Advanced Treatment
TMS Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
A non-invasive, outpatient treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate the area of the brain involved in mood regulation. No medication, no anesthesia, no downtime.
FDA-Cleared for Depression and OCD
How It Works
Targeted stimulation, meaningful results.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) uses precisely targeted magnetic pulses to activate the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that tends to be underactive in people with depression. Unlike antidepressants, which circulate through the whole body, TMS works directly on the brain with no systemic effects.
Studies show strong response rates in people with treatment-resistant depression. Many patients experience meaningful improvement in mood, energy, and motivation after completing a full course of treatment.
01
Outpatient Sessions
Treatment is done in our office. You sit in a chair while the TMS coil delivers magnetic pulses to the target area of your brain. No sedation is needed.
02
3 Minutes, 5 Days a Week
We use rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) — the full clinical name for this treatment — with each session taking approximately 3 minutes. A standard course runs five days a week for six weeks, for a total of 36 sessions.
03
No Downtime
When the session ends, you drive yourself home, go to work, or carry on with your day. There are no restrictions after treatment.
Who It's For
A different path when other treatments haven't worked.
TMS is typically recommended for people with treatment-resistant depression that has not responded adequately to one or more antidepressants. We offer TMS for adolescents 14 and older with treatment-resistant depression, as well as adults, and it is also FDA-cleared for OCD. TMS is also an option for treatment-resistant depression during pregnancy, for those who want to avoid or reduce medication.
You may be a good candidate for TMS if:
You have tried antidepressants without adequate relief
Side effects from medication have been difficult to tolerate
You prefer a non-medication approach
You are managing treatment-resistant depression
You are an adolescent (14+) with treatment-resistant depression
You are pregnant and looking for a non-medication option
You have OCD that has not responded to other treatments
TMS for OCD
TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of OCD in adults. The protocol targets a different area of the brain than the depression protocol, and can be used alongside therapy. If you are living with OCD that has been difficult to treat, we would be glad to discuss whether TMS is right for you.
What to Expect
Before, during, and after.
Before You Start
You will meet with one of our providers for an initial evaluation to review your history and confirm that TMS is right for you. If approved, we will schedule your first session.
During Treatment
You will feel a tapping or clicking sensation on your scalp during the session. Most people adjust to this within the first few sessions. You can listen to music, watch something, or simply relax.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or a headache during the first few sessions, which typically fades as your brain adjusts. TMS does not cause the memory or cognitive side effects associated with some other treatments.
When You Notice Results
Most people begin to notice improvements in mood, sleep, or energy around weeks three to four. The full benefit of TMS often continues to develop for several weeks after the course ends.
Covered by most major insurance plans for qualifying diagnoses. We handle prior authorization before you begin. Contact us with any questions about coverage.
Patient Testimonials
Real Patients,real results.
TMS Patient
Massachusetts Psychiatric Services
TMS Patient
Massachusetts Psychiatric Services
Patient story - Audio
Read transcript
"I was depressed every day, had terrible morning depressions, and was real bad all day long. During treatment, every day I felt a little bit better — my morning depressions went away after just five or six treatments, and I'd had them for 50 years. Today, on my last day of treatment, I feel great. Everything has changed. It's much lighter, I don't feel depressed. I wanted to kill myself and I don't feel that way at all anymore — I don't want to do that. I just feel pretty wonderful, and I'm so glad I took this treatment. To anyone considering TMS: don't worry about it. The machine might look a little strange, but it doesn't hurt — there's no pain. You just lie down, get comfortable, and they treat you. It only takes about eight minutes. Then you walk out and feel better right away. I felt a little bit better every time I left. Today I feel great."
Patient at Massachusetts Psychiatric Services
"I had tried three different antidepressants with minimal results. TMS was the first thing that actually made a difference. By week four I felt like myself again."
Patient at Massachusetts Psychiatric Services