ResWell / Services & Treatments / Integrative Approaches / TMS
TMS – Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Is someone in your family struggling with depression or other mental health challenges? One of our treatment options is TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation — a gentle, noninvasive approach that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain connected to mood and emotional regulation.
TMS does not require medication, anesthesia, or sedation, and clients remain awake during treatment. For individuals who have not found enough relief with medication — or who want an alternative approach — TMS can offer an effective path toward feeling better and reconnecting with daily life.
What Conditions Can TMS Treat?
TMS is FDA-cleared to treat:
- Depression, including treatment-resistant depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Smoking cessation (using specific FDA-cleared protocols)
TMS may also be considered for:
- Anxiety or PTSD
- Bipolar depression
- ADHD
- Chronic pain
We’ll discuss your symptoms and treatment history to determine if TMS may be a supportive next step in your care.
Our TMS Process – What to Expect
A TMS session is simple and comfortable, completed in less time than a 30-minute episode of your favorite show. In fact, some people enjoy watching a show or listening to music during their sessions. Most people describe TMS as a light tapping sensation on the scalp. The magnetic coil is gently placed over the treatment area, and short pulses are delivered while we monitor comfort throughout the session. Clients are awake, seated comfortably, and able to talk during treatment, with no anesthesia or recovery time needed.
Sessions typically last 3–20 minutes, and a full course generally runs 4-8 weeks, 5 days per week. Some people notice changes within a few weeks, while others improve gradually over time.
How TMS Supports Healing and Well-Being
TMS is a noninvasive treatment that supports brain activity in areas connected to mood, motivation, and emotional regulation. It may help individuals who are struggling with depression and related conditions by:
Helping stimulate underactive areas of the brain involved in mood and emotional balance
Supporting improved communication between brain regions over time
Reducing symptoms of depression and related conditions
Offering a non-medication treatment option for those who haven’t found enough relief with medication
Providing a safe, outpatient treatment with no anesthesia or recovery time needed
Supporting gradual improvement in mood, energy, and daily functioning over the course of treatment
Why Choose TMS at ResWell?
We provide clear guidance and compassionate support throughout every step of TMS treatment. Our approach is thoughtful and personalized, helping ensure each person receives care that fits their unique needs and goals.
Your TMS plan at ResWell may include:
- An evaluation to determine whether TMS is an appropriate treatment option
- A personalized treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and treatment history, with adjustments as needed
- Ongoing support, including guidance on what to expect and coordination with your care team
- Individual, family, or group therapy to build and practice skills, coping strategies, and resilience
- Medication management if needed
- Expert guidance around fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness
Frequently Asked Questions
How does TMS Work?
In people with depression and other mood disorders, areas of the brain involved in mood and emotional regulation can become less active. TMS uses repeated magnetic pulses to gently stimulate these regions, most commonly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex— which plays a key role in mood, decision-making, and emotional processing.
Over time, this stimulation may help improve communication between brain regions and reduce symptoms of depression and related conditions.
Is TMS painful?
Most people find TMS to be gentle and comfortable. Some notice a light tapping feeling or mild scalp discomfort during treatment, especially at the beginning, but this often becomes more comfortable as they continue.
Will I need anesthesia or sedation?
No. TMS is offered without anesthesia or sedation, and there’s no recovery time afterward.
Can I drive after treatment?
Yes. Most clients drive themselves to and from appointments and return to activities right away.
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression when medical necessity criteria are met. We can discuss your benefits and walk you through the process.
How successful is TMS?
Many people experience meaningful improvement with TMS, especially when other treatments like medication haven’t been enough on their own.
Can I continue taking medication during TMS?
In many cases, yes. We will thoughtfully review your medications and work with you to decide what feels right for your care.
Is TMS safe?
Yes. TMS has been well studied and is considered a safe, noninvasive treatment when provided by trained clinicians.
What are the common side effects of TMS?
Most side effects are mild, temporary, and tend to improve as treatment continues. They may include:
- Mild scalp discomfort
- Headache
- Tingling or facial muscle twitching during treatment
- Temporary lightheadedness
Who should not receive TMS?
TMS may not be the right fit for everyone, especially for individuals with certain metal or electronic devices near the head or neck. Please let us know if you have:
- Cochlear implants
- Implanted stimulators or electrodes
- Aneurysm clips or coils
- Metal fragments near your head or eyes
- Deep brain stimulators
Extra care is also needed for individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy, certain neurological conditions, bipolar disorder with active mania, or recent substance withdrawal. During a consultation, we’ll take time to determine if TMS is a safe and appropriate option for you or your family member.
