Living with difficult-to-treat depression can feel draining. You may have tried therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes and still find yourself stuck in the same cycle of symptoms. If that is your experience, it is important to know you are not alone, and that there are additional treatment options available.

At Harmony, we provide NeuroStar® transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), an evidence-based treatment for major depressive disorder that has not improved with standard care. TMS is not experimental. It is FDA-cleared, supported by strong research, and has helped thousands of people move forward when other treatments have not worked.

If you are curious about what this therapy involves, here is a closer look at what you can expect before, during, and after treatment.

What is TMS treatment?

NeuroStar TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood. These pulses help restore activity in underactive pathways, which may reduce the symptoms of depression. Unlike medication, which circulates through the whole body, TMS acts directly on the brain where depression originates.¹

TMS is used primarily for:

• Adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded well to at least one antidepressant medication
• People seeking treatment that does not involve daily pills or systemic side effects
• Clients looking for an outpatient treatment that fits into daily life

How does TMS actually work?

Brain imaging studies show that depression is linked to underactivity in specific parts of the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex. NeuroStar TMS delivers gentle magnetic pulses that stimulate these areas. Over repeated sessions, the stimulation helps “wake up” brain cells, allowing them to communicate more effectively with the rest of the brain.¹

The result is a restoration of healthier patterns of brain activity, which can improve mood, concentration, and energy levels.¹

What happens during a TMS session?

One of the biggest questions people have is what treatment will feel like. Here is what you can expect:

• Preparation: You sit in a comfortable chair. A Harmony provider places a cushioned coil against your scalp in the treatment area.
• Treatment: The device delivers pulses that feel like tapping or tingling on the surface of your head. You may hear clicking sounds from the device, but you remain awake and alert throughout.
• Duration: Sessions last 20 to 40 minutes. Most clients can read, listen to music, or simply relax during treatment.
• Afterward: Because there is no sedation, you can return to work, drive, or go about your day as usual.

Mild scalp discomfort or headache can occur, especially in the first week. These side effects typically fade as your body adjusts.

How long does treatment last?

TMS treatment usually involves five sessions per week for four to six weeks. This schedule allows the brain to gradually build healthier activity patterns.

Some clients notice small improvements in energy and mood after the first 1–2 weeks.¹ For others, changes may be more gradual, building steadily across the treatment course. Many people experience lasting benefits after completing a full series of sessions.

Your Harmony provider will work with you to set expectations and adjust the plan as needed.

Does TMS really work?

Yes. Large clinical trials and long-term studies confirm the effectiveness of NeuroStar TMS for difficult-to-treat depression.

• 83% of clients completing a full course of NeuroStar treatment reported measurable improvement in their depression symptoms.¹
• 62% of those completing treatment achieved remission, meaning their symptoms were reduced to the point they likely would not be diagnosed with depression if evaluated again.¹
• By comparison, people who had already tried several medications but not TMS had less than a 7% chance of remission with another medication alone.¹

These results show why TMS is often recommended when therapy and medication are not enough on their own.

Who is not a candidate for TMS?

NeuroStar TMS is safe and well-tolerated, but it may not be recommended if you have:

• Metal implants in or near your head (such as aneurysm clips, stents, or coils)
• Implanted medical devices that are not compatible with magnetic energy
• A history of seizures or certain neurological conditions

Your Harmony provider will review your medical history and discuss whether TMS is right for you.

What are the benefits of TMS treatment?

Clients often ask why TMS might be a good fit compared to other treatments. Benefits include:

• Non-invasive: No surgery, no anesthesia, and no recovery time
• Few side effects: Most common is mild scalp discomfort, which usually decreases after the first week
• Outpatient setting: Sessions fit into daily life without interruption
• Evidence-based: Proven effectiveness in reducing symptoms of major depressive disorder
• Team-based care: At Harmony, TMS is offered alongside therapy and psychiatric medication management, so your care is coordinated and supportive

What to expect after completing treatment

Many people experience long-term improvement after finishing TMS. Some clients may return for maintenance sessions later if symptoms begin to return, though many sustain progress for months or years.

After treatment, your Harmony team will continue to support you with therapy, psychiatric medication management, and follow-up care as needed. TMS is not the end of your care. It is one part of a treatment plan designed to help you stay well.

Taking the next step

If you are living with difficult-to-treat depression and wondering what else may help, NeuroStar TMS treatment could be the next step. At Harmony, we guide you through the process from the first consultation to your final session, answering every question along the way.

Harmony is here to help you manage your mental health. Give us a call today at 304.410.0082 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

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.

Source:

1. NeuroStar. How Does NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work? Accessed August 25 2025.