Frequently asked questions

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TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy is a non-invasive treatment for depression and certain other mental health conditions. It uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation. TMS is typically used when other treatments, such as medication or talk therapy, haven’t been effective. The procedure is done in an outpatient setting, requires no anesthesia, and involves little to no downtime.

During a BrainsWay Deep TMS session, you’ll sit comfortably while a cushioned helmet is placed over your head. As the treatment begins, you may feel a tapping or knocking sensation on your scalp in the area being stimulated. Some people also hear a clicking sound during each magnetic pulse. The sensation can be mildly uncomfortable at first but typically becomes more tolerable after the first few sessions. Each treatment lasts about 20 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.

The timeline for feeling better with TMS can vary. Some people start to notice improvements in mood, energy, or focus within the first 1–2 weeks of treatment, while for others, it may take 4–6 weeks to experience significant changes. TMS works gradually, and consistency is key—most treatment plans involve sessions five days a week over several weeks. Your care team will closely monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to support your recovery.

For many people, the benefits of TMS last several months to a year or more after completing a full treatment course. However, results vary — some experience longer-lasting relief, while others may notice symptoms gradually return.

Possibly, but not always. Some people experience long-term relief after one full course of TMS and never need additional treatment. Others may notice symptoms gradually return over time. If that happens, you might benefit from booster sessions — typically a shorter series of treatments designed to maintain or regain progress. Your provider will work with you to monitor how you're feeling after treatment and determine if follow-up sessions are needed. Many people respond well to just a few boosters, rather than repeating the full course.

TMS is generally well-tolerated and has fewer side effects than many medications used to treat depression. The most common side effect is mild to moderate scalp discomfort or headache during or shortly after treatment. This usually improves after the first few sessions and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Less commonly, people may experience twitching in facial muscles, lightheadedness, or sensitivity at the treatment site. These effects are temporary and tend to go away once treatment ends.

Serious side effects are rare, but in very rare cases (less than 0.1%), TMS may trigger a seizure — usually only in individuals with a history of seizures or other specific risk factors. Providers screen carefully to minimize that risk.

In many cases, yes — most major insurance plans in this area do cover TMS, especially when it’s used to treat conditions like depression that haven’t responded well to medication or therapy. Coverage usually depends on meeting certain criteria, like a formal diagnosis and a documented history of trying other treatments first. Our team can help guide you through the pre-authorization process and work directly with your insurance provider to confirm eligibility.

Not necessarily. While TMS is a highly effective option for certain conditions, especially treatment-resistant depression, we take a personalized approach to care. Our team also offers GLP-1 therapy for weight management and metabolic health, as well as comprehensive medication management for psychiatric conditions and mood regulation. During your initial evaluation, we’ll work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on your specific needs, goals, and medical history—which may include Spravato, TMS, medication management, GLP-1 therapy, or a combination of approaches.

Spravato (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray derived from ketamine, used to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions. It works differently from traditional antidepressants by targeting the brain’s glutamate system, which can rapidly improve mood. Because of safety concerns like sedation and dissociation, it must be administered in a certified clinic under medical supervision.

A Spravato treatment often brings on a dissociative or “out-of-body” feeling within minutes, which can make people feel detached, floaty, or dreamlike. Some describe it as calming or euphoric, while others may feel dizzy, heavy, or a bit disoriented. These effects usually peak in the first hour and fade within a couple of hours under clinical supervision, leaving many patients feeling mentally clearer or lighter afterward.

Spravato can work much faster than traditional antidepressants, with some people noticing improvements in mood or relief from suicidal thoughts within hours to days after their first sessions. For others, it may take several treatments over a few weeks to feel a clear difference. While early relief is possible, the full benefit of Spravato often builds gradually with repeated treatments. Everyone responds differently, so it’s normal if progress feels fast for some and more subtle or delayed for others. Your provider will track your response closely to adjust your treatment plan as needed.

The immediate effects of Spravato, like feeling dissociated or drowsy, usually fade within a few hours after each treatment. Mood improvements can last days to weeks, but the duration varies depending on the individual and where they are in the treatment process. In the first phase, treatments are given more frequently to build stability, and then sessions are gradually spaced out to help maintain results. Some people may need ongoing maintenance treatments to keep their symptoms under control.

Yes, Spravato is typically not a one-time treatment. Most people start with more frequent sessions (usually twice a week for the first month), then gradually transition to weekly or every-other-week maintenance treatments. This ongoing schedule helps sustain mood improvements and reduce the chance of symptoms returning. Your provider will work with you to decide the best long-term plan based on how you respond.

Common side effects of Spravato include dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, and feelings of dissociation or being “spaced out.” Some people may also feel sleepy, anxious, or experience changes in taste and mild headaches after treatment. These effects usually occur shortly after dosing and fade within a few hours under clinic supervision. Because of these risks, patients are monitored closely during each session before being cleared to leave.

In many cases, yes — most major insurance plans in this area do cover Spravato, especially when it’s used to treat conditions like depression that haven’t responded well to medication or therapy. Coverage usually depends on meeting certain criteria, like a formal diagnosis and a documented history of trying other treatments first. Our team can help guide you through the pre-authorization process and work directly with your insurance provider to confirm eligibility.

Not necessarily. While Spravato and other medication management options can be helpful for treating broad psychiatric conditions and mood regulation, we take a personalized approach to care. Our team also offers TMS therapy for depression and other mental disorders, as well as GLP-1 therapy for weight management. During your initial evaluation, we’ll work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on your specific needs, goals, and medical history—which may include Spravato, TMS, medication management, GLP-1 therapy, or a combination of approaches.