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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
