Understanding TMS Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that’s gaining traction in the mental health field. Most commonly used to treat depression, it’s also being studied — and in some cases approved — for conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

If you’re curious about how TMS works, how much it costs, whether it’s effective for anxiety, or how long its effects last, this guide will walk you through the answers.

How TMS Therapy Works

TMS therapy uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation—most commonly the prefrontal cortex. These magnetic pulses activate underactive regions of the brain that are often implicated in depression.

Unlike medications, which affect the entire body, TMS targets only specific brain circuits. This makes it a non-invasive treatment option with fewer systemic side effects. Sessions are typically done in an outpatient setting, and most people can return to normal activities right after treatment.

Most TMS devices, like the ones utilized at Psyche, use a figure-8 shaped coil placed gently against the scalp. During each session—typically lasting around 20 minutes—patients remain awake and seated. You might hear clicking sounds or feel a tapping sensation on the head, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

TMS was FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in 2008, and since then, advancements in protocols and coil technology have made it more precise and accessible. Studies suggest that TMS promotes neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to form healthier activity patterns over time.

At Psyche, we use the Apollo TMS system — an FDA-cleared device developed by Neorocare — to deliver targeted, reliable treatment.

Learn more about how TMS therapy works.

Who Is a Good Candidate for TMS?

TMS is most commonly recommended for individuals with major depressive disorder who haven’t found relief from traditional treatments like medication or talk therapy. However, it’s also being explored as a promising option for certain anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and OCD.

Ideal candidates may include people who:

• Have tried one or more antidepressants without significant improvement
• Experience side effects or interactions from psychiatric medications
• Prefer a non-invasive, medication-free treatment
• Have a diagnosis of depression

TMS is not recommended for individuals with a history of seizures, metal implants near the head, or certain neurological conditions. A comprehensive evaluation at Psyche Denver helps determine eligibility and ensures your treatment is safe, appropriate, and customized to your needs.

Wondering if TMS is right for you?
Schedule a free consultation with our care team — we’ll help you understand your options.

Is TMS Treatment Expensive?

TMS is often seen as a significant investment—but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unaffordable or not cost-effective. In fact, it’s covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, for those who meet clinical criteria.

Also, while the upfront cost can be higher than weekly therapy sessions or monthly antidepressants, TMS may ultimately reduce the need for long-term medication or hospitalizations, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. In this way, it offers the potential for long-term cost savings.

There’s also the cost of untreated depression to consider. Lost productivity, absenteeism, and increased healthcare usage can quickly add up. According to the National Network of Depression Centers, depression costs the U.S. economy over $210 billion per year, with nearly half attributed to workplace impact and lost productivity.

TMS offers an appealing value proposition for many: a science-backed option that may reduce reliance on long-term care and help individuals reclaim their quality of life.

How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost?

The cost of TMS therapy can vary significantly depending on your location, the provider, how many sessions are recommended, and whether you’re using insurance.

At Psyche PC, we work with most major insurance plans, and many of them cover TMS for major depressive disorder—especially if other treatments haven’t worked. For those paying out of pocket, we’re happy to discuss self-pay options and flexible payment arrangements.

Because every individual’s treatment plan is unique, we recommend contacting our team directly to get an estimate tailored to your needs. We’re here to help make care accessible and guide you through the insurance and payment process.

Contact us today to learn more about coverage, costs, or next steps.

You can also explore our TMS Therapy FAQs for more information.

Does TMS Help with Anxiety?

TMS is currently FDA-approved for major depressive disorder, but it’s also being actively researched for a variety of anxiety-related conditions.

One reason for this growing interest is that TMS may modulate activity in the amygdala—a brain region involved in fear and emotional regulation. Some studies suggest that calming overactivity in this area may help alleviate excessive worry and hyperarousal, which are key features of conditions like generalized anxiety and PTSD.

Emerging research is encouraging. In fact, some patients undergoing TMS for depression report unexpected improvements in anxiety symptoms, highlighting potential overlap in the brain circuits involved.

Psyche Denver is closely following these developments and tailors each treatment plan to reflect the latest evidence and individual needs.

Here’s what we know so far:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Studies show that stimulating specific brain regions (such as the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) can reduce symptoms in people with GAD.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): TMS is FDA-cleared for OCD under specialized protocols targeting the supplementary motor area.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Early research suggests TMS may reduce PTSD symptoms by altering dysfunctional brain connectivity.
• Social Anxiety: Preliminary studies show potential, but larger trials are still needed.

It’s important to note that TMS protocols for anxiety may differ from those used for depression in terms of frequency, intensity, and targeted brain areas. TMS for anxiety is not yet a standardized treatment, so a personalized evaluation is essential to determine if it’s a good fit.

How Long Does TMS Last?

The duration of TMS therapy’s benefits varies from person to person. Some individuals experience relief that lasts for months or even years, while others may need periodic maintenance sessions to sustain improvements.

Factors that influence longevity include:

• The severity and chronicity of the condition
• Whether TMS is combined with other treatments like therapy or medication
• Adherence to the full treatment course
• Overall health and lifestyle factors

A 2018 study published in Brain Stimulation found that approximately 62.5% of patients maintained response to TMS one year after treatment. Others may benefit from “booster” sessions scheduled periodically after the initial series.

Ongoing communication with your provider is essential to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans if needed.

Common Myths About TMS

“TMS is the same as ECT.”

False—TMS is non-invasive, doesn’t require anesthesia, and treats depression differently than ECT on a cellular level.

“You have to take time off work.”

Not true—TMS sessions typically fit into your daily schedule, and most people resume normal activity right after.

“It’s only for severe cases.”

While often used for treatment-resistant depression, TMS may also benefit people who don’t want to rely on long-term medications.

Ready to Explore TMS?

Whether you’re struggling with treatment-resistant depression or exploring options for anxiety, TMS therapy may be worth considering. At Psyche PC, we specialize in personalized mental health care and offer TMS as part of our services. Our experienced team can help determine whether TMS is the right fit for your needs.

Want to learn more? Contact us for a consultation.

References

1. Greenberg, P.E., Fournier, A.A., Sisitsky, T. et al. (2015). The Economic Burden of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder in the United States (2005 and 2010). Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25643025/
2. Bystritsky, A. et al. (2008). A pilot study of fMRI-guided rTMS in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18572984/
3. Carmi, L. et al. (2019). Clinical efficacy and safety of deep TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A prospective multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31109199/
4. Kozel, F.A. et al. (2019). Repetitive TMS to augment cognitive processing therapy in PTSD: A randomized clinical trial. Biological Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29351885/
5. Dunner, D.L. et al. (2014). A multicenter, naturalistic, observational study of transcranial magnetic stimulation for patients with pharmacoresistant major depressive disorder: durability of benefit over a 1-year follow-up period. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25271871/