During treatment, a magnetic coil is placed against the scalp to deliver focused pulses to targeted brain areas. These pulses activate neural pathways that may be underactive or overactive in certain mental health conditions. Repeated sessions over time can help improve brain signaling and reduce symptoms. 

TMS may be appropriate for adults who have experienced limited improvement with traditional treatments such as medication or therapy. Some patients may wish to try TMS first rather than other treatments and insurance coverage for this option may be limited. Eligibility, both clinical and for insurance coverage, is determined through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at our Pleasant Hill location to ensure the treatment is safe and clinically appropriate.

TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder (including “anxious depression”) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and smoking cessation. TMS has early evidence in treating other disorders, but eligibility may be limited in such circumstances. A Jovive psychiatrist can discuss your treatment options in a consultative appointment. Recent studies have validated use and received FDA approval in “late life depression” (ages 60-86) and for adolescents (ages 15-21).

TMS therapy is typically administered five days per week over several weeks. The exact treatment schedule may vary based on clinical needs and response. Some patients begin noticing changes within the first few weeks of therapy. Jovive uses a Brainsway device in Pleasant Hill, CA and this device is approved for newer “accelerated” protocols to consider. 

TMS is generally well tolerated. Patients may feel a tapping or clicking sensation on the scalp during sessions. Mild discomfort or headaches can occur early in treatment but often decrease as the body adjusts. 

Research shows TMS can be highly effective for individuals with depression who have not responded to other treatments. Many patients experience meaningful symptom improvement, with some achieving long-term relief. TMS is known to sometimes help patients who have not responded to medication previously. Outcomes vary based on individual factors and treatment history.

Side effects are typically mild and temporary. The most common include scalp discomfort or headache during or after treatment. Serious side effects are rare, and TMS does not cause systemic effects associated with many medications. There is a very small chance of having a seizure event induced during treatment sessions. This is a rare event and risks for such things will be discussed and managed during consultation and treatment.

Many insurance plans, including Medicare and several commercial carriers, provide coverage for TMS therapy when medical criteria are met. Coverage requirements can vary by plan and diagnosis. Our Pleasant Hill team can assist with insurance verification, prior authorization, and benefit questions before treatment begins. 

Currently, TMS therapy is offered exclusively at our Pleasant Hill, California location. Patients from surrounding areas are welcome to schedule an evaluation to determine whether TMS is an appropriate option for their care.

Our Pleasant Hill location offers “Deep TMS” using a Brainsway device. Deep TMS (Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that uses a helmet with a specialized H-coil to deliver magnetic pulses, reaching deeper and broader brain areas than traditional TMS, to treat conditions like Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by regulating neural activity, requiring brief, daily sessions without anesthesia.