We accept insurance for TMS treatment of Depression and OCD
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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation works by delivering targeted stimulation to the areas of the brain that are dysregulated and responsible for the expression of symptoms. TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for refractory Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and it can be used off-label for the treatment of substance use disorder.
Our TMS Protocols
Depression
Insurance Billing Available
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FDA-Approved
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3 minute sessions
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36-40 total sessions
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5 days per week for up to 8 weeks
OCD
Insurance Billing Available
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FDA-Approved
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18 minute sessions
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29+ total sessions
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5 days per week for 6+ weeks
Addiction
Validated and Approved in Europe (3,4)
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"Off-label" (not FDA approved)
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12 minute sessions
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34 total sessions
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2 sessions per day for 5 days, then 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks
How Does TMS Work?
A depressed brain does not operate at full strength in the areas responsible for mood and emotional control. The reduction in activity in these areas means fewer and less healthy communications being sent from the brain to the rest of our nervous system, which is experienced as distorted and negative thought patterns, fatigue, avoidance behaviors, changes in sleep and appetite, and poor motivation. A depressed brain is less able to decode and respond productively to what is happening in the environment.
TMS is a safe, FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses short magnetic pulses to target the exact areas of the brain affected by depression Over time, the repetitive stimulation results in improved cellular metabolism and functioning. Connections improve between the nerve cells and they begin firing properly again, restoring the emotional control center.
FDA-approved protocols for OCD target a different region of the brain, restoring the regulation of attentional gating and salience networks, to allow for more conscious control over directing one's focus away from stuck, repetitive obsessional thoughts and the compulsive behaviors intended to address them.
What Does TMS Treatment Look Like?
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You will have an initial visit with the psychiatrist to determine whether you are a candidate for treatment. We will discuss the risks, expected benefits, and alternative approaches available to you so that you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
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Treatment begins with "brain mapping" which is the process whereby we determine the precise location for the coil placement during treatment. And, in the same visit, we also determine the "motor threshold" which indicates the appropriate intensity of the signal to be delivered. We will repeat brain mapping and motor threshold determination at least one additional time during the treatment protocol.
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You will receive your first Express TMS treatment on the same day that we perform brain mapping and motor threshold determination.
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We will administer your protocol for depression, OCD, accelerated depression treatment, or substance use over the course of days or weeks. Click here to review our protocols.
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You will follow-up with your psychiatrist around the mid-point of your treatment and again once your protocol has been completed.
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Treatment does not require sedation, and you are able to drive yourself to and from the appointment.
TMS Team
Clinicians Dr. Kriste Babbitt and Megan Vardeman
TMS Coordinators Melissa Alvarado and Juan Carlos Ortega
What are the Side Effects?
During the treatment you will feel a tapping sensation on your head, which some people describe as uncomfortable. Headaches can occur, which are typically mild and temporary.
Less common side effects include: fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, worsening of anxiety or depression, back or neck pain, migraine aura, odd sensations, or seizures.
Some patients are not candidates for rTMS, due to risk of significant harm with magnetic stimulation:
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Patients with implanted electronic devices in or near the head (cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, etc.)
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Patient with other non-removable metal objects in or near the head.
A major benefit of rTMS treatment is that it does not pose a risk of weight gain or sexual side effects, as with many antidepressants.
Data and References
1) Cole EJ, et al. Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression. Am J Psychiatry. 2020 Aug 1;177(8):716-726. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19070720. Epub 2020 Apr 7. PMID: 32252538.
2) Kratter IH, et al. Stanford neuromodulation therapy for treatment-resistant depression: a randomized controlled trial confirming efficacy, and an EEG study providing insight into mechanism of action and a potentially predictive biomarker of efficacy. World Psychiatry. 2026 Feb;25(1):105-116. doi: 10.1002/wps.70032. PMID: 41536095; PMCID: PMC12805067.
3) Madeo G, et al. Long-Term Outcome of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in a Large Cohort of Patients With Cocaine-Use Disorder: An Observational Study. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Feb 28;11:158. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00158. PMID: 32180745; PMCID: PMC7059304.
4) Mehta DD, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of neuromodulation therapies for substance use disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2024 Mar;49(4):649-680. doi: 10.1038/s41386-023-01776-0. Epub 2023 Dec 12. PMID: 38086901; PMCID: PMC10876556.
Testimonials
"The amazing ladies who run [this practice] are experienced in a wide array of medicine...this includes promotion of gut health, lab testing to discover sensitivities, balancing diet, etc. What was once considered new age is now essential in our daily health."
-Brian