How long is a TMS session?

Session length depends on the protocol prescribed by your psychiatrist. Standard rTMS sessions on the Apollo TMS system run 19 to 37.5 minutes. Most patients receive treatment five days per week for four to six weeks, followed by a taper phase.

Is TMS covered by insurance?

Most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover TMS therapy for major depressive disorder when patients have not responded to antidepressant medication. Our admissions team verifies your benefits, obtains prior authorization when required, and provides a clear explanation of coverage and any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. Call (623) 288-3656 for a free benefits check.

Do I need to stop my antidepressant to receive TMS?

No. Most patients continue their antidepressant medication during TMS therapy. Your treating psychiatrist will review your current medications and coordinate any adjustments if needed. Many patients find that TMS augments the effect of ongoing antidepressant treatment.

How do I start TMS at SMHWI Tempe?

Call (623) 288-3656 or submit the online form. Our team verifies your insurance, coordinates a psychiatric evaluation with our Tempe clinical team to confirm TMS is appropriate, and schedules your first mapping session. Most patients begin treatment within one to two weeks of initial contact.

TMS Therapy — Tempe, Arizona

TMS Therapy in Tempe, AZ
Powered by Apollo TMS

Q: What is TMS therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, non-drug treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive regions of the brain involved in mood regulation, most often the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder and does not require anesthesia or sedation.

Q: What are the side effects of TMS?

TMS is well tolerated by most patients. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort at the treatment site and headache, both of which typically resolve within the first week of treatment. Unlike antidepressant medication, TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual side effects, or systemic effects. Serious side effects such as seizures are rare when TMS is administered under proper medical supervision.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy in Tempe for adults and adolescents (15+) with major depressive disorder, and for adults with OCD, who haven't found relief from antidepressant medication. FDA-cleared, delivered by our board-certified psychiatric team, without the side effects of daily antidepressants.

FDA-Cleared Apollo TMS Adolescent MDD Cleared (Ages 15+) Board-Certified Psychiatrists Insurance & Medicare Accepted

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Free benefits check. Prior authorization handled for you.

FDA-Cleared for MDD, Adolescent MDD & OCD

Psychiatrist-Supervised

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Most Insurance & Medicare Accepted

Insurance We Work With for TMS

Aetna Blue Cross Blue Shield Cigna United Healthcare Magellan Health Humana Tricare Medicare

Most commercial insurance and Medicare cover TMS therapy for major depressive disorder when medical necessity criteria are met. Our team verifies your benefits and handles prior authorization before your first session.

Tempe TMS — (623) 288-3656

Understanding TMS

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is an FDA-cleared treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive regions of the brain associated with mood regulation. TMS is not electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), does not involve anesthesia or sedation, and does not require any drug taken by mouth.

During a TMS session, a magnetic coil is positioned above the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region consistently shown to be underactive in major depression. The coil generates brief, focused magnetic pulses that pass painlessly through the scalp and skull to stimulate neurons beneath the coil.

Over the course of a full treatment series, repeated stimulation helps normalize activity in the brain networks involved in mood regulation. Most patients complete five sessions per week for four to six weeks, followed by a taper. Patients remain awake and alert throughout each session and return to normal activities immediately afterward.

19–37 min

Standard rTMS session length on the Apollo TMS system

Standard treatment sessions over approximately six weeks

15+

Ages FDA-cleared for adolescent major depressive disorder

300+

Apollo TMS systems installed in US clinics and institutions

Comfortable TMS treatment room at SMHWI Tempe with the Apollo TMS system

Every TMS session at SMHWI Tempe is delivered on the FDA-cleared Apollo TMS system in a private treatment room.

Board-certified psychiatrist reviewing a TMS treatment plan with a patient at SMHWI Tempe

A board-certified psychiatrist evaluates every patient and prescribes the Apollo TMS protocol tailored to their clinical profile.

Who TMS Is For

Is TMS Therapy Right for You or Your Teen?

TMS is generally considered for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved adequate response to at least one antidepressant medication, for adolescents ages 15 and older with MDD as an adjunctive treatment, and for adjunctive treatment of adult OCD. Candidacy is confirmed by a board-certified psychiatrist during a comprehensive evaluation.

Apollo TMS is a good option for adult patients who want a non-drug treatment path, who have experienced intolerable side effects from antidepressants, or who are looking for something between weekly therapy and more intensive interventions. For teens, TMS provides a proven alternative to oral antidepressants that carry black box warnings.

If you are unsure whether TMS is the right next step for you or your teen, a brief consultation with our Tempe psychiatric team will clarify whether TMS is appropriate and how coverage would work for your plan.

You are an adult with major depressive disorder that has not adequately responded to one or more antidepressant medications

You are a parent or guardian exploring TMS for a teen 15 or older whose depression has not responded to standard treatment

You have experienced intolerable side effects from antidepressants and are seeking a non-drug treatment path

You have adult OCD that has not responded to standard treatment and would benefit from an adjunctive intervention

You are able to commit to five treatment days per week for approximately four to six weeks, followed by a taper

Not sure if TMS is the right level of care?
Our Tempe team can help you find out.

Get a Free Consultation

Our Device

The Apollo TMS System at SMHWI Tempe

Every TMS session at SMHWI Tempe is delivered on Apollo TMS, an FDA-cleared system engineered in Germany and deployed in 300+ US clinics. It's cleared for adult major depressive disorder, adolescent MDD in patients 15 and older, and OCD as an adjunctive treatment, giving families a proven, non-drug path when antidepressants haven't worked.

FDA-Cleared TMS Device

Apollo TMS by MAG & More / neurocare group

One of the few TMS systems FDA-cleared for adolescent depression.

Since September 2025, Apollo TMS has been FDA-cleared for adolescent major depressive disorder in patients 15 and older. For families of teens who haven't responded to antidepressants, or who are wary of the black box warnings that come with oral antidepressants for this age group, TMS opens up a proven, non-drug option.

What It TreatsAdult MDD, adolescent MDD (ages 15+), and adjunctive OCD

Session Length19 to 37 minutes per session, prescribed by your psychiatrist

Treatment CourseFive days per week for four to six weeks, then a taper

Recovery TimeNone. Drive yourself in, drive yourself home.

What You'll FeelA tapping sensation on the scalp. No anesthesia, no sedation.

Track Record300+ Apollo systems deployed in US clinics and institutions

Conditions Treated

TMS Therapy for Depression, Adolescent MDD, and OCD

Apollo TMS is most commonly prescribed for adult major depressive disorder that has not responded adequately to antidepressant medication. FDA clearance also extends to adolescent major depressive disorder (ages 15+) and to obsessive-compulsive disorder as an adjunctive treatment.

Adult Major Depressive Disorder

The primary FDA-cleared indication for TMS. For adults who have not responded to one or more courses of antidepressant medication, TMS offers a non-drug path forward supported by more than 15 years of clinical evidence.

Adolescent Depression (Ages 15+)

Apollo TMS is FDA-cleared as an adjunctive treatment for adolescent major depressive disorder, offering families a proven non-drug option when antidepressants have not worked, caused intolerable side effects, or raised safety concerns.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

FDA-cleared as an adjunctive treatment for OCD in adult patients. Our clinicians use TMS in combination with exposure and response prevention (ERP) and medication management for a coordinated OCD treatment plan.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

When multiple antidepressant trials have not produced adequate remission, TMS is often the next evidence-based option before considering more invasive interventions. Coverage is generally most straightforward in this population.

Anxious Depression

Depression with prominent anxiety features. TMS is particularly appealing for patients whose anxiety symptoms have limited their tolerance of antidepressant medication or who prefer a treatment without daily systemic drug exposure.

Medication Intolerance

Patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressants, such as weight gain, sexual side effects, cognitive dulling, or gastrointestinal issues, often benefit from a treatment plan that includes TMS.

Treatment Course

What a TMS Treatment Course Looks Like

A standard TMS course runs approximately six weeks. The exact schedule and protocol are set by your psychiatrist based on your clinical profile, insurance requirements, and personal availability.

Phase	Timing	What Happens
Consultation & Evaluation	Week 0	Board-certified psychiatric evaluation to confirm TMS candidacy, review treatment history, and screen for contraindications. Benefits verification and prior authorization completed in parallel.
Motor Threshold Mapping	Session 1	Your first visit maps the exact coil position and stimulation intensity personalized to your motor cortex response on the Apollo TMS system. Mapping takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Acute Treatment Phase	Weeks 1–6	Five sessions per week for four to six weeks. Standard Apollo TMS sessions run 19 to 37.5 minutes depending on protocol. You return to normal activities immediately after each session.
Taper Phase	Weeks 6–9	Sessions gradually taper over the final two to three weeks to help consolidate response and reduce the risk of relapse.
Follow-Up Care	Ongoing	Continued psychiatric follow-up, medication management, and access to additional SMHWI services (IOP, therapy, Spravato) as clinically indicated.

Admissions & Intake

Start TMS at SMHWI Tempe

Our admissions process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. From your first call to your first mapping session, our team handles insurance verification, prior authorization, and scheduling so you can focus on treatment.

How TMS Admissions Works

Most patients begin treatment within one to two weeks of their first contact. Here is what to expect during enrollment.

Initial Contact

Same Day

Call us or submit the online form. Our admissions coordinator gathers basic information and answers your initial questions in a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

Insurance Verification

Within 24 Hours

We verify your commercial or Medicare benefits, confirm coverage for TMS, and provide a clear picture of any out-of-pocket cost before you commit to treatment.

Psychiatric Evaluation

Within 1 Week

A board-certified psychiatrist conducts a comprehensive evaluation to confirm TMS candidacy, review treatment history, and screen for any contraindications. For adolescents, a parent or guardian participates.

Prior Authorization

1–2 Weeks

Where required, our team submits prior authorization to your insurance carrier with the clinical documentation needed to secure approval for your treatment course.

Begin Treatment

Session 1

Your first Apollo TMS session personalizes coil position and stimulation intensity to your neuroanatomy, establishing the reference for every subsequent session.

Your First Two Weeks in TMS

Meet Your Care Team

Connect with your psychiatrist and TMS technician. Review the treatment plan, session flow, and what to expect during the course.

Motor Threshold Mapping

Your first visit personalizes coil position and stimulation intensity to your neuroanatomy, then that reference guides every subsequent session.

Daily Sessions Begin

You attend TMS five days per week. Sessions are quick, well tolerated, and require no downtime. You can drive yourself to and from every visit.

Ongoing Monitoring

Your psychiatrist reviews progress and any side effects throughout the course, adjusting the protocol as needed to optimize your response.

Welcoming reception and waiting area at SMHWI Tempe where TMS patients begin treatment

Admissions FAQ

Common Admissions Questions

How quickly can I start TMS?

Most patients begin TMS within one to two weeks of their initial contact. Our admissions team moves quickly to verify insurance, complete the psychiatric evaluation, and secure prior authorization when required.

Do I need a referral to start TMS?

No referral is required. You can self-refer by calling (623) 288-3656 or submitting the online form. We also accept referrals from physicians, therapists, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers.

Will my insurance cover TMS?

Most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover TMS therapy for major depressive disorder when medical necessity criteria are met. Coverage for adolescent TMS is expanding. Our admissions team verifies your benefits and provides a clear explanation of coverage and any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

Does Apollo TMS treat adolescent depression?

Yes. Apollo TMS received expanded FDA clearance in September 2025 for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adolescents ages 15 and older as an adjunctive treatment. This provides an important non-drug option for teens who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medication or who have experienced intolerable side effects.

Can I continue my antidepressant during TMS?

Yes. Most patients continue their antidepressant medication throughout TMS therapy. Your treating psychiatrist reviews your current medications and coordinates any adjustments if needed.

Our Location

TMS Therapy in Tempe, AZ

Our Tempe clinic is located on South Mill Avenue near the 202 and I-10, convenient to Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, and Guadalupe. Convenient parking available.

TMS Program · Apollo TMS

SMHWI Tempe

1492 S Mill Ave, Ste 206 & 214
Tempe, AZ 85281
Convenient parking available

(623) 288-3656

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About TMS

What is TMS therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive, non-drug treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive regions of the brain involved in mood regulation, most often the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder and does not require anesthesia or sedation.

What TMS device does SMHWI Tempe use?

Our Tempe clinic uses the Apollo TMS system, developed by MAG & More and marketed by neurocare group. Apollo TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents 15 years and older, and as adjunctive treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Apollo uses the HANS (Head-and-Neck-Support) positioning system and a touch-based patient management interface designed for precise, reproducible coil placement.

How long is each TMS session?

Standard rTMS sessions on the Apollo TMS system run approximately 19 to 37.5 minutes, depending on the protocol prescribed by your psychiatrist. Most patients receive treatment five days per week for four to six weeks, followed by a taper phase.

What are the side effects of TMS?

TMS is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort at the treatment site and headache, both of which typically resolve within the first week of treatment. Unlike antidepressant medication, TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual side effects, or systemic effects. Serious side effects such as seizures are rare when TMS is administered under proper medical supervision.

How does TMS compare to ECT?

TMS and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are distinct treatments. TMS is non-invasive, does not require anesthesia or sedation, does not induce a seizure, and does not cause memory-related side effects. Patients drive themselves to and from TMS appointments and return to work or normal activities immediately. ECT remains an important treatment for severe or emergent presentations, but for many patients TMS is the appropriate less-invasive step first.

Can I drive myself to and from TMS sessions?

Yes. TMS does not involve anesthesia or sedation. You are fully awake during treatment and can drive yourself to and from every session without any restriction on activities. For adolescent patients, a parent or guardian is typically involved in transportation and coordination of care.

Who is a candidate for TMS in Tempe?

TMS is generally considered for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved adequate benefit from one or more antidepressant medications, for adolescents 15 and older with MDD as an adjunctive treatment, and for adjunctive treatment of adult OCD. Candidacy is determined by a psychiatrist during a comprehensive evaluation, which includes review of your treatment history and screening for contraindications such as certain implanted metal devices.

Related SMHWI Programs

Explore Related Treatments at SMHWI

TMS is one of several evidence-based treatments in our integrated psychiatric practice. If TMS is not the right fit or you need additional support, our team can connect you with the appropriate level of care.

TMS Scottsdale (CloudTMS)Our Scottsdale TMS clinic

Spravato TempeEsketamine for depression

IOP in ArizonaIntensive outpatient program

Medication ManagementPsychiatric prescribing & follow-up

Dr. Ehab Abdallah, M.D.Medical Director, Tempe

SMHWI TempeAll Tempe services

Ready to See if TMS Is Right for You or Your Teen?

A brief, confidential consultation with our Tempe psychiatric team will clarify whether TMS therapy is the appropriate next step and confirm your insurance coverage before treatment begins.

Request a Free TMS Consultation

Tempe TMS — (623) 288-3656