Depression Treatment · Non-Invasive Therapy · No Medication Side Effects

TMS Treatment

Published: August 1, 2026 Reviewed by: Andrew Johnson, PA-C, CAQ-Psych

Depression affects everyone differently, and not every patient responds to treatment in the same way. While antidepressant medications can be highly effective, some individuals continue to experience symptoms despite multiple treatment attempts.

TMS Therapy provides an alternative approach. Using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation, TMS can help reduce symptoms of depression without the systemic side effects commonly associated with medication.

A non-invasive treatment option for patients who have not found sufficient relief through medication alone.

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TMS treatments are administered at PNS locations and we are in-network with most major insurance plans.

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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-drug, FDA-cleared treatment that uses precisely targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. PNS has offered TMS therapy for more than 10 years and has treated thousands of patients, making us one of the most experienced TMS providers in Southern California.

What is TMS treatment?

TMS delivers brief, repetitive magnetic pulses to specific regions of the brain which are underactive in people with depression and OCD.

Unlike medications, which travel throughout the body, TMS focuses directly on specific neural networks associated with depression symptoms.

TMS is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). The treatment uses no electricity delivered to the brain, requires no anesthesia or sedation, and allows patients to return to their normal daily activities immediately after each session.

Over the last two decades, TMS has become an established treatment option for individuals who have not achieved adequate relief through antidepressant medications alone.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

TMS is FDA-cleared for Major Depressive Disorder in adults and — as of 2024 — in adolescents.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

TMS received FDA clearance for OCD as an adjunct treatment for adults in 2022, making it one of the few non-drug, non-surgical options with regulatory backing for a condition that affects roughly 1 in 40 adults.

Off-Label Applications

Beyond its FDA-cleared indications, TMS is increasingly used off-label for conditions where a growing body of clinical research supports its use, including in PTSD, generalized anxiety, eating disorders, and a variety of other conditions.

Human brain

How It Works

Targeting the networks involved in mood

TMS works by inducing small electrical currents in targeted brain regions, which activate neurons and normalize the patterns of brain activity associated with depression and OCD.

The magnetic pulses used are similar in strength to those in MRI machines, and the experience is a rhythmic tapping sensation on the scalp rather than anything injected or invasive.

Over a full treatment course, these neurological changes appear durable — many patients maintain improvement for 12 months or more after completing treatment.

What to expect

Consultation

Treatment begins with a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether TMS may be an appropriate option for your symptoms and treatment history.

Treatment Sessions

Patients remain awake and seated comfortably throughout treatment, which lasts roughly 20 minutes. Patients are able return to work, school, or other daily activities afterward.

Course completion

Many patients attend treatment five days per week over 7-8 weeks, though treatment schedules vary. After the primary course, some patients receive periodic maintenance sessions to sustain response.

Who qualifies?

TMS may be appropriate for individuals who:

  • Have been diagnosed with depression
  • Have not experienced adequate relief from antidepressant medications
  • Have experienced unwanted medication side effects
  • Are seeking a non-invasive treatment option

Not every patient is a candidate for TMS, and treatment recommendations are based on individual clinical circumstances.

Insurance and costs

TMS therapy is covered by many insurance plans when specific clinical criteria are met.

Coverage requirements vary by insurer and may include documentation of previous treatment attempts, medication history, and diagnosis.

Our scheduling team can help verify benefits, explain authorization requirements, and answer questions regarding costs before treatment begins.

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Interested in TMS Therapy?

Book an appointment at a PNS location that offers this treatment. Our team will confirm availability and verify your insurance before your first visit.

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Our Locations

PNS locations offering
TMS treatment

TMS treatment services are available at multiple PNS locations throughout Southern California.

The research behind the innovation

TMS therapy is supported by decades of clinical research investigating its effectiveness in treating depression and related conditions.

PNS participates in psychiatric research and remains committed to staying informed about emerging treatment approaches that may improve outcomes for patients.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are entirely different treatments. ECT involves inducing a controlled seizure under general anesthesia and is associated with memory side effects. TMS is completely noninvasive, requires no anesthesia, does not induce seizures (in the vast majority of patients), and has no negative effect on memory or cognition.

In clinical trials, approximately 50–60% of patients with treatment-resistant depression respond to TMS (meaningful symptom reduction), and approximately 30–35% achieve remission (near-complete symptom resolution). These rates compare favorably to additional antidepressant medication trials in the same population.

Most patients describe TMS as a tapping sensation on the scalp. Some mild discomfort may occur during the first few sessions, but treatment is generally well tolerated.

A standard course is 5 sessions per week for 7–8 weeks. Your PNS provider will recommend the appropriate protocol based on your diagnosis and response.

The most common side effect is temporary scalp discomfort or mild headache at the treatment site, which typically resolves after the first week. There is a rare risk of seizure (approximately 0.1% of patients). TMS has no negative effect on memory or cognitive function.

Many insurance plans provide coverage for qualifying patients. Coverage requirements vary and may require prior authorization or documentation of previous treatment attempts.

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