Every patient responds differently to TMS therapy. Some individuals notice symptom improvement as early as the first week, while most experience noticeable benefits midway through treatment. Friends and family often observe positive changes before the patient does. For some, improvement continues 2–4 weeks after completing treatment, as the brain continues to adapt to the stimulation received during therapy.

The duration of benefit from TMS therapy varies from person to person. For some patients, improvements in mood and overall well-being may last indefinitely, while for others, results may last 3–6 months, a year, or longer. Research shows that approximately one-third of patients who respond well to TMS may choose to undergo a second round of treatment. Many patients find that subsequent rounds of TMS are just as effective—or even more effective—than their initial treatment. Several factors influence how long the benefits last, including individual brain chemistry, lifestyle, and ongoing mental health care. It’s important to understand that no treatment for depression, including TMS, can guarantee lifelong relief. However, TMS offers a safe, non-invasive, and effective option for achieving lasting improvements in mood and quality of life.

A typical TMS session lasts about 18–20 minutes. Patients remain awake and comfortable during the procedure while a magnetic coil targets specific areas of the brain to help improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.

Most patients follow a treatment plan of 5 sessions per week over 6–9 weeks, totaling 30–36 sessions. Your care team will work with you to develop a schedule that fits your lifestyle while ensuring optimal results.

Yes. TMS therapy is FDA-approved, non-invasive, and non-drug based. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, such as slight scalp discomfort or mild headache. Unlike medications, TMS does not cause systemic side effects or affect other organs.

No. TMS sessions are brief, and you can return to normal activities immediately afterward. Most patients continue to work, exercise, and maintain their daily routines while undergoing treatment.

Patients often experience gradual improvement. While some feel better early, others notice changes only at the end of the treatment course. The full benefits may continue to develop over several weeks after treatment completion, making ongoing observation and follow-up essential.

Getting started is simple. Contact our office during business hours to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schwartz. During this session, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your treatment goals, and develop a personalized TMS therapy plan tailored to your needs.

One of the most common questions patients have about TMS therapy is whether they can stop taking antidepressant medications. Some patients are able to discontinue their medications after completing TMS and feel well, while others continue on the same or lower doses. The decision to adjust or stop medications should always be made in consultation with the prescribing clinician. During TMS treatment, we generally recommend keeping your medications at the same dose. This approach helps determine whether improvements in mood are due to TMS therapy rather than changes in medication. However, if you and your prescriber determine that a change in your medication is necessary—such as reducing side effects or adjusting dosage—we support that decision. We do ask that you inform our team of any changes at your next TMS session. This is important because certain medication adjustments may require us to re-evaluate the magnetic energy settings to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

During the first few TMS therapy sessions, some patients may notice a tapping or tingling sensation on the scalp, which can occasionally cause mild to moderate discomfort or headache. Studies suggest that up to 50% of patients experience this during the first week of treatment. Fortunately, this discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen, taken before or after sessions. Over time, the scalp typically adapts to the magnetic pulses, and most patients find that the sensation becomes minimal or disappears entirely as treatment progresses. TMS is non-invasive, safe, and well-tolerated, allowing patients to undergo treatment without sedation or recovery time, so you can resume your daily activities immediately.

TMS therapy and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) are both effective treatments for depression, but they are very different in how they work and what patients experience. ECT involves administering anesthesia and then inducing a controlled seizure. Treatments are typically given 2–3 times per week over several weeks, totaling 12–16 sessions. While ECT is highly effective, some patients experience side effects such as memory loss, confusion, or complications from anesthesia, and you are not able to drive yourself home after treatment. TMS therapy, on the other hand, is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia. Magnetic pulses are applied directly to the prefrontal cortex in sessions that last about 17–20 minutes, typically over 30–36 treatments. Most patients experience minimal side effects, can drive themselves to and from sessions, and return to their normal activities immediately. TMS offers a safe, well-tolerated alternative for patients seeking relief from depression without the risks associated with anesthesia or cognitive side effects.

TMS therapy is currently recommended for adult patients (18 years and older) who have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and have not experienced sufficient improvement from antidepressant medications during their current episode. To determine whether TMS is the right treatment option for you, we encourage you to complete our request-for-more-info form. Our team will review your information and guide you through the next steps, helping you understand if TMS therapy could be a good fit for your needs.

TMS therapy is covered by the majority of insurance providers due to its FDA approval and proven effectiveness for treating depression. Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on your individual insurance plan and coverage. Before starting treatment, our team will review your insurance benefits and provide a clear estimate of any patient responsibility. This ensures there are no surprises, and you can move forward with your TMS therapy plan with confidence.

TMS therapy, such as NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, is typically administered 5 days per week for 6 weeks, followed by a taper period for the final treatments. We understand that life can sometimes interfere with your schedule, such as travel plans or other commitments. While we aim for consistent weekday treatments—especially at the beginning of your course—occasionally missing a single session will not prevent the overall success of your therapy. It’s important to inform our team in advance if you anticipate missing consecutive sessions so we can adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Your first TMS therapy visit is slightly different from regular treatment sessions and usually takes an additional 30–40 minutes. You will be seated in a comfortable chair similar to those used in dental offices. Before your first treatment, we perform a mapping procedure, which is painless and takes about 25–35 minutes. This mapping identifies the precise location of your prefrontal cortex, the target area for TMS, and determines the optimal level of magnetic energy for your treatment. Since everyone’s head shape and brain response are unique, this step ensures that your therapy is personalized for maximum effectiveness and safety. NeuroStar’s proprietary software helps fine-tune this calculation. After mapping, you will receive your first TMS session, typically lasting about 17–18 minutes. The magnetic coil rests on your head during treatment. While some patients notice a mild tapping or tingling sensation at first, adjustments are made to ensure the experience is comfortable and well-tolerated. Most patients adapt quickly, and by the end of the first or second week, many barely feel the pulses at all. Your first visit is designed to ensure your safety, comfort, and optimal treatment outcomes from day one.

Depression can often be recognized by a combination of emotional, physical, and behavioral changes. You—or someone you know—may be experiencing depression if you notice several of the following symptoms: · Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or low mood · Changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping too much or too little · Changes in appetite or weight · Reduced energy or constant fatigue · Loss of motivation, drive, or enthusiasm for daily activities · Loss of interest in sex or previously enjoyed activities · Thoughts of death or wishing you were dead · Difficulty concentrating or making decisions · Social withdrawal, such as avoiding friends, family, or communication If many of these symptoms are present to a significant degree, it may indicate Major Depressive Disorder. Seeking professional help early can lead to more effective treatment and improved quality of life. TMS therapy and other evidence-based interventions are available to help manage depression safely and effectively.