What to Expect During TMS Therapy at Our Valencia Office

If medication hasn't helped your depression enough, your doctor may bring up TMS. Many people feel unsure before starting something new, and knowing what to expect makes it a lot easier. Here is what treatment looks like at Healthy Mind Psychiatry in Valencia.

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment that uses short magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the brain involved in mood regulation. It does not require surgery, anesthesia, or sedation. We use the Apollo TMS Therapy System, which is FDA-cleared for adults with major depression who haven't improved enough with antidepressants, and as an add-on treatment for major depression in people ages 15 to 21.

Your first visit ?

Your first visit takes about 60 minutes. Our team reviews your medical history to make sure TMS is a good fit. We then map your brain's response to find the right spot and the right strength for you, and you receive your first treatment.

What a session feels like ?

After the first visit, each session takes about 18 minutes. You sit in a comfortable reclining chair while our team positions a small coil against your scalp. You wear earplugs because the machine makes a clicking sound, and you feel a tapping sensation on your head. You stay awake and alert the whole time.

There is no recovery time. You can drive yourself home and go back to work or your usual activities right away.

How long does treatment last?

A full course is 36 sessions over about nine weeks. The first 30 sessions are once a day, Monday through Friday, for six weeks. The last 6 sessions taper down over three weeks: three sessions in the first week, two in the second, and one in the third.

Many patients notice improvement in mood, energy, and daily functioning during treatment, though results vary from person to person.

Is TMS safe?

TMS is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are scalp discomfort or a headache, which often ease as treatment continues. Serious side effects are rare, but seizure is a small risk, and TMS is not safe for people with certain metal implants in or near the head. That is why we review your history before you start.

Insurance

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal, and we check your benefits before you begin.

Take the next step

If you live in Valencia, Santa Clarita, or the surrounding area and want to know whether TMS could help, call us at (661) 481-0099 or request an appointment online.