Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions our patients have about what to expect before, during, and after TMS therapy.
Overview of TMS therapy
TMS therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It’s FDA-cleared for depression and is showing strong results in addressing a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
What is TMS therapy?
TMS therapy uses a magnetic coil placed on the scalp to deliver precise pulses to targeted regions of the brain.
At Neurotherapeutix, we personalize this approach using functional MRI (fMRI) imaging to identify the exact brain areas involved in your condition.
For example, in depression, we target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the region responsible for regulating mood and neurotransmitter activity, while also engaging deeper mood circuits, such as the limbic system and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex.
How does TMS work for neurological disorders?
TMS works by promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections and restore healthy communication between neural networks.
By stimulating areas that are underactive or dysregulated, fMRI-guided TMS therapy helps normalize brain activity, improving symptoms related to depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and other neurological conditions.
Who is eligible for TMS therapy?
Most adults who have not found relief through medication or psychotherapy may be good candidates for TMS therapy.
Before starting treatment, our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation and fMRI scan to determine the most effective approach for your unique brain network.
What conditions can TMS treat?
Our fMRI-guided TMS therapy has shown success in treating a broad spectrum of conditions, including:
● Major depressive disorder (MDD)
● Anxiety disorders
● Bipolar disorder
● Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
● ADHD
● Schizophrenia
● Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
● Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cognitive impairment
● Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
● Migraine and tinnitus
● Insomnia and eating disorders
Explore all conditions we treat now.
Treatment process
Each treatment plan at Neurotherapeutix is fully customized using computational brain mapping and guided by your fMRI results to ensure maximum precision and comfort.
How long does each session take?
Each TMS session lasts approximately 20 minutes, with your first session taking closer to 30 minutes to set up the navigation system. There is no anesthesia or recovery time required.
How many times a week would I have to come in?
Patients typically visit five times per week, though flexible schedules are available.
For out-of-state patients, we offer an “express fMRI-guided TMS” program with multiple sessions per day to complete treatment in 1–2 weeks.
How long will the entire treatment take?
A typical course of TMS therapy includes 20–40 sessions over four to eight weeks. The total number of sessions depends on your diagnosis, response, and treatment goals.
How do I prepare for my first TMS session?
You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications before treatment. At your first visit, our clinical team will review your medical records and mental health history to design your personalized TMS plan.
Results and effectiveness
Many patients begin noticing improved focus, mood, and cognitive clarity within just a few weeks. The effects of fMRI-guided TMS therapy are longer-lasting than those of standard TMS due to its precise, data-driven targeting.
How long will the results last?
fMRI-guided TMS therapy can yield results that last significantly longer than those of traditional methods.
By stimulating the exact areas identified through your fMRI, the treatment helps restore normal function in both local and connected neural networks, supporting sustained symptom relief.
Has TMS helped people before, and how?
Yes. TMS is one of the most proven, non-invasive neuromodulation therapies available today.
Over the past decade, it has helped thousands of patients worldwide achieve relief from chronic and treatment-resistant disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Will TMS therapy reduce my need for medications?
Reducing or eliminating medication is possible for many patients.
After symptom improvement with TMS, some individuals can decrease or discontinue certain medications under the supervision of our psychiatrist, Dr. Sandlin Lowe, who oversees all clinical management at Neurotherapeutix.
What are the common side effects of TMS therapy?
TMS is well-tolerated and safe. The most common side effects are mild scalp sensitivity or temporary headache, which typically resolve after the first few sessions.
How soon can patients expect improvements?
Most patients notice early signs of improvement — such as better mood, energy, or focus — within 1–2 weeks, with continued progress throughout the treatment series.
Doctor availability and support
Our clinical team is available throughout your care journey to ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
What is the doctors’ availability?
A doctor or qualified provider is always present in our clinic to answer questions and monitor each patient’s progress at every visit. We maintain consistent, hands-on supervision for all sessions.
Is there a doctor at the clinic who provides medication management?
Yes. Dr. Sandlin Lowe, a psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience, provides comprehensive medication management and collaborates closely with our neuroscientists to optimize every patient’s treatment plan.
Coverage and eligibility
Our team will help you understand eligibility requirements, medical record needs, and next steps to begin care.
How do I know if I am eligible for coverage?
While most insurance plans do not yet cover fMRI-guided TMS therapy due to its advanced, specialized nature, we’re encouraged by growing recognition of its effectiveness.
Our team will walk you through transparent pricing, flexible options, and any available reimbursement pathways during your consultation so you can make the best decision for your care.
Do I need a referral to get an appointment?
No referral is necessary. You can request an appointment directly to speak with our team about whether fMRI-guided TMS can help you.
Do I need to bring any medical records?
Yes. Please bring any relevant medical or psychiatric records, including past medications and treatment history. These details help our clinicians design your personalized care plan.
Can I use an MRI that I had done a few months ago?
Unfortunately, no. Neurotherapeutix uses functional MRI with specific imaging sequences designed to map brain connectivity. These differ from standard diagnostic MRIs performed at hospitals or radiology centers.
Advanced TMS procedures
At Neurotherapeutix, we use patented fMRI-guided TMS technology to achieve a level of precision not possible with standard TMS approaches.
What is fMRI-guided TMS therapy, and how is it different from standard TMS?
Standard TMS relies on generalized brain landmarks. In contrast, fMRI-guided TMS uses functional imaging and infrared navigation to pinpoint your unique neural networks, resulting in more effective and lasting outcomes.
By treating the exact regions responsible for your symptoms, we help restore healthy communication across the brain’s interconnected systems.
Can fMRI-guided TMS therapy treat other brain disorders?
Yes. Our data-driven approach allows us to identify malfunctioning networks and customize therapy for both regenerative and degenerative brain conditions, including:
● Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
● Stroke recovery and cognitive impairment
● Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
● Autism spectrum disorder
● Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Patient FAQ section
Every patient’s experience is unique. The following answers address additional questions about comfort, safety, and treatment personalization.
Is TMS therapy painful?
No. TMS therapy is painless for most patients. You may feel a light tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment, but no anesthesia, sedation, or downtime is required.
Can TMS therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes. TMS can safely complement psychotherapy, medication, or rehabilitation programs. Our integrated approach ensures all treatments work together to enhance results.
How is TMS therapy monitored during sessions?
Your sessions are continuously monitored by trained technicians and reviewed by our physicians. All procedures follow FDA and clinical safety guidelines for patient comfort and effectiveness.
Are there alternatives if TMS is not suitable for me?
Yes. If TMS is not the best fit, our clinicians may recommend other neurological or psychiatric interventions, depending on your diagnosis and goals.
What questions should I ask my doctor before starting TMS therapy?
Ask about:
● The target areas in your brain
● Expected outcomes for your condition
● Whether adjustments to medications may be needed
● How progress will be measured over time
How do TMS therapy sessions differ for depression vs anxiety?
For depression, stimulation targets the DLPFC, which regulates mood. For anxiety, the therapy focuses on regions that control fear and stress response. Both protocols are refined through fMRI analysis to ensure precise results.
How long are the effects of TMS therapy on neurological conditions?
Results from fMRI-guided TMS can last for months or years, depending on the condition and individual brain response. Some patients return periodically for maintenance sessions to preserve long-term improvement.
Start your journey toward better brain health with Neurotherapeutix
Neurotherapeutix combines advanced imaging technology, neuroscience expertise, and compassionate care to help patients achieve meaningful, lasting recovery.
Contact us to get an estimate for your medical services requirements. You can fill in the form to specify your medical requirements or you can call us directly.
