Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses strong, magnetic pulses distributed through a coil to regulate the neural activity of brain structures associated with depression.
While you may feel slight pressure on top of your head, most patients adapt to the sensation after just a couple of sessions.
Rest assured, you do not have to start a new medication regimen throughout TMS.
An analysis of 1,753 patients showed that the average patient achieved a sustained response after just 16 treatments.
"This practice is top notch. My provider Dr. Dolnak, Corey, Norma, Jenna and all the support staff have bent over backwards and continue to do so. The patient care is amazing and the administrative staff is always so helpful with everything. I will keep coming here as long as my medical needs necessitate it!"
"I took my mother here everyday for 36 days for TMS treatment. It did wonders for her. She is 76 and has had depression for most of her life. Regular pills did nothing because she has the MTHFR gene (this reduces the effectiveness of many SRIs). Results were visible within two weeks. Regarding the office, I found Jenna to be amazing. Sure was always flexible and willing to work with our challenges. She is a hard worker and I really appreciate how kind she was to my mother."
"I haven’t even had my first appointment yet, but my experience with everyone so far, especially Corey, has been exceptional. Their communication is amazing, and I’ve never been treated so well by a front office team. They even respond after hours! A great front office can make all the difference, no matter how good the doctors are. I’ve seen how frustrating it can be when the front office is lacking, based on my experience at another doctor’s office. Huge thanks to Corey! I’m really looking forward to starting my treatment here soon."
About 83% of patients who complete a full course of TMS show a clinically meaningful response and about 62% experience a full remission, meaning their symptoms go away completely
Sessions are about 20 minutes and you can drive to and from your appointments. The full course covered by insurance usually takes about 6-8 weeks to complete.
All major payers cover TMS treatment for Depression. If you've tried multiple antidepressants and therapy, there's a good chance your insurance covers it.
At Advanced TMS, we proudly support our military and veteran communities by offering specialized TMS services covered by Tricare. Understanding the unique challenges faced by service members and their families, we strive to provide compassionate and effective care tailored to their specific needs.
Prakash Bhatia has more than 20 years of experience in the treatment of patients with Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders along with the most severe forms of depression and anxiety disorders. He is the Medical Director of Psychiatry at both Paradise Valley and Alvarado Hospitals where he has assumed leadership roles in bringing the best evidence based treatment to those with the most severe symptoms. Dr. Bhatia enjoys helping those who suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, addictions and a wide range of conditions that allow him to utilize his extensive experience in Psychiatric procedures such as TMS and Spravato.
Dr. Bhatia completed medical school both MD, PhD in Neuroscience at: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, residency at Washington University School of Medicine, and a fellowship at the University of California San Diego Medical Center. He is board certified with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He believes in treating the whole person, providing the best cost-effective mental health services and treats all patients with compassion and the utmost care.
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is an alternative treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, but it is most commonly used to treat major depression and anxiety. This non-invasive therapy involves using a targeted magnetic field to stimulate under-active neurons in specific parts of the brain. TMS therapy typically takes about 6 weeks and is over 70% effective for providing long-term relief from depression symptoms.
Depression is caused by a lack of sufficient activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, essentially the front left part of your brain. When this area is working properly, the entire brain lights up, creating an improved mood, working memory, and selective attention. TMS works by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This is done by placing a magnetic coil near the head, which produces magnetic pulses that stimulate the nerve cells in the targeted area.
TMS may be a good option for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments for depression, such as medication and psychotherapy. However, it is important to speak with a mental health professional to determine if TMS is right for you.
During TMS treatment, you can sit comfortably and perform passive activities like reading a book, watching TV, or listening to music. Most patients report that TMS treatment feels like a gentle tapping sensation on the skull. Some patients experience a tingling or scalp sensitivity at the stimulation site during treatment, which can typically be mitigated by placing the device at a slightly different angle.
The most commonly reported side effects of TMS therapy include mild headache, scalp discomfort during stimulation, and lightheadedness, all of which are typically resolved shortly after the treatment session or within the first week. Many patients report no side effects at all.
Yes, TMS therapy is covered by almost all major insurance companies, depending on your insurance plan. Insurance plans can also have requirements for coverage, such as a prior history of antidepressant medication use or therapy treatments.
Advanced TMS is a NeuroStar Provider
610 Euclid Ave Suite 200,
National City, CA 91950
Tues: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 8am - 5pm
Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Fri: 8am - 5pm
Sat/Sun: Closed