+ What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an effective, non-invasive, outpatient treatment with few known adverse effects. TMS is a series of painless and safe magnetic pulses used to stimulate brain cells over time. The treatment may be slightly uncomfortable, and the biggest anxiety many feel would be only prior to the first treatment. You'll immediately discover the mild nature of TMS treatments. There is absolutely no radiation or electrical current, it's all magnetic.

+ Why TMS?

TMS is recommended for treatment resistant depression, OCD, and other neurological ailments, including those just seeking to improve cognition and brain health.

Across the board, many TMS patients have reported experiencing more energy, better sleep and improved focus as a result of treatment.

+ Is TMS covered by Insurance?

Insurance covers situations for major depression where both cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants and/or other mood stabilizing/stimulating medications have failed; or the side effects have proven too disruptive to a patient’s lifestyle or system. Evidence has shown TMS to be effective in treating other conditions as well.

Yes, most insurance providers cover TMS when administered following the FDA recommended treatment guidelines (30-36 sessions performed 5 times per week over a 7-8 week course).

At Able Psychiatry, we accept insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO. We will start accepting Cigna PPO starting 12/15/24.

+ How much does TMS cost?

The national average for a full TMS course is $9000 to $12000.

Our full treatment breakdown is as follows:

• Standard Protocol (36 sessions) $5500
• Accelerated Protocol (50 sessions) $5950

This payment is due upfront before treatment can begin.

Our self-pay option can actually be less costly than if using many of the high deductible insurance plans. Self-pay allows for leeway to use newer, proven, and better tolerated treatment protocols. These protocols may allow us to accelerate treatment to half the time than is normally required.

The long term benefits you'll gain will outweigh this initial investment.

+ TMS Background

TMS has been approved by the FDA for treatment of resistant depression since October 2008 (situations where multiple medication and therapeutic failures to effectively manage depressive symptoms).

The interest in magnetic fields started in the mid 1980s as evidence began showing they possessed potential therapeutic value. The first controlled trials in North America started in 1999 and since then many subsequent trials and clinical experiences have further elucidated the therapeutic value of using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a tool in the treatment of depression. In December 2010 the American Psychiatric Association guidelines in the treatment of depression were modified to include TMS as an appropriate treatment to consider after failing at least one adequate trial of antidepressants, (although some insurance companies require at least 4 failed medication/therapeutic trials).

+ What to expect during a treatment?

Each session is less than 5 minutes long. It feels like someone is tapping on your head very quickly, similar to the frequency of a woodpecker. The tapping is caused by a magnetic coil that is precisely positioned next to the scalp. The intensity of the tapping depends on the machine level and can always be adjusted to ensure comfort. You direct the level.

The typical remark from people's first experience with TMS relates to how ordinary it feels. During the treatment there are no noticeable changes in thought or emotion.

+ What to expect after a treatment?

You won’t notice any major changes in awareness, thoughts, or mood immediately after treatment. However, people often report feeling brighter and more engaged later in the day (even after the first treatment). Others have reported difficulty or improved sleeping. Because your head muscles have been lightly stimulated, you may experience a very mild headache which may go away as you adapt to treatment.

+ What to expect over time?

Benefits can take a while to take hold. Results are often felt after treatment is completely finished. Neurons take a while to fully respond to an intervention. In fact, some people report feeling temporarily worse before they feel improvement, which is not uncommon. Some report ongoing benefit starting early and maintaining throughout treatment.

"Things are brighter", "I feel more present", "Thinking isn't as effortful", and "I can sustain good moods and thinking better" are things we've heard.

+ Do I need to restrict any activities before or after?

Nope! You can perform your normal daily activities prior to and after the treatment with no restriction of eating, drinking, or driving. If you feel lightheaded afterwards, you are more than welcome to sit in the waiting room.

+ Do I still need to take medication?

If you are on regular medications make sure you keep the same schedule whether they are psychiatric or non-psychiatric medications. If you take medications as needed for anxiety or pain, make sure you mention it to the doctor prior to treatment; there are typically no restrictions.

TMS treatment often augments current medication regimens and can even fully or paritally replace some. It can also allow some medications to be used in different ways. This issue should be addressed on a case by case basis and discussed with your medication provider.

+ Why choose Able Psychiatry for my TMS Treatments?

We keep up with the latest research on TMS findings, led by a literature-competent, TMS-experienced psychiatrist. As a private practice in Chicago, we are able to allow for greater appointment flexibility and treatment customization based on need. Such adjustments may allow us to do a rapid protocol bringing the time to remission to within a few weeks.

We believe in delivering high performance, versatile TMS solutions so you receive the best treatment possible. We go through the TMS journey with you, ensuring that each day and treatment guides the next, because we know a one-size-fits-all approach does not always yield the best results for everyone.

Although practice standards have only approved stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, there are alternate treatment protocols we can add to enhance your results (this is in addition to your treatment, safe, and at no additional cost if we feel like it would be effective). If you'd like to see the space and machine, feel free to come in.

+ Can TMS be used to treat conditions other than depression?

Yes! TMS has been approved by the FDA to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). There is also evidence to support the use of TMS for improvements in:

• Anxiety
• Certain subtypes of Bipolar Disorder
• Improved working memory
• Improved Sleep
• Improved Energy
• Certain Eating Disorders (Binge eating)
• Smoking Cessation
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Chronic Pain
• States of psychosis, including those with auditory hallucinations

+ Who should NOT get TMS?

Patients with any type of non-removable metal in their heads (with the exception of braces or dental fillings), should not receive TMS. Failure to follow this rule could cause the object to heat up, move, or malfunction, and result in serious injury or death. Patients with specific types of mental conditions may experience worsening of their symptoms.