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Transcranial
Magnetic
Stimulation (TMS)

TMS is an FDA-approved, medication-free, non-invasive treatment with higher remission rates than antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Where remission from lifelong suffering can happen in the span of a week

TMS is a safe, effective, rapid-acting breakthrough treatment that sends pulses of magnetic energy (similar to an MRI machine) to stimulate specific areas of the brain that are under active and play a critical role in regulating your emotional well-being.​​

Personalized mental healthcare

We offer both Traditional and Accelerated TMS treatments to fit your needs. Traditional TMS provides consistent results with one to two sessions per day, while Accelerated TMS offers faster results with daily sessions. The best option depends on your condition, desired outcomes, and schedule. Our behavioral health team will assess your symptoms and recommend the ideal approach for your personalized care plan.

"We believe in stopping help that has not been helpful, pausing, and approaching individuals with mental illness from new perspectives with innovative approaches."

Owen Scott Muir, M.D. DFAACAP

Dual Board-Certified

Child Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
Interventional Psychiatrist

Medical Director

Living Water Mental Health BRAIN Treatment Center

"Had an amazing experience here! The staff here are so welcoming and comforting. They walked me through the whole process and stood by me the whole time. They helped me feel more at ease during treatments. I am grateful for every moment and I am hopeful again!"

29 year old with major depressive disorder,
Living Water Clinics Patient

TMS | Outcomes

  • Depression

    • 60-80% of patients experience complete remission of their depression

    • 86% of patients reported sustained improvement or remission for at least a year.

    • 55% of patients with depression who have tried and failed to receive benefit from medications experience a clinically meaningful response

    • In clinically published and peer-reviewed data 1,351 patients with refractory depression, 930 had previously failed an average of 7.4 antidepressants. Despite this history, the treatment achieved an impressive 72% remission rate and an 81.6% response rate, offering renewed hope for individuals who had exhausted traditional options.

  • OCD

    • TMS was recently independently validated as the best and most cost effective treatment  in the world for OCD. 

    • 72% of patients with OCD experienced initial improvement, with nearly 60% maintaining positive results after completing the full treatment course.​

    • Nearly 90% of patients reporting sustained improvement or remission of their OCD symptoms for at least a year, offering hope for long-term recovery.

    • Compared to medications, TMS is significantly more effective at improving OCD symptoms. While medications have a near 0% remission rate, TMS has achieved an impressive 31%+ remission rate.

  • Bipolar Disorder

    • TMS significantly reduces depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder, with response rates of 40-60% and remission rates up to 30-40%, particularly in patients who haven't responded to medications.

    • ​Unlike some pharmacological treatments, TMS has a relatively low risk of triggering manic episodes, which is a major concern with conventional antidepressant medications.

 

Accelerated vs. Traditional TMS

The difference between accelerated and traditional TMS primarily lies in session frequency, duration, and overall treatment timeline:

​

Accelerated TMS:

  • Session Frequency: Multiple sessions per day (typically 5-10 sessions per day).

  • Duration of Treatment: Condensed into a few days (usually 5-10 days, depending on the protocol).

  • Session Time: Shorter bursts, often under 10 minutes per session

  • Use Case: Aimed at providing rapid symptom relief, or particularly effective in severe cases such as treatment-resistant depression.

​

Traditional TMS:

  • Session Frequency: Typically 1-2 session per day.

  • Duration of Treatment: Lasts 5 to 6 weeks, with around 36 total sessions.

  • Session Time: Each session lasts about 10-20 minutes, depending on the protocol.

  • Use Case: Designed for a slower, gradual therapeutic effect.

​

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Your treatment plan will be tailored based on several factors, including your medical history, diagnosis, schedule, and payment/coverage options (insurance, self-pay, or hybrid). This is just another reason why the consultation is a critical part of the process.

Does TMS treat more than depression?​

Yes! TMS is a versatile treatment option that addresses more than just depression.

 

It has been shown to be highly effective in treating a range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, OCD, migraines, chronic pain, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and smoking cessation.​

 

TMS is an excellent option for many individuals, particularly those who haven't found relief with medications or other treatments. Before starting TMS, our behavioral health team will carefully evaluate your suitability to ensure it's the right approach for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMS

What is TMS?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. It's primarily used to treat depression, especially in cases where traditional treatments like medication and therapy haven’t been effective.

How does TMS work?

TMS uses magnetic fields to create small electric currents in the brain. These currents target areas of the brain involved in depression, helping to adjust neural activity and improve mood over time.

Is TMS safe?

Yes, TMS is considered one of the safest brain stimulation therapies available. It is non-invasive, meaning it does not require surgery or anesthesia, and has a low risk of side effects compared to other treatments.

Is any special preparation required?

​There's no special preparation needed - you can eat normally, take your medications, and won't be put to sleep during TMS . You can drive yourself to and from the clinic, and many patients return to work or school right after

Who is a candidate for TMS?

TMS is typically recommended for individuals with depression who have not responded to other treatments, such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. It can also be beneficial for people who experience unwanted side effects from medication.

Does TMS have any side effects?

Most people experience minimal side effects from TMS, with the most common being mild headaches or scalp discomfort at the site of the magnetic pulses. These side effects are usually temporary and subside shortly after treatment.

How long does each TMS session take?

A typical TMS session lasts about 8-10 minutes, and Accelerated TMS typically consists of 50 sessions over the span of 5 days. Traditional TMS treatment is delivered in 8-22 minute increments, 1-2 times a day, over the course of 6 to 10 weeks, depending on your specific diagnosis, protocol, and schedule. We will personalize your treatment plan according to multiple factors, including schedule availability.

How soon will I see results from TMS?

Many patients begin to notice improvements in their mood after several sessions, though the timeline can vary. Some individuals may experience relief sooner, while others may take a little longer to see significant changes.

Will I need to continue TMS indefinitely?

Most people do not need to continue TMS long-term once they complete their initial course of treatment. However, follow-up sessions or maintenance therapy may be recommended if symptoms of depression return.

Help me understand my payment options.

We now accept insurance and offer self-pay options, including a generous Financial Hardship program aligned with our nonprofit mission as a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit our Fees page to learn more.

Image by Vince Fleming

Take a positive step forward on your mental health journey today.

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