Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a groundbreaking approach to treating Major Depression. TMS has been used in research for over 30 years. Here at Southeastern Psychiatric Associates, we use a protocol called rTMS or Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS is FDA-approved for treating Major Depressive Disorder when medications don’t work. In clinical trials, TMS has been proven to be safe and effective. TMS is well-tolerated, and the effects are usually long lasting.

Non-Drug Treatment

TMS may be an option for you when medications do not provide adequate response or produce unwanted side effects. TMS is virtually side-effect free. It simulates a location of the brain that is involved with controlling mood.

Safe & Non-Invasive

TMS does not require surgery or any invasive procedure. It is administered in a comfortable chair, you are awake, and the procedure is done on the outside of your head. TMS is extremely safe. Patients are able to come in for treatment and immediately resume normal activities, like work or school.

Effective and Long-Lasting

TMS is a highly effective treatment for patients with depression. In medical studies, more than half of patients respond and a third of patients achieve remission with TMS. This is remarkable, especially considering that most of these patients have been resistant to treatment with medications.

TMS is long-lasting. Two-thirds of patients retain their response one year after treatment. For patients who may relapse into depression, about 85% of patients respond to a subsequent course of TMS.

FDA-Approved for Depression

In 2008, the FDA approved TMS for Major Depressive Disorder. It is now covered by most insurance providers.

Covered By Insurance

TMS is covered by all major Insurance companies:

• Tufts Health Plan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• United Health Care
• Cigna
• Optum
• United Behavioral Health
• Pacificare
• Harvard Pilgrim
• Medicare & Others

Results

TMS is effective. 60% of our patients have responded and  30% of our patients have reached remission. As with any medical procedure, it is important to go to providers with the most experience and up to date knowledge. SEPA providers were the first to bring TMS to the South Shore and are continuously keeping up with the changing world of TMS.