they can maintain their normal daily routines without dealing with common medication side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or emotional numbness. Additionally, TMS doesn’t require any sedation or anesthesia, and cognitive functions remain completely intact during and after treatment.1
Additionally, some TMS patients report feeling more emotionally present and engaged in their lives, experiencing improved sleep patterns, and having better concentration and decision-making abilities. At Guardian Recovery, we’ve observed that patients who combine TMS with our other therapeutic services often achieve even better outcomes than those reported in clinical studies.
What To Expect During TMS Treatment Sessions
Your TMS journey begins with a thorough evaluation by our clinical team. During this initial assessment, we’ll review your medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatments to ensure TMS is both safe and appropriate for you.Â
Upon starting TMS therapy, we carefully fit clients with a comfortable helmet, which is outfitted with a metal coil that transmits the magnetic pulses. We take precise measurements to identify the exact locations where the pulses should be delivered, a process known as “mapping.” This attention to detail ensures optimal treatment effectiveness and consistency throughout your course of therapy.
Each TMS session is conducted in a comfortable, private treatment room by our specially trained technicians. During the 20- to 30-minute treatment, you’ll recline in a chair while the TMS coil is precisely positioned against your head. The device delivers magnetic pulses in specific patterns, creating a tapping sensation and clicking sound. Many patients use this time to read, listen to music, or simply relax. Throughout your treatment course, our team regularly assesses your progress and adjusts the treatment protocol as needed.Â
Guardian Recovery takes special steps to ensure your treatment experience is as relaxed and soothing as possible. In most facilities, you can adjust the temperature of the room for ample comfort; plus, we provide ambient music and lighting to set the tone for the experience. Some facilities even offer zero gravity chairs for the ultimate in comfort.
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Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Covered By Insurance Health Providers?
Most major insurance providers cover TMS therapy when specific medical necessity criteria are met. Guardian Recovery’s insurance team works diligently to maximize your coverage benefits, and we handle all aspects of insurance verification, including checking your specific policy benefits, obtaining prior authorizations, and calculating any potential out-of-pocket costs.Â
We believe in transparent communication about financial matters and will clearly explain costs before beginning treatment. For patients with limited or no insurance coverage, we offer flexible payment plans and can discuss other financial options to make treatment accessible.
Our TMS Treatment Intake Process
The journey to TMS treatment at Guardian Recovery begins with a comprehensive intake process designed to ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective care. Initially, you’ll speak with one of our intake specialists who will gather preliminary information about your symptoms, treatment history, and insurance details. This is followed by a thorough mental health assessment with one of our clinicians, who will evaluate your candidacy for TMS and discuss how it might fit into your overall treatment plan. Additionally, many TMS clients actually start their care with us as individual counseling or intensive outpatient program (IOP) participants.Â
Our team of treatment advisors is available 24/7 for free and confidential consultations, during which they can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and guide you toward the next steps. If you decide to move forward, the admissions process can take as little as 15 minutes, and we will support you throughout the entire journey.
Contact Guardian Recovery To Learn if TMS Is Right for You
Taking the first step toward treatment—whether it’s TMS, individual therapy, psychiatry and medication management,  IOP, or virtual care—is a significant decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our compassionate team understands the challenges of living with mental health disorders and is committed to helping you find the relief you deserve.Â
Contact Guardian Recovery today to learn more. Our expert team will help you understand your treatment options and guide you toward the most appropriate path for your unique situation. With our comprehensive approach to mental health treatment and dedication to coordinated care, we can help you achieve lasting wellness and recovery.
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FAQs
Each session typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. However, your first session may be longer as we need to determine the correct positioning and intensity of the magnetic pulses. We recommend allowing about 45 minutes for your first appointment.
Most patients describe TMS as causing a tapping or knocking sensation on their head. While this can feel unusual at first, it’s typically not painful.
Yes, you can drive and resume all normal activities immediately after TMS treatment. Unlike other brain stimulation therapies or treatments that require sedation, TMS has no cognitive side effects and doesn’t impair your ability to function normally.
At Guardian Recovery, we pride ourselves on our truly integrated approach to care. Your primary therapist, psychiatrist, and any specialists involved in your treatment (such as TMS providers or group therapy facilitators) regularly communicate about your progress and treatment plan. They discuss client care, ensure treatment alignment, and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of your treatment work together seamlessly, maximizing the effectiveness of your care.
Unlike traditional mental health settings where providers work independently, our coordinated care model ensures all your providers—therapists, psychiatrists, and other specialists—work together as a unified team. They talk regularly to discuss your progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure all aspects of your care are working in harmony. This approach eliminates the common frustration of having to coordinate between different providers or repeat your story multiple times. Many clients tell us this integrated approach helps them feel truly supported and understood for the first time in their treatment journey.
We accept most major insurance plans. Our insurance specialists will verify your benefits before treatment begins and explain exactly what is covered. For those with out-of-pocket expenses or without insurance coverage, we offer flexible alternative payment options. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving quality mental health care and will work with you to find a solution that makes treatment accessible.
Sources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). ECT, TMS, and Other Brain Stimulation Therapies.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2018). FDA Permits Marketing of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
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Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:
Ryan Soave
L.M.H.C.
Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.
