Is TMS Right For Me?
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) may be an appropriate treatment for individuals age 15 and older with depression, and for adults with OCD, particularly when symptoms have not improved with medication or therapy. It may also be considered in select cases for other conditions as part of a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Each patient is evaluated individually, with eligibility determined through a careful clinical assessment.
No Anesthesia or Sedation
FDA-Cleared
No Systemic Medication Effects
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive therapy that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate certain brain circuits to regulate healthy neural activity and alleviate your mental health symptoms. It’s delivered through a coil placed on the scalp while you are awake - no anesthesia, no systemic medication effects, and typically no downtime after standard sessions.
You Remain Awake and Alert
You Can Drive Yourself Home After Sessions
Who Usually is Not a Candidate
History of seizures - a history of seizures is a relative contraindication. Some people with a seizure history may still be eligible after an individualized assessment and discussion with an MD.
Ferromagnetic or magnetic implants near the head or neck, or magnetically influenced implanted devices (including certain aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, etc.).
Other medical issues that require special review (eg, cardiac devices, recent surgeries in the head/neck, or conditions listed during screening).
Pregnancy - the clinic screens and advises based on current evidence; pregnancy requires special consideration. Houston Mind & Brain will review the evidence and risks with you.
Have depression that hasn’t responded to antidepressants or therapy (for both adults and adolescents above 15).
Have OCD that remains an interference in daily life despite standard treatments.
Prefer a non-drug treatment because of medication side effects, limited benefit, or personal preference.
Side Effects & What to Expect
Most common: mild scalp discomfort at stimulation site and transient headache; usually improves over the first few sessions and is manageable with OTC analgesics.
Rare but important: the risk of seizure is low, medical history review and screening are essential. HMB screens for seizure risk and other contraindications.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
Your symptoms, goals, and treatment history are reviewed during a thorough clinical evaluation to determine whether TMS is appropriate and to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Comprehensive evaluation & personalized plan
We measure your motor threshold and map coil placement to individualize stimulation settings for effectiveness and comfort.
Motor threshold & mapping
Standard TMS is typically delivered daily (weekdays) over several weeks (commonly ~4–6 weeks, with approximately 30–36 sessions). Some patients begin to notice improvement within 2–4 weeks, with benefits continuing to build over the full course of treatment.
Standard course
Houston Mind & Brain offers accelerated TMS protocols, which deliver treatment over a shorter, more intensive timeframe than standard TMS. Options may include multiple sessions per day over several treatment days or a single-day intensive protocol, depending on the treatment plan.
These protocols use the same BrainsWay Deep TMS technology and are delivered within a structured, team-based model with clinical oversight and ongoing monitoring. Accelerated programs are often self-pay, and we review options and costs in advance.
Accelerated TMS (aTMS)
You remain awake, can usually resume normal activities after standard sessions, and the treatment does not require hospitalization.
No anesthesia / minimal downtime
Time & Commitment
Standard TMS:
5 sessions/week for several weeks (commonly 4–6 weeks).
Accelerated TMS:
Delivered over a shorter, more intensive timeframe (e.g., multi-session days over several days or a single-day protocol), depending on the treatment plan.
Could TMS be a fit?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have depression that hasn’t improved with medication and/or therapy.
- Can commit to the time required for the chosen protocol (standard or accelerated).
- Prefer a non-drug approach or want a treatment to combine with psychotherapy/medication.
You’ll likely need further evaluation if you:
- Have a history of seizures, certain implants, or other medical issues, we will review these in your consult. Some conditions don’t rule you out automatically but require a discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will I feel better?
Some patients begin to notice improvement within 2–4 weeks, with benefits typically building over the course of treatment. Accelerated protocols are designed to deliver treatment over a shorter timeframe and may lead to earlier improvement for some patients.
Clinical response is monitored throughout treatment, with adjustments made as needed to optimize outcomes.
Is TMS painful?
Most people feel tapping or mild discomfort at the stimulation site. Discomfort is usually temporary and lessens with adjustment.
Can I combine TMS with my medication or therapy?
Yes. TMS can be combined with medication management, psychotherapy, and even ketamine therapy, and it is often part of an integrated treatment plan. Houston Mind & Brain coordinates care across treatments for safety and maximum clinical benefit.
What if I can’t come every weekday?
Discuss scheduling options with the team. Accelerated TMS is an option for people limited by time/travel; otherwise, we tailor a plan while maintaining evidence-based scheduling.
Learn More. Feel Better.
How TMS Works
Learn how physician-led TMS targets specific brain circuits involved in depression and OCD
Compare Treatments
Learn how TMS, accelerated TMS, Spravato, ketamine, medication, and psychotherapy differ
How Spravato Works
Learn how FDA-approved esketamine works in the brain, what supervised treatment looks like at our clinic.
We Accept Insurance and Make Care Affordable
We accept most major plans for FDA-cleared treatments (including standard TMS and Spravato). We verify benefits, manage prior authorization, and provide a written estimate before treatment so there are no surprises.
Do you accept Medicaid?
No - we accept Medicare but do not accept Medicaid. If you have questions about coverage, call our team and we’ll help.
Will my insurance cover TMS?
Many commercial plans cover standard TMS when medical-necessity criteria are met. Accelerated/fast-track TMS is often self-pay. We verify benefits and submit prior authorization on your behalf.
What if I’m out of network?
This is uncommon because we are credentialed with most plans. If needed, we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.
How do I get a written estimate?
Request a free 20-minute expert call. We’ll run a benefits check, explain likely coverage, and send a written estimate of patient responsibility before any treatment.
Can I get sliding scale pricing for TMS?
Yes. We offer sliding scale pricing for eligible patients and can provide a written cost estimate before treatment. To be considered, we’ll ask for proof of income, such as tax documents.
At this time, sliding scale pricing is not available for Medicare patients or for accelerated TMS protocols.
Integrated Care That Delivers Results
Research-informed care that integrates medication management, psychotherapy, TMS, and Spravato/ketamine into a coordinated treatment plan. Treatments are thoughtfully sequenced and monitored within a structured clinical model to support safety, consistency, and meaningful outcomes.
Why Choose Houston Mind & Brain?
MD-led, research-informed brain health - advanced treatments, personalized plans, and practical insurance support.
Insurance Help & Clear Pricing
30+ Years MD Led Psychiatry
Accelerated TMS & Fast Track Paths
Clinical Research & Outcomes Tracking
Integrated Treatment Options
Spravato, Ketamine & KAP Programs
Hear From Our Patients
100+ Five Star Reviews. Real Stories. Real Recovery.
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What Happens After I Request My 20-min Call?
We’ll reply within one business day.
A clinician or senior team member will call to discuss next steps (your free 20-minute call).
We’ll verify insurance, send a written cost estimate, and help schedule an MD-led evaluation if needed.
