TMS Therapy

TMS Therapy

At Pneuma Behavioral Health we offer TMS Therapy as an innovative, noninvasive treatment for individuals experiencing depression and other mood disorders. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation. This service provides an alternative for clients who have not achieved sufficient relief through medication or therapy alone.

What Is TMS Therapy

TMS Therapy delivers focused magnetic pulses to targeted brain areas without the need for anesthesia or sedation. During each session you remain fully awake and seated comfortably while a specialized device generates brief magnetic fields. These fields pass through the skull and activate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in mood and cognitive function. Over a course of treatments this stimulation supports neural pathways that alleviate symptoms of depression.

Benefits of TMS Therapy

FDA Approved Treatment
TMS Therapy is cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of major depressive disorder, ensuring safety and efficacy.

Noninvasive Treatment
TMS Therapy does not require surgery or implants and carries minimal risk of systemic side effects associated with medication.

Clinical Efficacy
Research shows significant symptom reduction for many individuals who did not respond to traditional treatments.

Rapid Onset of Action
Some clients experience improvement within the first few weeks of treatment.

Safe and Well Tolerated
Common side effects such as scalp discomfort or mild headaches are generally transient and resolve quickly.

Outpatient Convenience
Sessions take place in our clinic without the need for anesthesia, allowing clients to resume daily activities immediately.

Structure and Format

TMS Therapy at Pneuma Behavioral Health follows a structured protocol:

1. Initial Evaluation

A psychiatrist or neurologist conducts a thorough assessment to confirm that TMS is appropriate. Medical history, prior treatment response and imaging studies may be reviewed.

2. Treatment Planning

Based on the evaluation a personalized treatment plan is developed. This includes the number of sessions, target brain regions and stimulation parameters.

3. Daily Sessions

Clients typically attend treatment five days per week for four to six weeks. Each session lasts approximately thirty to forty minutes. During treatment you remain alert and may listen to music or read.

4. Monitoring and Support

Our team monitors your comfort and response at each appointment. Adjustments to intensity or protocol can be made to optimize outcomes.

5. Follow Up and Maintenance

After the initial course of treatment follow up visits assess progress. Some clients benefit from periodic maintenance sessions to sustain improvements.

Throughout the process you will receive clear guidance and ongoing support from our clinical team.

Who Can Benefit

TMS Therapy is appropriate for adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have had an inadequate response to one or more antidepressant interventions. It may also help individuals experiencing:

  • Treatment resistant depression
  • Anxiety disorders accompanying depression
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder in select protocols
  • Smoking cessation support in clinical studies


Clients who prefer a nonpharmacological approach or who cannot tolerate medication side effects often find TMS a valuable option.

Our Client Centered Approach

At Pneuma Behavioral Health our clinicians combine technical expertise with compassionate care. We educate each client on the science behind TMS and set realistic expectations for treatment milestones. Comfort and safety are paramount. You will be guided through every step, from coil placement to stimulus calibration. Our team collaborates closely with your psychiatrist, therapist or primary care provider to ensure integrated care. We foster an environment of respect and dignity so you feel empowered throughout your treatment journey.

What to Expect from a TMS Treatment Session

TMS Therapy is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure used to treat major depressive disorder, especially when other treatments haven’t been effective. At Pneuma Behavioral Health, we strive to make every TMS session safe, comfortable, and predictable. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after treatment

Before Your TMS Treatment

  • Initial Consultation: Before starting TMS, you will meet with one of our board-certified psychiatrists for a comprehensive evaluation. We review your medical history, treatment goals, and ensure you’re a good candidate for TMS.
  • Motor Threshold Mapping: On your first session, we’ll perform a mapping procedure to locate the precise area of your brain to target. This also helps determine the optimal intensity for stimulation, known as your motor threshold.
  • Preparation: Each session begins with you seated comfortably in a specialized treatment chair. You don’t need anesthesia or sedation. There’s no need to fast, and you can take your usual medications unless advised otherwise.

During Your TMS Treatment

  • Comfort and Monitoring: A trained TMS technician will position a coil gently against your scalp, usually over the left prefrontal cortex. The device delivers magnetic pulses that feel like tapping sensations.
  • Session Length: Each session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your protocol. You’ll remain awake and alert throughout the procedure and can speak to your technician if needed.
  • Sensation and Sound: You may hear a clicking noise with each pulse and feel a mild tapping on your scalp. Most patients find the sensations tolerable. We provide ear protection if the sound bothers you.
  • No Cognitive Side Effects: Unlike medications, TMS does not affect memory, attention, or cognitive functioning.

After Your TMS Treatment

  • Immediate Recovery: There’s no downtime. You can drive yourself home, return to work, or resume your daily routine immediately after the session.
  • Side Effects: Some patients report mild scalp discomfort, muscle twitching, or headache, especially in early sessions. These effects typically decrease over time.
  • Ongoing Progress: You’ll undergo TMS 5 days per week for 4 to 6 weeks, with follow-up evaluations to monitor your mood, response, and side effects. Many patients begin to notice improvement within 2–4 weeks.
  • Collaborative Care: Throughout your TMS journey, we communicate with your primary provider or therapist to ensure continuity of care and a fully integrated treatment experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is TMS Therapy painful or uncomfortable?

Most clients feel a tapping sensation on the scalp during stimulation. Mild discomfort may occur but typically diminishes after the first few sessions. Our clinicians adjust device settings to ensure your comfort throughout treatment.

Many individuals report symptom relief within two to four weeks of starting TMS Therapy. However, response time varies by person. Regular monitoring helps us determine whether to continue, adjust or enhance the treatment plan.

TMS Therapy is generally safe and well tolerated. Common side effects include brief scalp discomfort or mild headache after sessions. Serious risks are rare but may include seizure in clients with certain risk factors. We conduct a thorough evaluation to minimize any potential risks.

Yes. TMS Therapy often complements medications and psychotherapy. Combining modalities can enhance overall outcomes. Our team collaborates with your existing providers to coordinate care and support a holistic treatment strategy.

No. TMS Therapy is performed without anesthesia or sedation. You remain fully conscious and responsive throughout each session and can drive or return to work immediately afterward.

A typical course of TMS Therapy consists of five sessions per week for four to six weeks, totaling about 20 to 36 treatments. The exact number of sessions depends on your specific condition, response to treatment, and your provider’s recommendations. Maintenance sessions may be offered if symptoms begin to return after initial improvement.

Yes, most major insurance providers cover TMS Therapy for individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression who meet clinical criteria. Our team will assist with benefits verification, prior authorization, and any required documentation to ensure you can access care with minimal financial stress.

TMS is typically recommended for adults who have not responded to at least two different antidepressant medications and who continue to experience symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s also suitable for clients who cannot tolerate medication side effects or who prefer a non-drug alternative. Eligibility is confirmed during your initial psychiatric evaluation.

TMS is not recommended for individuals with non-removable metal implants in or near the head (such as cochlear implants or aneurysm clips), a history of seizures, or certain neurological conditions. Our team performs a comprehensive screening to ensure that TMS is safe and appropriate for your medical profile.

Many clients experience long-lasting relief from depression symptoms after completing a full course of TMS. While some may benefit from periodic maintenance sessions, others remain symptom-free for months or even years. Ongoing communication with your provider ensures timely adjustments if symptoms reappear.