Depression affects millions of people each year. While many people respond well to therapy or medication, others continue to experience symptoms even after several treatment attempts. This is known as difficult-to-treat depression and can leave people feeling frustrated and uncertain about what to try next.

NeuroStar® transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a new option for relief. This FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. For many clients, TMS has led to improvement when other treatments have not.

What is TMS therapy?

TMS is an advanced, noninvasive treatment for major depressive disorder and related conditions. It uses focused magnetic fields to activate specific regions of the brain that may be underactive in people with depression.

Unlike oral antidepressants or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not involve medication, anesthesia, or recovery time. It is performed while clients are awake and alert in a comfortable outpatient setting.

TMS is FDA-cleared to treat major depressive disorder, depression with anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Decades of clinical research support its safety and effectiveness.

How TMS works

TMS relies on electromagnetic induction, a process that uses magnetic pulses to create small electrical currents in the brain. During treatment, a magnetic coil placed on the scalp delivers these pulses to nerve cells in mood-related regions.

Each client’s treatment plan is customized through brain mapping, which helps identify the precise area to target. At Harmony, providers use repetitive TMS (rTMS) protocols, which involve short, frequent sessions to produce long-term improvements in mood regulation.

Neurological effects of TMS treatment

TMS promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new pathways and strengthen existing ones. By repeatedly stimulating key brain regions, TMS can help balance communication between areas that influence emotion, motivation, and focus.

These changes often persist after treatment ends. Many clients experience better emotional stability, clearer thinking, and improved daily functioning long after completing their TMS sessions.

What to expect during TMS treatment

A standard TMS course typically lasts four to six weeks, with sessions held five days per week. Each visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.

Clients sit comfortably and remain awake during treatment. They may read, listen to music, or simply relax while the magnetic pulses are delivered. A tapping sensation on the scalp is common at first but often decreases as sessions continue.

Improvements often develop gradually, and completing the full course of treatment helps ensure the best results.

Preparing for TMS

Before starting TMS, clients complete an evaluation to confirm that treatment is appropriate for their needs. This includes:

• Reviewing medical and mental health history
• Discussing previous treatments and outcomes
• Conducting safety screening for metal implants or seizure history
• Setting treatment goals and expectations

TMS is safe for most adults, though it may not be recommended for people with certain medical conditions or implanted devices.

What happens during a session

At the start of each session, the magnetic coil is positioned over the targeted brain area. The provider calibrates the pulse intensity to the client’s comfort level. The sensation is often described as light tapping on the scalp.

Sessions are monitored by trained TMS technicians to ensure precision and comfort. Clients can drive, work, or continue with regular activities immediately afterward.

TMS effectiveness and clinical outcomes

TMS has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in people with difficult-to-treat depression. In real-world studies, about 83% of clients experienced measurable improvement, and 62% achieved remission after completing a full treatment series.

Some clients begin noticing changes within the first few weeks, while others see progress more gradually. Follow-up or maintenance sessions can help sustain results over time.

Conditions treated with TMS

TMS is FDA-cleared for:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Depression with anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

It is also being studied for additional uses, such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and neurological conditions like stroke recovery and Parkinson’s disease.

TMS safety and side effects

TMS is well tolerated by most clients. The most common side effects include mild scalp discomfort or a temporary headache, which typically fade after the first few sessions.

The risk of seizure is very low and far less common than with medication or ECT. TMS does not affect memory, sleep, or concentration and does not involve systemic side effects because it is not a medication-based treatment.

Who may not be eligible for TMS

TMS may not be suitable for clients who have:

• Metal implants in or near the head, such as aneurysm clips or cochlear implants
• A seizure disorder or history of frequent seizures
• Uncontrolled medical conditions
• Pregnancy, as safety data is limited for this group

A provider will discuss any potential concerns during the screening process.

Comparing TMS to other depression treatments

Spravato® (esketamine) and TMS are both FDA-approved options for depression, but they work in different ways. Spravato is a nasal spray used in combination with an oral antidepressant and administered under medical supervision. It often produces rapid symptom relief.

TMS offers a medication-free alternative that produces long-lasting changes in brain activity. Compared with antidepressants, TMS has fewer side effects and no drug interactions. It is also less invasive than ECT or deep brain stimulation.

Some clients may benefit from using TMS alongside therapy or medication management as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Starting TMS treatment at Harmony

Harmony offers NeuroStar TMS at several locations across West Virginia, including Charleston, Morgantown, Wheeling, and Bridgeport. Our care teams are highly trained in delivering this treatment safely and effectively.

Most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover TMS for clients who have not found relief from multiple antidepressant trials. Coverage requirements vary, and our team can help clients verify eligibility.

The process begins with a consultation to discuss your history, goals, and the next steps toward starting treatment.

Long-term benefits and maintenance care

TMS often produces results that continue long after treatment ends. Many clients report lasting improvements in mood, motivation, and concentration. Maintenance sessions may be recommended periodically to help maintain stability.

Continued therapy and psychiatric care can further support emotional balance and overall well-being. Harmony’s team works closely with each client to ensure they have the right resources and follow-up care in place.

Moving forward with TMS treatment

If you are considering TMS, the team at Harmony can help you explore whether this treatment is the right fit for your needs. Our providers combine advanced technology with compassionate care to help you take meaningful steps toward recovery.

Harmony is a proud member of Transformations Care Network and is dedicated to expanding access to personalized, high-quality mental health care throughout West Virginia.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.