TMS for Depression: Treatment at Utah’s Brain Health Center
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can impact all aspects of a person’s life, including their mood, thoughts, behavior, and physical health. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair that persist for long periods, often interfering with daily functioning and reducing the quality of life.
There are several different types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression. The symptoms and severity of depression can vary from person to person, but common signs include feelings of worthlessness or guilt, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and physical symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
Here at Brain Health Center, we specialize in TMS therapy for depression, which is divided into two categories: Standard Depression Treatment and Accelerated Depression Treatment. Our providers will work with you to determine which program is best suited for you and your mental health journey.
STANDARD DEPRESSION TREATMENT
Standard TMS treatment for depression. We aim for complete remission in 6 weeks.
- 36 treatment sessions, usually 5 a week, but can occur over 6 to 9 weeks
- 1 treatment per day
- Treatments are +/- 4 minutes in length
5-DAY DEPRESSION TREATMENT
Advanced, accelerated TMS therapy for depression. We aim for treatment completion in 5 days.
- 50 treatment sessions over 5 days
- Treatments are +/- 10 minutes in length with 45- 50 minute breaks between each session
- Private patient suites for working or resting between sessions.
What to Expect From TMS for Depression
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression, or TMS, is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions involved in mood regulation. Studies show that TMS for depression can lead to meaningful symptom relief, especially in people with treatment-resistant depression or who haven’t responded well to talk therapy alone.
If you’re considering magnetic brain stimulation for depression, it helps to know what the experience involves. Here’s what to expect from a typical TMS session at Brain Health Center:
1. Initial Consultation
The process begins with a one-on-one consultation with a highly qualified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), during which you’ll discuss your symptoms, discuss your mental health history, and review any previous treatments. If depression TMS seems like a good fit, your provider will create a personalized treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
2. Motor Threshold Assessment
The day of your first session, before treatment begins, we’ll perform a motor threshold assessment to calibrate the TMS device, identifying the precise strength needed to stimulate your brain safely and effectively. This quick and painless process involves just a few taps on the scalp to see how your body responds.
3. Personalized TMS Session
Once everything’s set, the treatment begins. TMS sessions are done while you’re seated comfortably and fully awake. A small magnetic coil is positioned near your scalp to deliver targeted pulses to the area of the brain involved in depression. You may hear clicks and feel a soft tapping sensation, but each session is pain-free and takes only 4-10 minutes.
4. Monitoring Progress
Our team will check in frequently to track your response to treatment and make adjustments as needed. Depending on your treatment schedule, we’ll either check in daily or throughout the week to see how you’re feeling, answer questions, and adjust stimulation levels if necessary. The goal is to ensure that each session delivers the right amount of stimulation to your brain without causing discomfort or overstimulation.
5. Follow-Up
Once your protocol is complete, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit to review your progress and discuss the next steps. Some patients benefit from maintenance sessions later on, while others continue to feel stable without additional treatment.
Each part of the process is designed to be simple, effective, and focused on you. TMS for depression yields the best possible results when it is a personalized experience that adapts to your needs, tracks results in real time, and prioritizes your comfort every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does TMS cost?
The cost of magnetic treatment for depression will be determined based on your individual care protocol. At Brain Health Center, we have the lowest TMS rates in the country. We also offer flexible financing options through Advanced Care to make your treatment more accessible.
What should be avoided during TMS?
TMS treatment for depression is non-invasive and doesn’t require downtime, which means you can go about your day as usual after a session. That said, avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs, and prioritizing good sleep can help support your results.
Why choose Brain Health Center?
At Brain Health Center, we focus exclusively on personalized, evidence-based neuromodulation. We offer both accelerated and standard TMS protocols for a variety of mental health conditions in a comfortable, patient-centered setting.
It's Time To Heal
For many of our friends seeking wellness, TMS is an incredible solution. Get started now with our team.
