Find Relief with TMS Therapy
FDA-cleared, non-invasive brain stimulation for depression and anxiety. As few as 20 sessions, 30 minutes each, with no medication side effects.
A Gentle, Non-Invasive Treatment
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. It uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the brain that help control mood. During a TMS session, you sit in a comfortable chair. A small device is placed near your head. This device sends safe magnetic pulses to specific areas of your brain. These pulses help 'wake up' brain cells that may not be working well in people with depression. You are awake the whole time. There is no anesthesia, and you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. Most people describe the feeling as a light tapping on the scalp. Each session usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Treatments are done several times a week for a few weeks. Over time, many patients start to feel better as their brain activity improves. TMS does not involve medication, so it can be a good option if antidepressants have not worked well or caused side effects.
Backed by Science, Cleared by the FDA
TMS has been FDA-cleared for multiple conditions since 2013, including major depressive disorder and depression with comorbid anxiety.
For patients who have not responded to antidepressant medication, the results are significant. According to Harvard Health, 50 to 60 percent of people with treatment-resistant depression experience a clinically meaningful response with TMS, and roughly one-third of those who respond achieve full remission. Most patients maintain their improvement for a year or more.
At CARMAhealth, TMS is part of a complete psychiatric treatment plan. Your board-certified psychiatrist evaluates your condition, determines whether TMS is right for you, and monitors your progress throughout. For patients who need it, TMS can be combined with medication management, ketamine therapy, or Spravato for a comprehensive approach.
What to Expect During Treatment
Start with a Psychiatric Evaluation
Your TMS journey begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Your psychiatrist will review your symptoms, treatment history, and goals to determine whether TMS is the right fit.
Get Mapped and Calibrated
Before your first session, your practitioner maps the treatment area on your scalp and calibrates the magnetic pulse intensity to your individual threshold. This takes about 30 minutes and only needs to happen once.
Complete Your Treatment Sessions
Sessions run five days a week for four to six weeks. Each one lasts about 30 minutes. You sit comfortably, and most patients read, listen to music, or simply relax during treatment.
See Results and Plan Next Steps
Many patients notice improvement within two to three weeks. After your final session, your psychiatrist will assess your progress and discuss a maintenance plan to help sustain your results.
Most Major Plans Accepted
We accept 15+ insurance plans and offer self-pay options for services not covered by insurance.
Aetna · BCBS · Cigna · United Healthcare · Humana · and 6 more
Frequently Asked Questions About TMS Therapy
Without insurance, a single TMS session typically costs $300 to $500, with a full treatment course ranging from $6,000 to $15,000. With insurance, most patients pay $50 to $250 per session in copays. CARMAhealth accepts 15+ insurance plans, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Contact our team at (512) 212-4670 to verify your coverage.
The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or headache during or after sessions, which typically decreases over the first week of treatment. Unlike antidepressant medications, TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, or fatigue. There is no sedation and no systemic side effects. You can drive yourself to and from each session.
Many major insurance plans cover TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Most insurers require documentation that you have tried at least two antidepressant medications without adequate improvement. CARMAhealth's team handles insurance verification and prior authorization on your behalf. Visit our insurance page or call (512) 212-4670 for details.
TMS is typically recommended for patients with major depressive disorder who have not responded well to antidepressant medication. It is also FDA-cleared for depression with comorbid anxiety. Your psychiatrist will evaluate your treatment history during a psychiatric evaluation and determine whether TMS is the right approach for you.
For patients who have not found relief through medication, TMS offers a meaningful alternative. Clinical research shows a 50 to 60 percent response rate in treatment-resistant cases, with about one-third of responders achieving full remission. Each session takes only 30 minutes with no downtime, and most patients maintain improvement for a year or more after completing treatment. See our TMS therapy FAQ for more detailed answers about cost, insurance, and candidacy.
Your Treatment, Led by Psychiatrists
Every TMS treatment plan at CARMAhealth is designed and supervised by a board-certified psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. From your initial evaluation through your final session, your care is led by a licensed medical professional.
Start Feeling Like Yourself Again
Whether you're exploring treatment for the first time or looking for a new practitioner, our psychiatrists are here to listen.
Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available