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) 288-2628 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 Scottsdale?

Call (623) 288-2628 or submit the online form. Our team will verify your insurance, coordinate a psychiatric evaluation to confirm TMS is appropriate, and schedule your first mapping session. Most patients begin treatment within one to two weeks of initial contact.

TMS Therapy — Scottsdale, Arizona

TMS Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
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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 Scottsdale for adults with major depressive disorder and OCD who haven't found relief from antidepressant medication. FDA-cleared, delivered by our board-certified psychiatric team, without anesthesia, sedation, or systemic drug side effects.

FDA-Cleared CloudTMS Board-Certified Psychiatrists Insurance & Medicare Accepted No Systemic Side Effects

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Free benefits check. Prior authorization handled for you.

FDA-Cleared for MDD & OCD

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Most Insurance & Medicare Accepted

Insurance We Work With for TMS

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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.

Scottsdale TMS — (623) 288-2628

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 similar in strength to those produced by an MRI. Those pulses 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.

3–37 min

Session length depending on protocol (iTBS through standard rTMS)

Standard treatment sessions over approximately six weeks

Anesthesia, sedation, or systemic drug required

2008

Year TMS was first FDA-cleared for major depression

Comfortable TMS treatment room at SMHWI Scottsdale with the CloudTMS system

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

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

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

Who TMS Is For

Is TMS Therapy Right for You?

TMS is generally considered for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved adequate response to at least one antidepressant medication, or as adjunctive treatment for adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Candidacy is confirmed by a board-certified psychiatrist during a comprehensive evaluation.

TMS is a good option for 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 like ECT.

If you are unsure whether TMS is the right next step, a brief consultation with our Scottsdale 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 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

You do not have non-removable ferromagnetic metal near the head, an active implanted stimulator, or a history of seizure disorder (screening confirms candidacy)

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

Get a Free Consultation

Our Device

The CloudTMS System at SMHWI Scottsdale

Every TMS session at SMHWI Scottsdale is delivered on CloudTMS, an FDA-cleared system built by Neurosoft and used in more than 25 countries. It's cleared for both major depressive disorder and OCD, and gives your psychiatrist flexible session-length options so treatment can fit around your life.

FDA-Cleared TMS Device

CloudTMS by Neurosoft

A quick look at what to expect from your treatment course.

What It TreatsMajor depressive disorder, OCD, and treatment-resistant depression

Session LengthAs short as 3 minutes. Most sessions run 19 to 37 minutes.

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 RecordFDA-cleared TMS device used in 25+ countries since 1996

Conditions Treated

TMS Therapy for Depression, OCD, and Related Presentations

TMS is most commonly prescribed for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved adequate response to antidepressant medication. Our Scottsdale psychiatrists also use TMS for OCD and for depression with co-occurring anxiety, matching protocol selection to each patient's clinical picture.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Perimenopausal & Postpartum Depression

For women experiencing depression during hormonal transitions who prefer to avoid or discontinue antidepressant medication, TMS can be a well-tolerated option, coordinated when appropriate with your OB-GYN or primary care physician.

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. Mapping takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Acute Treatment Phase	Weeks 1–6	Five sessions per week for four to six weeks, depending on protocol. Session length ranges from 3 minutes (iTBS) to 37.5 minutes (standard rTMS). 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 Scottsdale

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.

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 CloudTMS session maps 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 motor cortex response, 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 Scottsdale 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) 288-2628 or submitting the online form. We also accept referrals from physicians, therapists, 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. Our admissions team verifies your benefits and provides a clear explanation of coverage and any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

What do I need for my psychiatric evaluation?

Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant records from previous mental health providers. If you do not have all of these, we can still proceed with the evaluation.

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 Scottsdale, AZ

Our Scottsdale clinic is located in North Scottsdale near the 101 freeway, convenient to Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Fountain Hills. On-site parking available.

TMS Program · CloudTMS

SMHWI Scottsdale

8350 E Raintree Dr, Suite 125 & 130
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
On-site parking available

(623) 288-2628

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 Scottsdale use?

Our Scottsdale clinic uses the CloudTMS system, manufactured by Neurosoft. CloudTMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It features a liquid-cooled figure-of-eight coil, supports both 19-minute and 37.5-minute rTMS protocols, and includes a 3-minute intermittent theta burst (iTBS) protocol.

How long is each TMS session?

Session length depends on the protocol prescribed by your psychiatrist. Standard rTMS sessions on the CloudTMS system run 19 to 37.5 minutes. The accelerated intermittent theta burst (iTBS) protocol can be completed in as little as 3 minutes. Most patients receive treatment five days per week for four to six weeks, followed by a taper.

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.

Who is a candidate for TMS in Scottsdale?

TMS is generally considered for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved adequate benefit from one or more antidepressant medications. TMS is also FDA-cleared as an adjunctive treatment for 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 Tempe (Apollo TMS)Our Tempe TMS clinic

Spravato ScottsdaleEsketamine for depression

IOP in ArizonaIntensive outpatient program

Medication ManagementPsychiatric prescribing & follow-up

Dr. Roland Segal, M.D.Medical Director, Scottsdale

SMHWI ScottsdaleAll Scottsdale services

Ready to See if TMS Is Right for You?

A brief, confidential consultation with our Scottsdale 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

Scottsdale TMS — (623) 288-2628