For those struggling with severe depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), finding the right treatment can be challenging. While antidepressants help some, they don’t work for everyone and can cause unwanted side effects. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive, FDA-cleared option for those who haven’t found relief with medication.
What is TMS?
TMS is a non-invasive treatment designed for individuals struggling with depression and other mental health conditions. Unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), which can have significant side effects, TMS is gentler on the body while still being highly effective. By using magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, TMS can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, and even substance use disorders (SUD).
Who Can Benefit from TMS?
TMS is best suited for individuals with:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), especially severe cases
- Depression with anxiety symptoms
- OCD
- Tobacco use disorder
Who Should Not Get TMS?
While TMS is safe for many, it is not recommended for individuals who:
- Are actively suicidal, as TMS takes time to show results
- Have psychosis, including hallucinations, paranoia, or disorganized thinking
- Have metal implants or fragments near the brain
- Have neurological conditions like epilepsy or brain tumors
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a severe substance use disorder that increases the risk of seizures
Who is Eligible for TMS?
To qualify for TMS through Mindful Care, patients must be between the ages of 22 and 86 and have tried at least two to four antidepressants without success or had to discontinue them due to side effects. Patients should also be able to commit to the full 12-week treatment plan, which typically involves attending three (3) sessions per week.
TMS at Mindful Care
At Mindful Care, we ensure TMS is the right fit for every patient through a Biopsychosocial Evaluation, a complete Psychiatric Evaluation, and a TMS Consult before starting treatment.
TMS is a commitment but designed to fit into daily life. Treatment consists of 30-36 sessions, with flexible scheduling of 3-5 sessions per week. Many patients choose a 3-day-per-week plan, completing treatment in about 12 weeks.
Mindful Care uses the BrainsWay Deep TMS System, which delivers targeted relief with its unique H1-Coil. Each session lasts only 20-30 minutes—shorter than traditional TMS sessions. The treatment is non-invasive, requiring no anesthesia or downtime, so patients can drive themselves to and from appointments.
Sessions are available Monday through Friday, with evening appointments available, only at our West Hempstead location. Patients can continue their current medications and should aim to minimize treatment gaps, keeping breaks under two weeks.
For the best results, we recommend combining TMS with therapy, whether with an existing provider or Mindful Care’s team of mental health professionals.
Ready to explore TMS? Contact us today!
TMS vs. Antidepressants
TMS has been FDA-Cleared since 2008, and today, many insurance plans—including many Medicaid programs—cover the treatment. While antidepressants help many people, they don’t work for everyone. Some individuals experience little to no improvement, while others struggle with side effects. TMS provides a promising alternative for those seeking another option.
Interested in learning more about TMS?
- Healthcare providers can email referrals@mindful.care or visit our Refer a Patient page.
- Potential patients interested in TMS can begin the process by visiting our Pre-Registration page.
