How does transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy work?

TMS therapy is a novel approach to achieving remission of depression. It works by non-invasively accessing and stimulating specific regions in the brain that are underactive in depression. Trained TMS professionals use your unique neuroanatomy to map these regions in the brain and devise a treatment dose that is specifically calibrated to your individual physiology. TMS then uses magnetic pulse waves to help restore function and connectivity between regions of the brain. This is called neuroplasticity. Depression is a serious illness that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide. While medications may help manage symptoms, many patients are not satisfied with the results they receive from standard medication therapy. During a TMS session, a special coil is placed on your scalp, usually above or near your forehead. Then, a small magnetic pulse is delivered into your brain, which stimulates the nerves in the area responsible for mood and emotion. The process is totally painless and is thought to help reawaken parts of your brain that depression has slowed or shut down. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information .

How long does TMS therapy last?

A person undergoing TMS therapy typically receives five daily sessions per week for a total of 4 to 6 weeks. The first session lasts about an hour in order to map the individual’s brain and set the dosage needed for each treatment. The rest of the treatment sessions last about 30 minutes each, with the actual time the coil activation occurs lasting anywhere from a few minutes to most of the half-hour. Many people only need the initial set of sessions, while others may benefit from engaging in maintenance sessions. The maintenance sessions happen an average of once per month in order to help maintain the results accomplished in the original sessions. Because depression and its root causes vary so much, how long the effects of TMS therapy last depends on the individual. In fact, the average person will continue to feel the positive benefits of TMS therapy for six months to a year. These results can range from a decrease in depression symptoms to full remission. Whether or not the person also incorporates talk therapy and medication as needed can influence how long the benefits last. Fortunately, the TMS therapy provider will discuss expectations for how long positive effects may be felt and any need to address further sessions down the line. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information .

What are the benefits of TMS?

The biggest benefit of TMS is giving people relief from their depression symptoms when other treatment plans have failed to work. While therapy is often very beneficial for people who are dealing with depression, it only addresses the mental and emotional aspects of depression, not the physical ones. TMS helps to boost recovery from depression by addressing the physical effects that trigger symptoms. It also presents a safer, less risky alternative to other forms of brain stimulation and is able to be performed in an outpatient setting. In addition, TMS also helps to reduce the risk of death due to depression. It can be utilized as a long-term solution to depression, increasing your chances of being able to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information .

Does TMS therapy have risks?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy has many advantages over other types of brain stimulation techniques. It does not require surgery or implant devices, sedation, or anesthesia, and it also carries only a very small risk of seizures. Most people experience very mild side effects that go away shortly after completing the session and become less common as you continue treatment. The most common side effects include: Headache Lightheadedness Scalp discomfort around the area of stimulation Tingling, spasms, or twitching of the facial muscles If you do have these side effects, your doctor can decrease the level of stimulation to help avoid them. They may also recommend that you take a low-dose pain reliever before treatment. There is a very small risk of additional, more serious side effects for some people. These can include seizures, hearing loss if hearing protection is not worn correctly, and for people with bipolar disorder, manic episodes. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information .

What can I expect at my TMS therapy treatment sessions

The first treatment takes closer to an hour because we are mapping your unique brain characteristics and calculating the dose based on your motor threshold (MT). Subsequent treatments are usually scheduled for about 30 minutes which includes getting you comfortable in the chair and placing the treatment coil in the correct location. Actual coil activation protocols can be anywhere from a few minutes up to 30 minutes, with 19 minutes being the most common. Most people are prescribed sessions five days a week for 4 to 6 weeks. To add, they typically take place at a doctor’s office or clinic that specializes in this type of treatment. Your first session will usually be a little longer than subsequent sessions, as your doctor must first determine the most effective magnet placement and intensity for you. You will be sitting in a comfortable chair at a slight recline so that you can relax, and you will remain awake for the entire procedure. You will also be provided with ear plugs to protect your hearing from the noise of the machine. After treatment, you will be able to do your normal daily tasks, including driving and going to work or school. While TMS may not work for everyone, those that do see results will find their depressive symptoms decreasing or going away entirely within a few weeks of starting treatment. Sometimes “maintenance TMS” will be prescribed, and you will receive treatment once per month on average to help avoid the return of symptoms. If your symptoms return, you can most likely begin a new round of TMS therapy. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information .

Does insurance cover TMS therapy?

TMS Therapy can be covered by insurance if you have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Medicare and most commercial insurance companies have criteria for TMS coverage. Wave Treatment Centers is familiar with most of the policies' criteria requirements, and for which indications coverage will be approved. Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information .

TMS Therapy for Depression Near Fort Washington

Safe, Non-Invasive Treatment for Lasting Relief from Depression

Fort Washington, PA TMS Depression Treatment

When depression feels impossible to overcome, there’s still hope. At Wave Treatment Centers, we help people in and around Fort Washington find real relief through TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) — a safe, proven treatment for depression that hasn’t responded to medication or traditional talk therapy.

Our Chestnut Hill clinic is close by, providing a calm, supportive space where you can take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.

A New Option When Nothing Else Has Worked

If you’ve tried antidepressants or therapy and still struggle with daily sadness, fatigue, or loss of interest, TMS Therapy may be right for you.

TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of your brain involved in mood regulation — helping “wake up” parts of the brain that may have become underactive during depression.

There are no medications, no anesthesia, and no downtime. Most people are able to drive themselves to and from their appointments and return to normal activities the same day.

What to Expect with TMS at Wave Treatment Centers

Comfortable, non-invasive sessions — you’re awake and relaxed during the treatment.
Short appointments — typically less than 20 minutes, five days a week, for several weeks.
FDA-approved for depression — TMS has been safely used since 2008 and continues to help thousands find relief.

Start Feeling Like Yourself Again

You don’t have to keep living under the weight of depression. Wave Treatment Centers in Chestnut Hill offers compassionate, individualized care close to home for Abington residents.

If you’re ready to explore a treatment that works when others haven’t, we’re here to help. Call or request a consultation today to learn more about TMS Therapy in Fort Washington, PA.

How does TMS work?

TMS For Depression

One Patient's Journey

Start your Healing Journey

A healthier, happier life starts here — talk to our caring staff today.

SAP Form Submission

TMS

Frequently Asked Questions

How does transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy work?

TMS therapy is a novel approach to achieving remission of depression. It works by non-invasively accessing and stimulating specific regions in the brain that are underactive in depression.

Trained TMS professionals use your unique neuroanatomy to map these regions in the brain and devise a treatment dose that is specifically calibrated to your individual physiology. TMS then uses magnetic pulse waves to help restore function and connectivity between regions of the brain. This is called neuroplasticity.

Depression is a serious illness that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide. While medications may help manage symptoms, many patients are not satisfied with the results they receive from standard medication therapy.

During a TMS session, a special coil is placed on your scalp, usually above or near your forehead. Then, a small magnetic pulse is delivered into your brain, which stimulates the nerves in the area responsible for mood and emotion. The process is totally painless and is thought to help reawaken parts of your brain that depression has slowed or shut down.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
How long does TMS therapy last?

A person undergoing TMS therapy typically receives five daily sessions per week for a total of 4 to 6 weeks. The first session lasts about an hour in order to map the individual’s brain and set the dosage needed for each treatment. The rest of the treatment sessions last about 30 minutes each, with the actual time the coil activation occurs lasting anywhere from a few minutes to most of the half-hour. Many people only need the initial set of sessions, while others may benefit from engaging in maintenance sessions. The maintenance sessions happen an average of once per month in order to help maintain the results accomplished in the original sessions.

Because depression and its root causes vary so much, how long the effects of TMS therapy last depends on the individual. In fact, the average person will continue to feel the positive benefits of TMS therapy for six months to a year. These results can range from a decrease in depression symptoms to full remission. Whether or not the person also incorporates talk therapy and medication as needed can influence how long the benefits last. Fortunately, the TMS therapy provider will discuss expectations for how long positive effects may be felt and any need to address further sessions down the line.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
What are the benefits of TMS?

The biggest benefit of TMS is giving people relief from their depression symptoms when other treatment plans have failed to work. While therapy is often very beneficial for people who are dealing with depression, it only addresses the mental and emotional aspects of depression, not the physical ones. TMS helps to boost recovery from depression by addressing the physical effects that trigger symptoms.

It also presents a safer, less risky alternative to other forms of brain stimulation and is able to be performed in an outpatient setting. In addition, TMS also helps to reduce the risk of death due to depression. It can be utilized as a long-term solution to depression, increasing your chances of being able to live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
Does TMS therapy have risks?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy has many advantages over other types of brain stimulation techniques. It does not require surgery or implant devices, sedation, or anesthesia, and it also carries only a very small risk of seizures. Most people experience very mild side effects that go away shortly after completing the session and become less common as you continue treatment. The most common side effects include:
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Scalp discomfort around the area of stimulation
- Tingling, spasms, or twitching of the facial muscles
If you do have these side effects, your doctor can decrease the level of stimulation to help avoid them. They may also recommend that you take a low-dose pain reliever before treatment.

There is a very small risk of additional, more serious side effects for some people. These can include seizures, hearing loss if hearing protection is not worn correctly, and for people with bipolar disorder, manic episodes.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
What can I expect at my TMS therapy treatment sessions

The first treatment takes closer to an hour because we are mapping your unique brain characteristics and calculating the dose based on your motor threshold (MT). Subsequent treatments are usually scheduled for about 30 minutes which includes getting you comfortable in the chair and placing the treatment coil in the correct location. Actual coil activation protocols can be anywhere from a few minutes up to 30 minutes, with 19 minutes being the most common. Most people are prescribed sessions five days a week for 4 to 6 weeks. To add, they typically take place at a doctor’s office or clinic that specializes in this type of treatment.

Your first session will usually be a little longer than subsequent sessions, as your doctor must first determine the most effective magnet placement and intensity for you. You will be sitting in a comfortable chair at a slight recline so that you can relax, and you will remain awake for the entire procedure. You will also be provided with ear plugs to protect your hearing from the noise of the machine. After treatment, you will be able to do your normal daily tasks, including driving and going to work or school.

While TMS may not work for everyone, those that do see results will find their depressive symptoms decreasing or going away entirely within a few weeks of starting treatment. Sometimes “maintenance TMS” will be prescribed, and you will receive treatment once per month on average to help avoid the return of symptoms. If your symptoms return, you can most likely begin a new round of TMS therapy.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.
Does insurance cover TMS therapy?

TMS Therapy can be covered by insurance if you have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Medicare and most commercial insurance companies have criteria for TMS coverage. Wave Treatment Centers is familiar with most of the policies' criteria requirements, and for which indications coverage will be approved.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

I contribute my 4 years of recovery largely to Dr. Beatty. I didn’t think recovery was even possible for someone like me. With the guidance and support of Dr. Beatty, I have been able to pull my life together completely. My plan for treatment was unlike any I had before, and that was exactly what I needed in order to succeed. Thank you very for everything Dr. Beatty, I could not have done this without you.

Zack J.