Can My Insurance Provider Cover TMS Treatment?
Table of Contents
What Is TMS Therapy?
If you are struggling with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or other mental health conditions that affect your quality of life, you may have heard of TMS treatment. But what is TMS therapy, and how does it work?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses electromagnetic currents to stimulate nerve cells in the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS can help improve symptoms of depression and other conditions that do not respond well to medication or psychotherapy.1

Start Your Wellness Journey Today
We’re here to guide you toward sustainable recovery. We look forward to meeting you.
What Happens During a TMS Treatment Session?
TMS treatment involves placing an electromagnetic coil on your scalp near your forehead. The coil delivers repetitive magnetic pulses that induce small electric currents in the brain. These currents activate or inhibit certain neurons. The stimulation lasts a few minutes and repeats several times per session.
How Is TMS Treatment Beneficial?
Research has shown TMS treatment to be a beneficial and effective treatment method for various mental and physical conditions.
Depression
Another study found that TMS can accelerate the effects of amitriptyline, an antidepressant treatment for depression. The results showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms when patients received repetitive TMS with amitriptyline. Patients began reporting these improvements as soon as one week after their first treatment session.3
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
TMS therapy may also benefit people with OCD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder causes recurrent and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The condition often leaves individuals in distress and can significantly impair daily life.
Other Conditions
Other conditions that may benefit from TMS include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, chronic pain, tinnitus, stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of TMS therapy for these conditions.
Is TMS Treatment Covered by Insurance in North Carolina?
Criteria for TMS Coverage
Medical history can significantly affect coverage, as TMS is often for treatment-resistant disorders. For instance, some insurance providers may require patients to try various medications and psychotherapy first.
Requirements
- A diagnosis of MDD confirmed by a psychiatric evaluation
- Trying at least two antidepressant medications without seeing improvement in your symptoms
- Participating in evidence-based talk therapy sessions without seeing improvement in your symptoms
- Obtaining prior authorization from your insurance company before starting TMS therapy
Does TMS Need to Be Performed by a Professional?

Does Advaita Integrated Medicine Offer TMS Therapy?
We provide a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to ensure each person reaches their full potential. Other services we offer include psychiatry, psychotherapy, medication-assisted therapy (MAT), integrative wellness coaching, preventative primary care, and an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
What Insurance Does Advaita Integrated Medicine Accept?
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- BCBS My Blue with Duke
- UNC Health Alliance
- North Carolina State Health Plan
- Cigna
- Evernorth
- Optum
- United
- Aetna
- Medicare
Contact Us Today
If you are looking for treatment and live in the Triangle or surrounding areas like Apex, Clayton, or Wake Forest, AIM is here to help. We strive to help you achieve lasting relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life. To learn more about AIM TMS therapy or schedule a consultation, contact us today.