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 .

What Is TMS Therapy?

A Safe, Non-Invasive Treatment for Depression in Chestnut Hill

What Is TMS Therapy?

f you’ve been living with depression that doesn’t seem to get better — even after trying medications or therapy — you’re not alone. For many people, that kind of persistent depression isn’t about weakness or willpower; it’s a matter of how the brain functions.

TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a breakthrough treatment that helps restore that balance. It’s a safe, non-invasive therapy that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of your brain involved in mood and emotional regulation. Over time, this stimulation can help “wake up” underactive regions of the brain and ease the symptoms of depression.

There’s no anesthesia, no medication, and no downtime. You’ll be awake, alert, and able to return to your normal routine right after your session. Most people describe TMS as a comfortable, even calming experience — a new kind of relief when other approaches haven’t worked.

What TMS Therapy Is Not

TMS is not electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or “electroshock.” It doesn’t use electricity to induce seizures or require anesthesia. There are no hospital stays, no memory loss, and no recovery time afterward.

"Instead, TMS uses gentle, focused magnetic pulses — similar to what’s used in MRI technology — to stimulate specific areas of the brain linked to mood. Most people describe it as a light tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment. It’s a modern, precise, and compassionate approach designed to help you heal safely and comfortably.

How TMS Works at Wave Treatment Centers

At Wave Treatment Centers in Chestnut Hill, we make your comfort and progress our top priorities. Every treatment plan is personalized to you — your symptoms, your history, and your goals.

Convenient schedule — typically five sessions per week for several weeks.
FDA-approved — TMS has been used safely and effectively since 2008 for major depressive disorder.
No systemic side effects — unlike medication, TMS works directly on targeted brain regions.
Advanced options available — including Express TMS™, which can reduce session times to just a few minutes.

A New Way Forward

For many people, TMS represents more than just another treatment — it’s a turning point. It’s a chance to feel joy again, to reconnect, and to move forward without the constant weight of depression.

If you’ve been searching for a treatment that truly helps, Wave Treatment Centers in Chestnut Hill is here to guide you with compassion, expertise, and hope.

Contact us today to learn more about how TMS therapy can help you start feeling better.

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How does TMS work?

TMS For Depression

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TMS Therapy Applications

TMS has been shown to be effective in managing depressions and treating other behavioral health conditions and mental health disorders. Find out what TMS can do to help restore your well-being as part of Wave Treatment Centers' comprehensive care plan in Chestnut Hill, PA.

TMS for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are relatively common among adults in the United States. You might feel anxiety during specific situations or feel overwhelmed throughout your daily life. TMS can help.

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TMS Therapy for OCD

When someone receives TMS therapy for OCD, the results can be life changing and highlight the importance of treating this mental health condition with safe, FDA-approved techniques.

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TMS Therapy for Memory Loss

TMS can aid people suffering from memory loss and other psychological and mental health-related symptoms.

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TMS Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

TMS therapy for bipolar disorder can be recommended in some instances, as this treatment can dramatically improve and stabilize mood.

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TMS For Treatment-Resistant Depression

Even if other treatments haven't produced lasting results, TMS can help you get the relief you're seeking.

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

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.