TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific nerve cells in brain regions involved in mood regulation. It is used for major depressive disorder, anxiety, and OCD when antidepressants or therapy have not produced adequate results. Sessions are conducted in a clinical setting, require no anesthesia, and patients remain awake throughout.

How does TMS therapy work?

During TMS therapy, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead. The coil delivers painless magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with mood regulation that tends to show reduced activity in people with depression. Over a course of treatment, these repeated stimulations help normalize brain activity and reduce depressive symptoms.

Is TMS therapy the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

No. TMS and ECT are very different treatments. ECT uses electrical current to induce a controlled seizure and requires general anesthesia and recovery time. TMS uses focused magnetic pulses, requires no anesthesia, does not cause seizures, and patients can resume normal activities immediately. TMS is generally considered a less intensive intervention than ECT.

Who is a good candidate for TMS therapy?

TMS is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to at least one antidepressant medication. It is also cleared for OCD. TMS may be a good option if you want to avoid the side effects of antidepressants, cannot tolerate medications, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or have had incomplete responses to previous treatments. A psychiatrist at SMHWI will evaluate your history to determine if TMS is appropriate.

TMS Therapy — Arizona & Texas

TMS Therapy for Depression, Anxiety & OCD

Q: Is TMS therapy covered by insurance?

Yes. Most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Tricare cover TMS therapy for major depressive disorder when medically necessary criteria are met. Coverage typically requires documentation of an MDD diagnosis and prior treatment failure with at least one antidepressant. SMHWI verifies your benefits and handles prior authorization before treatment begins.

Q: How much does TMS therapy cost?

The cost of TMS therapy varies depending on your insurance coverage, number of sessions, and out-of-pocket requirements. With approved insurance, most patients pay only copays or coinsurance. Without insurance, a full course of TMS can range from $6,000 to $12,000. SMHWI verifies your specific benefits before treatment begins so you know your costs upfront.

Q: How long does a TMS therapy session take?

Standard TMS sessions take approximately 20 to 40 minutes. Newer accelerated protocols can be completed in as little as 3 minutes. Most patients receive five sessions per week for four to six weeks, for a total of 20 to 36 sessions. You can drive yourself to and from appointments and resume normal activities immediately after each session.

Q: Does TMS therapy work?

Yes. Clinical studies show that approximately 50 to 60 percent of people with treatment-resistant depression respond to TMS therapy, and about 30 percent achieve full remission. Response rates are higher in patients who have not tried multiple antidepressants. Results can last a year or more, and maintenance TMS sessions are available for patients who need continued support.

Q: Can TMS therapy help with anxiety?

TMS therapy has shown effectiveness for anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and anxiety that co-occurs with depression. While FDA clearance is specifically for MDD and OCD, TMS is used clinically for anxiety as an off-label treatment with growing evidence. SMHWI's psychiatric team evaluates each patient individually to determine if TMS is appropriate for their anxiety presentation.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for depression that doesn't respond to medication. SMHWI offers TMS therapy at all four locations in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Glendale, AZ and Rockwall, TX.

FDA-Cleared TMS Non-Invasive & Drug-Free No Anesthesia Required Most Insurance Accepted 4 Locations — AZ & TX

This form is NOT for Emergencies: If you are in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, do not use this form. Call or go to the nearest emergency room, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), or call 911.

Request a TMS Consultation

First and Last Name

Date of Birth

Is this the Primary Policy Holder?

Yes No

Clinic Location

Insurance Carrier Name

Member ID #

Group ID #

Front on Insurance Card

Back on Insurance Card

Contact Phone Number

Contact Email Address

How Did You Here About Us?

Who or what organization referred you?

Who or what college referred you?

Who or what school referred you?

If other, who referred you?

Message

HIPAA-compliant. Responses within one business day.

FDA-Cleared TMS Technology

No Anesthesia or Downtime

Most Major Insurance Accepted

All 4 SMHWI Locations

Insurance We Work With

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

Coverage varies. Prior authorization is typically required. Our team handles the authorization process on your behalf.

Scottsdale — (623) 288-2628 Tempe — (623) 288-3656 Glendale — (623) 288-0133 Rockwall TX — (469) 707-9603

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS Therapy: FDA-Cleared, Non-Invasive Treatment for Depression

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) that uses precisely targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain most associated with mood regulation. In people with depression, this area tends to show reduced activity. TMS works by delivering repeated magnetic pulses that promote healthier neural activity over a course of treatment.

Unlike antidepressants, TMS does not circulate through your bloodstream and does not cause systemic side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or sedation. You remain awake and alert throughout each session, can drive yourself to and from appointments, and resume normal activities immediately after. There is no anesthesia, no recovery period, and no hospitalization.

SMHWI offers TMS therapy at all four clinic locations: Scottsdale, Tempe, and Glendale in Arizona, and Rockwall, Texas. Our psychiatric team evaluates each patient individually, manages prior authorization with your insurance, and integrates TMS into a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include medication management, therapy, or other interventional approaches like Spravato or ketamine.

FDA Clearance

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

FDA-cleared for adults who have not responded adequately to one or more antidepressant medications.

FDA Clearance

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Deep TMS (dTMS) has FDA clearance for OCD in adults, providing an alternative when medication and therapy have not been enough.

Off-Label Use

Anxiety, PTSD & More

Growing clinical evidence supports TMS for generalized anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions. Your SMHWI psychiatrist will evaluate your specific presentation.

TMS therapy treatment room at SMHWI in Arizona

TMS sessions are conducted in a comfortable, private treatment room at each SMHWI location.

TMS therapy device in use at SMHWI mental health clinic

The electromagnetic coil is positioned near the forehead and delivers focused magnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex.

How TMS Therapy Works

A Different Mechanism Than Antidepressants

TMS targets the brain directly using magnetic fields, offering a fundamentally different approach from antidepressant medications and without their systemic side effects.

TMS vs. Standard Antidepressants

Feature

TMS Therapy

Antidepressants

FDA-Cleared for MDD

✓ Yes

Mechanism

Direct brain stimulation

Systemic chemical effect

Weight Gain

Not associated

Common side effect

Sexual Side Effects

Not associated

Common side effect

Sedation

None

Possible

Onset of Action

2 to 4 weeks

4 to 8 weeks

Requires Anesthesia

Downtime After Sessions

None

Targets the Brain Directly

Antidepressants work by changing the availability of serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine throughout the entire body. TMS delivers focused magnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex — the specific brain region that shows reduced activity in depression — without any systemic effects. That is why TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or sedation.

No Anesthesia, No Downtime

You remain fully awake during every TMS session. There is no sedation, no recovery period, and no need for anyone to drive you. Most patients come in during a lunch break or before work and return to their normal routine immediately after. This makes TMS one of the most schedule-friendly treatments available for depression.

Works Alongside Your Current Treatment

TMS does not require you to stop your current medications. It is typically used alongside an oral antidepressant or as a complement to therapy. Some patients find TMS enhances the effectiveness of medications that were previously providing only partial benefit. Your SMHWI psychiatrist will integrate TMS into a comprehensive plan that reflects your full treatment history.

TMS is not ECT. Electroconvulsive therapy uses electrical current to induce a controlled seizure and requires general anesthesia and recovery time. TMS uses focused magnetic pulses, causes no seizure, requires no anesthesia, and patients return to their day immediately. They are very different treatments.

Clinical Outcomes

Does TMS Therapy Work?

TMS has a substantial body of peer-reviewed clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression. The figures below come from published studies and large-scale clinical registries.

58%

Response rate across 5,010 patients treated in routine clinical practice settings

Sackeim et al., J Affect Disord, 2020 →

35%

Remission rate in treatment-resistant depression, compared to 8% in the control group

Vida et al., BMC Psychiatry meta-analysis, 2023 →

1yr+

Durable symptom relief in a naturalistic study of 257 patients who did not respond to antidepressants

NeuroStar Outcomes Registry →

These outcomes are particularly meaningful because TMS patients have typically already tried and not responded to one or more antidepressants. A 58% response rate in that population is clinically significant. For context, the Sackeim et al. 2020 registry study is the largest real-world TMS dataset published to date, covering over 7,700 patients across 103 clinical practice sites.

Improvement tends to build gradually over the course of treatment rather than all at once. Most patients begin to notice changes within the second or third week, with continued gains through the full course. Maintenance TMS sessions are available for patients who respond well and want to sustain results over time.

Conditions We Treat

What TMS Therapy Treats at SMHWI

Our psychiatric team uses TMS for FDA-cleared indications and evidence-supported off-label applications, always within a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.

Depression

FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder (MDD). Particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression where one or more antidepressants have not worked well enough.

Anxiety Disorders

TMS has growing evidence for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and anxiety that co-occurs with depression. Stimulation protocols can be tailored to target anxiety-related brain circuits.

OCD

Deep TMS (dTMS) has FDA clearance for OCD. Targets the anterior cingulate cortex and other regions implicated in obsessive-compulsive symptoms, complementing ERP therapy.

PTSD

Clinical evidence supports TMS for post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly for veterans and others who have not responded adequately to trauma-focused therapy or medication.

Bipolar Depression

TMS can be used for the depressive phase of bipolar disorder under careful psychiatric supervision, offering an alternative when mood stabilizers alone are not providing adequate relief.

Postpartum Depression

For new mothers who cannot or prefer not to take antidepressants while breastfeeding, TMS provides a medication-free option for treating postpartum depression.

What to Expect

What Happens During a TMS Session at SMHWI

Each TMS session is straightforward and fits easily into your day. Here is what the experience looks like from start to finish.

~5 min

Check-In

Arrive at your scheduled time. A clinician reviews how you have been feeling since your last session and confirms you are ready to proceed.

~5 min

Coil Placement

You sit comfortably in a reclining chair. The clinician positions the electromagnetic coil against your scalp at the precise treatment location.

20-40 min

TMS Treatment

The device delivers a series of magnetic pulses. You may feel a tapping sensation. Many patients read, listen to music, or simply relax during this time.

Immediate

Back to Your Day

No recovery time needed. You can drive yourself home, return to work, and resume all normal activities right after your session.

Typical TMS Course: Most insurance-approved courses consist of 5 sessions per week for 4 to 6 weeks, totaling 20 to 36 sessions. Some patients qualify for accelerated protocols with fewer, longer daily sessions. Your SMHWI psychiatrist will determine the appropriate protocol based on your clinical presentation and insurance authorization.

Who Is a Candidate?

Is TMS Therapy Right for You?

TMS is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to at least one antidepressant. It is also a strong option for people who want to avoid the systemic side effects of medications, or who cannot tolerate antidepressants due to other health conditions.

TMS works well as a standalone treatment and as part of a broader psychiatric plan. It can be combined with therapy, medication management, and other interventional treatments like Spravato or ketamine. Your SMHWI psychiatrist will evaluate your full history and recommend TMS if it is a clinical fit.

TMS is not appropriate in all situations. Patients with certain metal implants in or near the head, a history of seizures, or certain other medical conditions may not be eligible. Our team conducts a thorough medical screening before recommending TMS.

You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and antidepressants have not provided sufficient relief

You want to avoid or reduce antidepressant medications due to side effects or personal preference

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding and need a non-medication option

You have OCD, PTSD, or anxiety that has not responded well to standard treatments

You are able to attend regular outpatient sessions, typically 5 days per week for 4 to 6 weeks

Not sure if TMS is the right fit?
Our psychiatric team can evaluate your history and answer your questions.

Request a Consultation

Cost & Insurance

Does Insurance Cover TMS Therapy?

Most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Tricare cover TMS therapy for major depressive disorder. Coverage requires prior authorization, and our team manages that process for you.

TMS therapy is covered by most major insurance plans when medically necessary criteria are met. Coverage typically requires a confirmed diagnosis of major depressive disorder and documentation of prior antidepressant treatment that did not produce an adequate response. SMHWI's admissions team initiates and manages the prior authorization process on your behalf.

Prior authorization requirements vary by insurer. Most require documentation of at least one prior antidepressant failure, though some plans require two or more. Our psychiatric team provides the clinical records and documentation needed to support your authorization. We follow up with your insurer and advocate on your behalf throughout the process.

For patients without insurance or with plans that do not cover TMS, SMHWI can discuss self-pay options. The full cost of a TMS course without insurance typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on protocol and number of sessions. We verify your specific benefits before treatment begins so you understand your costs upfront.

Commercial Insurance

Most Plans Cover TMS for MDD

Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and most major plans cover TMS when prior authorization criteria are met. Copays and deductibles vary by plan.

Medicare

Medicare Part B Coverage Available

Medicare Part B covers TMS as an outpatient treatment for MDD. Patients are typically responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.

Tricare

Tricare Covers TMS for MDD

Tricare covers TMS therapy for active duty, veterans, and military family members who meet medical necessity criteria. Prior authorization required.

Prior Authorization

We Handle the Process

SMHWI's team initiates and manages prior authorization requests on your behalf. We submit the required clinical documentation and follow up with your insurer.

TMS Locations

TMS Therapy Near You — 4 Locations

SMHWI offers TMS therapy at all four clinic locations across Arizona and Texas. Each location is staffed by experienced psychiatric providers with TMS training and certification.

Arizona

SMHWI Scottsdale

8350 E Raintree Dr, Ste 125 & 130
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley & North Phoenix

(623) 288-2628

Arizona

SMHWI Tempe

1492 S Mill Ave, Ste 206 & 214
Tempe, AZ 85281
Serving Tempe, Mesa & South Phoenix

(623) 288-3656

Arizona

SMHWI Glendale

6120 W Bell Rd, Ste 130
Glendale, AZ 85308
Serving Glendale, Peoria & West Phoenix

(623) 288-0133

Texas

SMHWI Rockwall

810 E Ralph Hall Pkwy, Ste 140
Rockwall, TX 75032
Serving Rockwall, Rowlett & East Dallas area

(469) 707-9603

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About TMS Therapy

What is TMS therapy and how does it work?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region linked to mood regulation that tends to show reduced activity in people with depression. Over a course of daily sessions, repeated stimulation helps normalize brain activity and reduces depressive symptoms. You remain awake throughout, experience no systemic side effects, and can return to normal activities immediately after each session.

Is TMS therapy covered by insurance?

Yes. Most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare Part B, and Tricare cover TMS therapy for major depressive disorder when medically necessary criteria are met. Coverage typically requires documentation of an MDD diagnosis and prior treatment failure with at least one antidepressant. SMHWI verifies your benefits and manages the prior authorization process on your behalf before treatment begins.

How much does TMS therapy cost?

With approved insurance, most patients pay only their standard copays or coinsurance for each session. Without insurance coverage, a full course of TMS can range from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on the number of sessions and protocol. SMHWI verifies your specific benefits before treatment begins so you understand your costs upfront with no surprises.

Does TMS therapy work?

Yes. A 2020 registry study of over 5,000 patients in routine clinical practice found a 58% response rate and a 28% remission rate (Sackeim et al., Journal of Affective Disorders, 2020). A 2023 BMC Psychiatry meta-analysis of patients with treatment-resistant depression found a 35% remission rate with TMS compared to 8% in the control group. These results are particularly meaningful given that TMS patients have typically already failed one or more antidepressants. Results can last a year or more, and maintenance TMS sessions are available for patients who want to sustain improvement.

How long does a TMS session take?

Standard TMS sessions take approximately 20 to 40 minutes. Most patients receive five sessions per week for four to six weeks, for a total of 20 to 36 sessions. Some accelerated protocols can reduce each session to as little as 3 minutes. You can drive yourself to and from appointments and resume all normal activities immediately after each session — there is no recovery time.

What are the side effects of TMS therapy?

TMS therapy is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect is mild to moderate scalp discomfort or headache at the treatment site during or after sessions, which typically diminishes after the first week as your scalp adjusts. Unlike antidepressants, TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, sedation, or systemic side effects. The rare risk of seizure occurs in fewer than 1 in 10,000 patients.

Is TMS therapy the same as electroshock therapy (ECT)?

No. TMS and ECT are very different. ECT uses electrical current to induce a controlled seizure and requires general anesthesia, recovery time, and carries risks of memory side effects. TMS uses focused magnetic pulses, causes no seizure, requires no anesthesia, and patients can immediately return to their day. TMS is a much less intensive intervention and is performed in a standard outpatient setting.

Can TMS help with anxiety?

TMS has growing clinical evidence for anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder and anxiety that co-occurs with depression. While FDA clearance is specifically for MDD and OCD, TMS is used clinically for anxiety as an off-label treatment at SMHWI. Our psychiatrists evaluate each patient individually to determine if TMS is appropriate for their specific anxiety presentation and symptom history.

Can I continue taking my antidepressants during TMS therapy?

Yes. TMS is typically used alongside your existing medications rather than as a replacement. Your SMHWI psychiatrist will review your current medication regimen and may continue, adjust, or add medications as part of a comprehensive plan that integrates TMS. Some patients find that TMS enhances the effectiveness of medications that were previously providing only partial benefit.

Do I need a referral to start TMS therapy at SMHWI?

No referral is required. You can contact SMHWI directly to schedule a psychiatric evaluation for TMS. We also accept referrals from primary care physicians, therapists, and other providers. Our psychiatric team conducts an independent clinical evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for TMS and to build your individualized treatment plan.

Related Services

More Ways SMHWI Can Help

TMS is one part of a comprehensive continuum of care at SMHWI. Explore related services available at our locations.

When Medication Hasn't Been Enough, TMS May Be the Answer

SMHWI's certified TMS providers are ready to evaluate your history, verify your insurance, and help you take the next step.

Request a TMS Consultation

Scottsdale — (623) 288-2628 Tempe — (623) 288-3656 Glendale — (623) 288-0133 Rockwall TX — (469) 707-9603