Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Blending human connection with science-based care in treating your depression.

Watch this video to learn more about the TMS process.

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive treatment used to treat depression and other conditions in patients who have not found relief with standard treatments.

Cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), TMS uses short, magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells in brain regions known to regulate mood.

TMS is an outpatient procedure that does not require anesthesia. Patients can drive after their appointment and return to their daily routine.

What is TMS used to treat?

TMS is FDA-cleared to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and nicotine dependence. All Mindpath Health TMS locations use TMS to treat depression. Only select North Carolina locations use TMS to treat OCD and nicotine dependence.

What does TMS feel like?

Patients may hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation around the area of their scalp being treated. Patients may read a book or watch videos during the session. Some describe the experience as uncomfortable.

Possible side effects

Most patients experience minimal to no side effects. Possible side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Discomfort around treatment area
  • Tingling or twitching of facial muscles
  • Lightheadedness

Qualifying for TMS treatment

You may qualify for TMS if you have:

  • Been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or nicotine dependence
  • Tried at least two antidepressants without success
  • Received evidence-based therapy within the last five years

How successful is TMS?

In 2021, 71% of Mindpath Health patients who completed TMS treatment reported experiencing at least a 50% improvement in their depression symptoms. Approximately 60% of patients reported experiencing remission of depression symptoms1.

1Mindpath Health. (2021, Jan.-Dec.) Internal data, 204 TMS patients. Clinical outcomes may vary by patient characteristics, treatment, and other factors.

Partners in your TMS journey

Our Team

Our Team

Our dedicated team of clinicians and technicians includes a patient navigator who will guide you every step of the way.

Meet some of the technicians who will provide you with personalized service.

Outcomes

According to our internal data*:

  • 71.07% of our patients responded with at least a 50% improvement in depressive symptoms
  • 60.78% of our patients experienced remission in depressive symptoms
*Mindpath Health, Jan-Dec 2021, 204 patients; clinical outcomes may vary by patient characteristics, treatment, and other factors.
Innovation

Innovation

We are always striving to discover new ways to support your mental health. Our clinical trials team conducts research on TMS and other subjects to optimize patient outcomes and propel the field of neuroscience.

Send us an email for more information about our TMS clinical trials and how you can participate.

Where You Can Find Us

Schedule a Consultation

To see if you are a candidate for TMS, call 855-501-1004.
You can also complete the form below and we will contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive treatment used to treat depression and other conditions in patients who have not found relief with standard treatments. Cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), TMS uses short, magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells in brain regions known to regulate mood. TMS is an outpatient procedure that does not require anesthesia. Patients can drive after their appointment and return to their daily routine.

What is TMS used to treat?

TMS is FDA-cleared to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and nicotine dependence. All Mindpath Health TMS locations use TMS to treat depression. Only select North Carolina locations use TMS to treat OCD and nicotine dependence.

How successful is TMS?

In 2021, 71% of Mindpath Health patients who completed TMS treatment reported experiencing at least a 50% improvement in their depression symptoms. Approximately 60% of patients reported experiencing remission of depression symptoms.1

1. Mindpath Health. (2021, Jan.-Dec.) Internal data, 204 TMS patients. Clinical outcomes may vary by patient characteristics, treatment, and other factors.

What does TMS feel like?

Patients may hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation around the area of their scalp being treated. Patients may read a book or watch videos during the session. Some describe the experience as uncomfortable.

Are there any side effects?

Most patients experience minimal to no side effects. Possible side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Discomfort around treatment area
  • Tingling or twitching of facial muscles
  • Lightheadedness
Is there an age requirement?

Yes, you must be 18 years or older.

Am I a candidate for TMS?

You may qualify for TMS if you have:

  • Been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or nicotine dependence
  • Tried at least two antidepressants without success
  • Received evidence-based therapy within the last five years
Who should not receive TMS?

Patients with the following conditions should talk with their doctor before seeking TMS treatment:

  • Psychosis
  • Actively suicidal
  • History of seizures
  • Alcohol- or drug-use disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Dementia
  • Stimulator or pacemaker implants
  • Implants, especially metal, in or near the head (such as cochlear devices)
Where does Mindpath Health offer TMS?

TMS is available at select locations in California, Florida, and North Carolina. To learn more, visit each state’s information page below.

What TMS machines does Mindpath Health use?

Our clinical team currently use BrainsWay, Magstim, and NeuroStar TMS devices. Machine types vary by location and may change.

How do I begin?

You’ve already taken the first step by learning more about TMS! To see if you qualify for treatment, call a Mindpath Health TMS patient navigator in your state.

If you qualify, a TMS patient navigator will schedule a consultation to determine your needs and review your insurance coverage. After that, a TMS-certified medical doctor will conduct a clinical evaluation to determine whether TMS is medically appropriate for you. They will also answer any questions you may have about the treatment process.

How long is treatment?

TMS treatments are conducted over a six-week period. Patients receive 20- to 30-minute sessions five days a week. Tapering sessions may be scheduled after the six weeks of treatment.

Do I need a referral?

Referrals are not required in order to be evaluated for TMS treatment with Mindpath Health.

What insurances are accepted?

We accept most commercial insurances. The following insurance plans by state do not cover TMS treatment:

  • California: Beacon Health Options, Medi-Cal, Medicare
  • Florida: Medicaid
  • North Carolina: Medicaid
Who is on my TMS team?

Your Mindpath Health care team includes a patient navigator, TMS-certified technicians, and a TMS-certified psychiatrist. They are here to answer any questions and ensure your comfort and safety throughout your TMS treatment.

Your patient navigator will serve as a single point of contact to help you complete paperwork, navigate the insurance process, and answer questions. Your TMS-certified psychiatrist will determine your course of TMS treatment, make any necessary adjustments to the course of treatment and oversee the administration of your TMS treatment generally. Our TMS technicians will administer your daily treatments consistent with your course of treatment as determined by your TMS-certified psychiatrist.

Will my TMS team coordinate with my regular clinician?

We believe close collaboration with your clinician greatly increases the effectiveness of TMS treatment. Our team will communicate with your clinician about your progress and work with them to develop and refine treatment plans.

What do other patients say about getting TMS treatment?
  • “Having that [Mindpath Health] team behind you just makes it all possible.”
  • “I feel like nothing can restrict me at this point. And that level of freedom is something that I didn’t know I could feel.”
  • “When I look at how TMS has impacted my life, honestly, it has saved my life.”
  • “I feel like I’m in a whole new world.”

TMS Resources

TMS Patient being consulted by TMS technician

What is Brain Mapping for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Brain mapping is an important part of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment. TMS Medical Director Christina Ni, MD discusses the process of determining a patient’s correct treatment area and dosage.

Learn more>

person sitting at laptop with mindpath ribbon behind

What Does a Typical Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment Look Like?

Anyone considering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will likely have questions about what to expect during their treatment series. Mindpath Health’s National TMS Medical Director Christina Ni, MD, gives a quick overview of the process.

Learn more>