What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Used to Treat? 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s most often used to treat depression, but it’s also proven effective for several other mental health conditions. 

TMS and Saint TMS target the specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, which can relieve the symptoms of depression and some other mental health disorders, like anxiety and PTSD. Depression is the most common condition treated with TMS. 

Many people who haven’t had success with traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy find relief with TMS. This condition is sometimes called Treatment Resistant Depression or TRD. TRD may be diagnosed when a person has tried at least two different antidepressant medicines for an adequate duration with appropriate doses.

Will My Health Insurance Cover TMS for Depression?

Yes! Most health insurance companies cover Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, especially for treatment-resistant depression. Health insurance providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare are known to cover TMS therapy under their mental health plans. 

TMS is proven to be a safe and effective drug-free treatment for depression and anxiety. Other mental health treatments like psychotherapy or antidepressant medications can also be supplemented by TMS therapy for even greater symptom relief. One of the best things about TMS is that it is compatible with virtually any other form of treatment and has few side effects for most people.

Health insurance companies cover TMS therapy because:

  • They have seen substantial research proving that TMS is both safe and effective.
  • TMS is often the best solution for people with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
  • TMS offers another powerful tool for mental health treatment with few side effects.
  • TMS is cost-effective and provides lasting relief for people with depression and other symptoms.

Using Health Insurance to Cover TMS Therapy 

Coverage details vary from plan to plan, as do out-of-pocket costs for sessions, deductibles and so forth. The easiest way to find out if your insurance covers the TMS therapy you need is to contact BrainHealth Solutions at (949) 806-3538.

If you prefer, you can simply fill out our New Patient Insurance Form and have us perform a free, no-obligation insurance benefits verification for you. BrainHealth Solutions will then get in contact with you to let you know what your plan covers and answer any questions you may have about TMS so you can make an informed decision.

Are There Other Conditions That Can Benefit from TMS?

Yes, absolutely! Extensive research has been conducted confirming the effectiveness of TMS and Saint TMS for treating depression and numerous other mental health conditions. Anxiety disorders can also be treated with TMS, for example. Studies have shown that TMS can reduce symptoms of anxiety, including panic attacks and excessive worrying.

Other conditions that have been successfully treated with TMS include:

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is a common condition that is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts and behaviors, can also be treated effectively with TMS therapy here at BrainHealth Solutions. TMS is shown to reduce these compulsive behaviors and thoughts.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): TMS has helped thousands of people find relief from flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety associated with PTSD. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a frightening or life-threatening event(s).

Current TMS research is exploring the effectiveness of TMS in treating other mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. At BrainHealth Solutions, we believe there are many more benefits of this drug-free treatment for depression, anxiety, and other conditions yet to be discovered.

What is SAINT TMS Therapy?

The Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy or SAINT TMS protocol is a newer, more effective method of delivering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment. 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) already has an impressive track record for delivering relief from depression symptoms.

Three clinical trials in 2018, 2020, and 2021 demonstrated that SAINT TMS was effective in improving symptoms for the majority of patients who participated. 79% of people in the 2021 trial saw remission of their major depression after only 5 days of therapy. This shows that SAINT TMS is even more effective than conventional TMS–which is already very effective.  

Who May Benefit from TMS Therapy?

  • People with treatment-resistant depression who have tried 2 or more antidepressants.
  • Those who have unacceptable side effects from SSRI or SSNRI antidepressants.
  • People who want to supplement medication or other depression treatment with TMS.
  • Those who would prefer to try drug-free depression treatment for other reasons.
  • People with anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

BrainHealth Solutions Delivers 21st Century Mental Health Care

If you or someone you know is living with depression or anxiety, BrainHealth Solutions would like to help. Our modern, evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety can help you or your loved one find relief. BrainHealth Solutions offers TMS therapy in Costa Mesa, Riverside, and surrounding areas in California. We have helped hundreds of people feel better–we’d love to help you as well. 

Reach out to us today at (949) 779-3587 to learn more about our treatment options or to book an appointment.

Contact Dr. Robert Bota today