How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost? What You Need to Know
What is TMS therapy? How much does TMS cost? Get answers to these questions and more at Advaita Integrated Medicine.
TMS Therapy: The Basics
If you are struggling with depression or other mental health conditions, TMS therapy is a possible treatment option. But what is TMS therapy and how does it work? How much does TMS cost and is it covered by insurance? And most importantly, is it worth investing in your well-being? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a type of brain stimulation therapy that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in specific regions of the brain that are involved in mood regulation.
Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS is noninvasive and does not cause any pain or memory loss.1
What Is TMS Used For?
How much does TMS cost and what is it for? TMS therapy is mainly used to treat depression, especially when other treatments such as medication or psychotherapy have not been effective or have caused intolerable side effects.
However, TMS may also be helpful for other conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, chronic pain, migraines, tinnitus, and stroke recovery.
How Does TMS Therapy Compare To Other Treatments?
When researching “how much does TMS cost,” you may wonder how it compares to other options. TMS therapy has several advantages over other treatments. Some of these advantages are detailed below.
Fewer Side Effects
TMS has fewer side effects than medication. The most common side effects of TMS are mild scalp discomfort or headache during or after the sessions. These usually subside within a few hours or days and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
In rare cases, TMS may cause seizures or hearing loss if proper precautions are not taken. However, these risks are much lower than those associated with ECT or medication.2
High Success Rate
TMS therapy has a higher success rate than medication. According to a meta-analysis of 81 studies involving more than 4,000 patients with depression who received either TMS or medication as their first-line treatment, TMS was more effective than medication.
remission rate for TMS was 32% compared to 23% for medication; the response rate for TMS was 49%, compared to 40% for medication.3
Long-Term Success
TMS therapy has a longer-lasting effect than medication. According to a study of 257 patients with depression who received either maintenance antidepressant medication or maintenance TMS after achieving remission with acute TMS therapy,
TMS was more effective than medication in preventing relapse over a 12-month period. The relapse rate for TMS was 10%, compared to 40% for medication. Moreover, TMS patients reported higher satisfaction and quality of life than medication patients.4
More Personal
TMS has a more personalized approach than medication. TMS therapy is tailored to each individual’s brain activity and preferences. Before starting TMS therapy, you will undergo a test called motor threshold (MT) determination. This test measures the minimum amount of magnetic stimulation needed to make your thumb twitch.
This helps your clinician adjust the intensity and location of the stimulation to suit your needs and optimize your response. You can also choose between different types of coils and frequencies of stimulation depending on your condition and goals.5
How Much Does TMS Cost Time-Wise?
How much does TMS cost in terms of time? TMS therapy typically involves daily sessions lasting about 20 to 40 minutes for four to six weeks.
However, some patients may need more or fewer sessions. It depends on their response and the severity of the symptoms. You can expect to see some improvement within the first two weeks of treatment. But, the full effect may take longer to emerge.
Maintenance Sessions
After completing the initial course of treatment, you may benefit from maintenance TMS sessions. They prevent relapse and sustain your recovery. Maintenance TMS consists of regularly scheduled sessions over a prolonged period.
They’re usually on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. The frequency and duration of maintenance TMS depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Some patients may only need a few sessions per year, while others may need more frequent sessions. Your clinician will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
How Much Does TMS Cost?: Overview
The answer to the question “how much does TMS cost” varies depending on several factors. These include location, provider, insurance coverage, and type of treatment.
How Much Does TMS Cost On Average?
The average cost of TMS therapy is about $200-$300 per session. The total cost of a TMS treatment course can range between $6,000 to $12,000 for a full course of treatment. Maintenance TMS sessions may cost less than acute TMS sessions, but they still add up over time.
How Much Does TMS Cost With Insurance?
The good news is that most health insurance plans cover TMS therapy for depression, so you don’t have to worry and wonder, “just how much does TMS cost?” However, you have to meet certain criteria for coverage. These include a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression and having tried at least four different antidepressants without success.
Some insurance plans may have limitations on the number of sessions covered or require prior authorization or copayments. You should check with your insurance provider before starting TMS therapy to find out what your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses are.
How Much Does TMS Cost With Financial Help?
If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover TMS therapy, you may still have some options to make it more affordable. Some providers may offer discounts, payment plans, financing options, or sliding scale fees based on your income and financial situation.You may also be eligible for assistance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Veterans Affairs benefits if you qualify. Additionally, you may be able to deduct some of the costs of TMS therapy from your taxes as a medical expense if you itemize your deductions.
Is TMS Therapy A Good Investment In Your Well-Being?
When researching, “how much does TMS cost,” it may seem expensive at first glance. But, it can be a worthwhile investment in your well-being in the long run. Depression and other mental health conditions can have a negative impact on your physical health, emotional well-being, social relationships, work performance, and quality of life.
TMS therapy can help you overcome your symptoms and restore your functioning and happiness. By improving your mental health, you can also reduce your need for other treatments. Medication, psychotherapy, or hospitalization may have higher costs or side effects in the long term.
Finding Unique Value
Ultimately, the value of TMS therapy depends on how much it improves your quality of life and well-being. Only you can decide if TMS therapy is worth it for you based on your needs and preferences.
However, many people who have tried TMS therapy report that it was one of the best decisions they ever made for their mental health.
TMS Therapy At Advaita Integrated Medicine
If you or someone you know is researching “how much does TMS cost,” Advaita Integrated Medicine is here with answers. We are prepared to meet you where you are and get you the help you need.
What We Offer
At Advaita Integrated Medicine (AIM), we provide services and care to those struggling with their mental health. We aim to treat the whole person, not just the condition. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to create a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your needs.
We offer a variety of treatment options, including TMS, talk therapy, individual and group sessions, and more holistic approaches. These include yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises.
Contact Advaita Integrated Medicine Today
Get answers to questions like “what is TMS” and “how much does TMS cost” today. AIM is here to answer your questions and help you get the treatment you need.
Reach out to Advaita Integrated Medicine today for more information on our available treatment options.
Resources
Questions About Treatment?
Reach out to Advaita Integrated Medicine today and let us guide you toward a full and rewarding life uninhibited by mental health or substance use disorder challenges. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Table of content
Questions About Treatment?
Reach out to Advaita Integrated Medicine today and let us guide you toward a full and rewarding life uninhibited by mental health or substance use disorder challenges. We are here to support you every step of the way.