Depression can affect nearly every part of daily life, and for some people, medication and traditional therapy do not provide enough relief. When depression symptoms continue despite treatment, exploring additional options may be an important next step.
At Braden Counseling Center, we offer Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS), a non-invasive treatment option for individuals experiencing depression, including those who have not achieved satisfactory improvement with antidepressant medication.
What Is Deep TMS?
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
Deep TMS uses specialized coil technology designed to stimulate broader and deeper areas of the brain than conventional TMS approaches. This technology has been studied extensively as a treatment option for major depressive disorder, including treatment-resistant depression.
Deep TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from antidepressant medication. Deep TMS technology also has FDA-cleared applications for other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
How Does Deep TMS Work?
During a Deep TMS session, the individual wears a specialized helmet containing the magnetic coil. The device delivers brief magnetic pulses that stimulate targeted areas of the brain associated with mood and emotional regulation.
Treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require anesthesia. Individuals remain awake throughout the session and can typically return to work, school, or other daily activities afterward.
Treatment schedules vary depending on the individual and their treatment plan. Your provider will discuss the recommended number and frequency of sessions with you before treatment begins.
What Are the Benefits of Deep TMS?
For individuals who have continued to experience depression symptoms despite previous treatment, Deep TMS provides another evidence-based option to consider.
Potential benefits include:
- Non-invasive treatment: Deep TMS does not require surgery or anesthesia.
- Drug-free treatment: Treatment uses magnetic stimulation rather than medication.
- Minimal disruption to daily life: There is typically no recovery period or downtime following a session.
- Generally well tolerated: Common side effects may include temporary headache or discomfort at the treatment site.
- Supported by clinical research: Deep TMS has been evaluated in randomized controlled trials and other clinical studies involving people with major depressive disorder.
Individual experiences and results can vary. A professional evaluation is important for determining whether Deep TMS is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Who May Be a Candidate for Deep TMS?
Deep TMS may be considered for individuals who:
- Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
- Continue to experience depression symptoms despite trying antidepressant medication
- Are interested in exploring a non-medication treatment option
- Are able to participate in the recommended treatment schedule
- Do not have medical conditions, implants, or other factors that would make TMS treatment unsafe
Deep TMS is not appropriate for everyone. Before beginning treatment, a qualified provider will review your medical history, previous treatments, medications, and other relevant health information to determine whether treatment can be provided safely.
What to Expect at Braden Counseling Center
Choosing a new treatment can come with plenty of questions. At Braden Counseling Center, we want you to understand your options and feel informed throughout the process.
When exploring Deep TMS treatment with our team, you can expect:
- A comprehensive evaluation: Our clinicians review your medical history, depression symptoms, and previous treatments to determine whether Deep TMS may be appropriate for you.
- An individualized treatment plan: If Deep TMS is recommended, your provider will develop a treatment schedule based on your individual needs.
- Outpatient treatment sessions: Deep TMS does not require anesthesia or a hospital stay, allowing most people to resume their usual activities following treatment.
- Ongoing monitoring: Your care team will monitor your symptoms and progress throughout the course of treatment.
- Help navigating insurance: Our team can help you understand insurance coverage and available payment options for Deep TMS treatment.
What Does the Research Say About Deep TMS for Depression?
Research supports Deep TMS as a treatment option for individuals with major depressive disorder, including those who have not responded adequately to previous treatment.
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis examined five randomized controlled trials involving 507 people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers found that approximately 45% of individuals receiving active Deep TMS responded to treatment, compared with about 24% in control groups. Remission occurred in approximately 38% of the Deep TMS group, compared with about 14% of control participants.
These findings add to the growing body of research supporting Deep TMS for treatment-resistant depression. However, no mental health treatment works the same way for everyone, and individual results can vary.
Your provider can help you understand the potential benefits and limitations of Deep TMS based on your symptoms, health history, and previous treatment experiences.
Is Deep TMS Right for You?
If you have been living with depression and haven’t experienced enough improvement from medication or other treatments, it may be time to explore another option.
Deep TMS offers a non-invasive approach to treating major depressive disorder without anesthesia or medication-related systemic side effects. The first step is determining whether it is appropriate for your individual needs.
Contact Braden Counseling Center today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Deep TMS therapy may be an option for you.