What to Expect: Step-by-Step TMS Treatment Process
1. Initial Consultation & Eligibility Check
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. A qualified provider will:
- Review your medical and mental health history
- Discuss prior treatments, including medications and therapy
- Confirm whether you have major depressive disorder (MDD) or treatment-resistant depression
This step ensures that TMS therapy is safe and appropriate for your specific needs.
2. Insurance Verification & Approval
Our team will:
- Verify your insurance benefits
- Obtain any required prior authorizations
- Review coverage and out-of-pocket costs with you
Many insurance plans cover TMS for patients who meet certain criteria.
3. Personalized Treatment Planning
Once approved, your provider creates a customized treatment plan using advanced technology from NeuroStar.
This includes:
- Identifying the precise area of the brain to target
- Determining the appropriate stimulation level
- Mapping your treatment settings for accuracy and comfort
4. First Treatment Session (Brain Mapping)
Your first visit includes a “mapping session,” where:
- A small magnetic coil is positioned on your scalp
- Gentle pulses help identify the exact treatment location
- Settings are adjusted to your comfort level
This ensures each session is precise and personalized.
5. Ongoing Treatment Sessions
- Sessions are typically 5 days per week for 4–6 weeks
- Each session lasts about 20 minutes
- You remain awake and seated comfortably throughout
During treatment, you may feel a light tapping sensation on your scalp.
6. During Each Visit
At every session:
- You check in and are seated comfortably
- The treatment coil is positioned based on your personalized settings
- Therapy begins and runs automatically under supervision
Many patients:
- Read, relax, or simply rest during treatment
- Find the sessions easy to incorporate into their daily routine
7. Immediately After Treatment
One of the biggest advantages of TMS:
- No sedation or anesthesia required
- No downtime or recovery period
You can:
- Drive yourself home
- Return to work
- Resume normal daily activities right away
8. Progress Monitoring & Adjustments
Throughout your treatment course:
- Your provider monitors symptom improvement
- Adjustments can be made if needed
- You’ll have regular check-ins to track progress
9. Completion & Follow-Up
After completing the full course:
- Many patients experience significant improvement or remission
- Your provider will discuss next steps and long-term care options
- Some patients may benefit from occasional maintenance sessions