TMS converts electricity into a magnetic field via a magnetic head which is placed against the scalp. Only a small portion of the brain is affected; the targeted region relates to the condition being treated. TMS increases connectivity between nerves in the brain, neural activity, and the number of neurotransmitters like serotonin. The increased activity of neurons in this area of the brain lessens depression.

Having your brain stimulated by a magnetic field may sound scary, but the experience isn’t painful or uncomfortable. Some people become more positive and sociable after a course of TMS, a difference you don’t see with antidepressants. When used to treat depression, the effects are gradual, and while it can be effective for many individuals, it may not work for everyone.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is typically scheduled once every 30 minutes for single day TMS or one to multiple sessions per weekday for standard or accelerated protocols, with most patients completing about 20–30 sessions in the first course. Each session lasts roughly three to four minutes using the aTMS protocol. You remain fully awake and seated in a comfortable chair, and you can return to work, school, or driving immediately afterward.

At the start of each session, a clinician positions a small magnetic coil over the left frontal area of your scalp and sets it to your personalized treatment settings. The device delivers brief trains of stimulation – about four seconds on, followed by fifteen seconds off – repeating throughout the session. You’ll hear a rhythmic clicking and feel a tapping sensation on the scalp; earplugs are provided for comfort, and your clinician stays with you to adjust settings as needed.

After the initial series (usually ~20 to 30 treatments), your provider may taper the schedule based on your response, or as booster visits. For patients who prefer a faster timeline, Single Day or Accelerated TMS condenses multiple short sessions into one or just a few days; your clinician can help determine whether which approach may be  appropriate for you.

Most people find TMS easy to tolerate and find that it has few side effects, the most frequent being a mild headache. Even this is uncommon and can be treated with Advil® or Tylenol®. Because the device produces a clicking sound, we provide earplugs at every visit for your comfort.

Serious side effects are uncommon. A seizure can occur in rare cases (on the order of a few in ten-thousand treatments), similar to antidepressant medication. Before starting, your clinician will review your medical history and go over potential risks and precautions to keep your course as safe as possible.

• In-Clinic Time Commitment: You spend approximately 8-10 hours in the clinic receiving the full course of TMS in a single day.
• Treatment Time Commitment: Each session lasts approximately 3-5 minutes, resulting in less than 2 hours of total treatment time. 
• Optimized Session Intervals: A 20-30 minute gap between treatment sessions maximizes neuroplasticity. This time gap provides the brain with the opportunity to process and consolidate the effects of stimulation, thereby increasing the therapeutic benefits.
• Personalized Targeting: Using scalp-based heuristics derived from causal network mapping enables precise stimulation of the targeted brain regions.
• Safety Some patients experienced transient headaches or scalp discomfort.  
• Delayed Onset of Effect: This regimen showed a gradual improvement trajectory, with significant benefits emerging between weeks 1-6 post-treatment.

TMS is safe and durable. Receiving more TMS sessions in a single day for accelerated treatment does not mean it is more dangerous. Multiple studies have shown that accelerated protocols, are generally safe, well-tolerated, and effective. 

The choice of protocol is often more about logistics, access, and patient preference — not symptom intensity. All patients who qualify for TMS under standard clinical guidelines could potentially benefit from accelerated delivery, as it’s a safe and effective option for a broad range of individuals.