Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
You’ve tried other paths, and you’re still here, looking for something that works. TMS is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that targets depression at the source — and Ellie is here to walk through it with you.
What you can achieve with TMS therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. Unlike medication, TMS works directly at the neurological level — and it’s delivered right in the clinic, with no sedation or recovery time required.
If you’ve been living with depression that hasn’t fully responded to therapy or medication, TMS may offer a different path forward. Research shows TMS therapy can be effective for many people with treatment-resistant depression, with response rates that compare favorably to adding a second antidepressant. (Source: Carpenter LL, et al. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major Depression, Brain Stimulation, 2012.)
Here’s what TMS at Ellie can support:
- Reduce the persistent low mood that doesn’t lift even when life looks okay on the outside
- Ease the mental fog, low energy, and loss of interest that make getting through the day feel like a lot
- Lessen anxiety symptoms that often accompany depression
- Help you feel more like yourself — more present, more engaged, more able to access what matters
- Provide a treatment option when medications haven’t been enough or have caused difficult side effects
- Offer a structured, predictable treatment course with a clear beginning and end
- TMS treatment is typically delivered as a short daily session, five days a week, over four to six weeks. Each session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes, and most people drive themselves to and from appointments and go about their day as normal.
Ellie’s promise for your mental health care
We know that trying a new treatment takes courage — especially when you’ve already invested a lot in getting better and it hasn’t gone the way you hoped. At Ellie, we’re not just here to administer a treatment. We’re here to be a real partner in your care.
That means:
- We take time to explain what TMS is, how it works, and what to expect at every step — in plain language, not medical-speak
- We help you understand your insurance coverage before you start, so there are no surprises
- We respect your time: sessions are efficient, and our staff is organized and warm
- We stay in communication with your other providers when it’s helpful, so your care stays coordinated
- We make it easy to ask questions, share concerns, and adjust the plan if something isn’t working
- We never make you feel like a case number — you’re a person, and your care reflects that
TMS is a real option for real people. Ellie is here to make it as approachable, clear, and supported as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Not sure what to expect? These are the questions people ask us before they get started.
TMS is FDA-cleared and has been studied extensively since its approval for major depression in 2008. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache during or after treatment, which typically lessen within the first week. TMS does not require anesthesia, does not cause memory loss, and most people tolerate it well. Your care team will review your full medical history before starting to confirm it’s a good fit.
TMS and ECT are both brain stimulation treatments, but they work very differently. ECT involves electrical stimulation and requires general anesthesia. TMS uses magnetic pulses, requires no sedation, causes no seizures, and has no effect on memory. Most people receiving TMS continue working and driving throughout their treatment course.
TMS is typically recommended for people with depression who have tried at least one antidepressant without adequate relief, or who haven’t been able to tolerate medication side effects. A consultation with an Ellie clinician will help you understand whether TMS is a good match for your specific situation, history, and goals.
Many major insurance plans, including Medicare, cover TMS therapy for depression when certain criteria are met. Coverage varies by plan and by your specific diagnosis and history. Our team will work through your insurance benefits with you before you begin, so you have a clear picture of your out-of-pocket costs upfront.
You’ll sit in a reclined chair while a device is positioned near your head. You’ll hear clicking sounds and feel a gentle tapping sensation on your scalp during the pulses. It’s not painful for most people, though some report mild discomfort in the first few sessions. You can listen to music or simply rest. When the session ends, you’re free to go — no waiting room recovery time required.
Many people start noticing shifts in mood, energy, or sleep within two to four weeks of starting treatment, though some people notice changes earlier or later. A full course of TMS typically runs four to six weeks, and the effects are often long-lasting. Your clinician will check in with you regularly throughout treatment to track progress.
Yes. TMS is often used alongside talk therapy and medication, not as a replacement. In fact, many people find that TMS helps them engage more fully in therapy or respond better to medication. Your care team will work with you to coordinate your full treatment picture.