Understanding Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
For people struggling with treatment-resistant conditions, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be a treatment option that improves their quality of life. It’s non-invasive and FDA-approved to treat several mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder. Understanding what TMS is opens up alternative avenues of treatment for those needing specialized assistance.
How TMS Works
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive therapy that uses neurostimulation. This uses magnetic pulses to target a specific area of the brain through electromagnetic induction. When these pulses are administered in rapid succession, it is referred to as “repetitive TMS” or “rTMS.”
A device called a stimulator delivers electric pulses to a magnetic coil placed against the scalp. The resulting magnetic pulses pass through the skull and stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex. This induces a brief activity of nerve cells, or neurons, to help reset dysfunctional brain patterns, which improves mood and alleviates symptoms associated with some mental health conditions.
No electricity is involved, save for what powers the magnetic coil, and this procedure does not shock the patient. TMS is often mistaken for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); however, they are completely different forms of therapy.
Does It Work?
TMS has proven effective in treating mental health conditions that are resistant to other forms of treatment or when other treatments have been ineffective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared it for use in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder. This offers hope to those who may have been struggling with these conditions for years but have not seen success in conventional forms of treatment.
Where expert care and a supportive community empower lasting change
The Alta Health Difference
Alta Health was created to fill a gap in behavioral healthcare — offering accessible, outpatient-only mental health treatment that is compassionate, structured, and insurance-focused.
Outpatient-Only Focus
Alta Health exclusively provides outpatient levels of care, including PHP, IOP, and outpatient therapy. We do not offer inpatient, residential, or detox services.
Insurance-Based Care
Our programs are designed to work within insurance-based models, helping individuals access care without luxury or resort-style framing.
Wellness-Oriented Environment
We cultivate a calm, supportive space focused on emotional health, coping skills, and sustainable well-being.
Evidence-Based Modalities
Treatment is grounded in proven clinical practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and structured group therapy.
Care Designed for Real Life
Alta Health’s outpatient programs are built to support individuals as they continue working, attending school, and managing daily responsibilities. Our structured schedules and practical skill-building help clients apply what they learn in treatment to real-world situations — promoting lasting well-being beyond sessions.
Patient-Centered Support
Each individual receives a personalized treatment plan designed around their unique mental health needs and goals.
We exclusively provide outpatient levels of care, including PHP, IOP, and outpatient therapy. We do not offer inpatient, residential, or detox services.
Our programs are designed to work within insurance-based models, helping individuals access care without luxury or resort-style framing.
We cultivate a calm, supportive space focused on emotional health, coping skills, and sustainable well-being.
Treatment is grounded in proven clinical practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and structured group therapy.
Alta Health’s outpatient programs are built to support individuals as they continue working, attending school, and managing daily responsibilities. Our structured schedules and practical skill-building help clients apply what they learn in treatment to real-world situations – promoting lasting well-being beyond sessions.
Each individual receives a personalized treatment plan designed around their unique mental health needs and goals.
Conditions TMS Can Treat
TMS has been approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder. These conditions can drastically impact a person’s ability to participate in daily life and can sometimes resist common treatment methods.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Often used as a moniker for someone who likes things neat and orderly, OCD is in fact a serious mental health condition. It’s characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform to alleviate anxiety. This traps individuals in a cycle that can be highly distressing and interfere with daily life.
Bipolar Disorder
Another disorder that TMS can help treat is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include episodes of mania, or hypomania, and depression. This disorder affects the mood and can negatively impact a person’s energy, activity, and overall functioning.
Major Depressive Disorder & Symptoms of Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness, loss of interest in once-loved activities, and various physical symptoms, such as changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Individuals may also have difficulty concentrating, struggle with feelings of worthlessness or guilt, or have thoughts of death or suicide.
There are several kinds of depression, but one of the most serious is major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression. MDD is diagnosed when individuals have these emotional and physical symptoms of depression for at least two weeks.
Benefits of TMS Therapy
TMS therapy offers a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option for people living with treatment-resistant mental health disorders. It offers fewer side effects compared to traditional medications and allows patients to quickly return to their normal daily activities. Its ability to give hope to those who are struggling and improve the overall quality of life is why our team at Alta Health is proud to offer it as part of our outpatient program.
Benefits Over Medications
TMS offers an alternative or an adjunct to antidepressants and other medication-based treatments, such as Spravato (esketamine) treatments. Some people don’t tolerate medications very well, struggle with side effects (such as weight gain or fatigue), or have medications be ineffective. Others may do well on medication, but need more than what medications can realistically do.
TMS can then be used as an alternative, or alongside other treatments, to provide the care needed.
Getting Started Is Easy
Beginning care at Alta Health is designed to be straightforward and supportive.
Step 1
Call: 866-415-5071
Call to speak with our admissions team about your mental health concerns, outpatient options, and next steps.
Step 2
Verify Insurance
We assist with insurance verification, benefits review, and claims guidance. Alta Health begins out-of-network with most providers.
Step 3
Schedule an assessment
A comprehensive assessment helps determine the most appropriate outpatient treatment plan and level of care.
What to Expect During Your TMS Treatment
Undergoing a TMS treatment session for the first time can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. That’s why our team at Alta Health will walk you through what happens during a session so you don’t feel nervous or anxious.
Outpatient Treatment Sessions
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an outpatient procedure that requires no hospitalization, sedation, or medication. You can drive yourself to the treatment center, undergo treatment, and then immediately return to your daily life.
How long these sessions will last and how frequently they will occur will depend on your individual needs, but the average is five days a week for several weeks. As this is an outpatient procedure, it’s easy to schedule sessions around your personal schedule and treatment plan. TMS easily integrates with other forms of therapy, such as psychotherapy.
Your First Session
When undergoing your first session, your trained TMS technician will explain what to expect and do. TMS uses magnetic pulses, so you will be asked to remove any magnetically sensitive objects from your person, such as jewelry and credit cards. TMS is not appropriate for those with metal implants, though it does not affect dental fillings. A rule of thumb is that anything MRI-safe is TMS-safe.
You will be given earplugs to wear, as TMS produces a loud clicking sound with each pulse, like an MRI machine. This is to protect your hearing and make you comfortable. Afterwards, you will be seated comfortably and can remain so for the entire session. You will undergo several measurements on your head to ensure that the TMS coil is positioned in the correct spot.
Your TMS technician then locates your motor cortex and measures your motor threshold by administering several brief pulses. This measures the minimum amount of power necessary to make your thumb twitch, which is the correct amount of power needed to stimulate your neurons. Then the TMS coil is moved above the determined treatment area.
During treatment, you will hear clicking sounds and will feel a tapping sensation on your scalp under the treatment coil. This is normal and does not hurt.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Each patient at Alta Health receives a custom-tailored treatment plan crafted by our providers and psychiatric care team. Treatment plans can be adjusted as needed to remain as effective as possible.
Integration With Psychotherapy and Patient Care
TMS is so useful because it can easily integrate with other treatments and interventions. As a treatment, it pairs well with outpatient psychotherapy as no sedation or hospitalization is needed. It can enhance emotional stability and cognitive function, contributing to overall mental well-being. This results in optimal patient care outcomes, especially for treatment-resistant conditions.
Take the first step
Alta Health is here to help you regain control and achieve lasting wellness
Safety, Side Effects, and FDA Approval
TMS is an FDA-approved, FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that is considered highly effective because it is well-tolerated and suitable for most patients. However, there are some important safety considerations for TMS.
Some side effects are typically mild, such as scalp discomfort or headaches. Serious side effects, such as seizures, are extremely rare. These risks can be further mitigated by implementing TMS safety protocols. Safety protocols include thorough patient assessments and informed consent to minimize risks such as discomfort or seizures.
Patients are checked to ensure they have no metallic implants in the head or neck. Screening for neurological disorders, reviewing medical history, checking for medical/medication interference, and assessing psychiatric stability are done before TMS is administered to adhere to strict safety protocols.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is not appropriate for everyone, but when a person is cleared for TMS treatment, the risks are generally low.
TMS Therapy in Dallas and Surrounding Areas
Alta Health provides accessible outpatient mental health care for patients located in the Dallas, Southlake, and Fort Worth areas. We are dedicated to helping patients across Texas access the mental health care they need to treat mild to moderate mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Personalized Treatment and Multidisciplinary Care
Our team at Alta Health believes in providing compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered outpatient mental health care. From PHP to IOP, each patient can expect a custom-tailored and personalized treatment plan. Our treatment plans are designed to meet a wide range of needs, from psychotherapy to medication management and to overall mental health care.
This includes TMS integration for our patients with treatment-resistant conditions or those seeking an alternative to typical mental health treatment. No matter your needs, you can trust our caring team to offer a holistic, wholesome healing experience.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better
Contact Alta Health today to speak with our team and learn how our outpatient mental health care can support your path to lasting wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, TMS is typically covered by most insurance plans. However, insurance coverage can vary based on specific plans and medical necessity requirements. It’s important to verify your insurance to know for sure if TMS is covered under your plan.
Yes! TMS is non-invasive and does not require sedation. As such, most patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after their treatment sessions.
The time it takes for a patient to see improvements in their symptoms of depression depends on several factors. Individual brain chemistry, severity of symptoms, whether TMS sessions are consistent, and if the individual is also receiving other treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, alongside TMS, can all influence the timeline.
The first two weeks tend to have few noticeable changes in mood or symptoms. By week three and four, subtle changes may begin to be noticed, such as an increase in energy or a more optimistic mood. Weeks five and six are when people notice more significant improvements in their functioning, mood, and energy levels.
It’s normal for some people to notice positive changes earlier, while others may need a few more weeks for TMS to be effective.
Psychiatry is critical for accurate and effective TMS treatment. Psychiatric care allows patients to receive TMS, as well as other forms of care, such as psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes. This allows patients to receive comprehensive care that supports full healing, rather than just a part of it.
Yes, Spravato (esketamine) can be used alongside TMS therapy. Spravato is a medication in the form of a nasal spray that affects the brain’s NMDA receptor to treat treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder. It can be safely used alongside TMS.
Alta Health ensures personalized patient care when providing transcranial magnetic stimulation in Dallas by creating custom-tailored treatment plans that consider each patient’s unique needs, symptoms, and medical history. This allows us to select appropriate TMS protocols, provide targeted care, and monitor progress continuously to adjust treatment as necessary.
Unlike other treatment options, TMS directly affects brain functions without systemic side effects. It’s non-invasive and utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. This allows for patients with treatment-resistant depression and other conditions to receive safe and effective treatment.