Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
TMS
Therapy
FDA Approved
Valley Medical is the only clinic that offers
Magstim TMS in the Twin Cities Area
Or call: 612-979-9666
No referral needed
— Why Choose TMS —
A Better Approach to
Treating Depression
When medication doesn't work or side effects are intolerable, TMS offers a breakthrough alternative with proven results.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that offers real hope for people struggling with depression and other mental health conditions — especially when traditional treatments haven’t worked.
Clinically Proven & FDA-Approved
TMS is FDA-cleared for treatment-resistant depression and has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in many patients who didn’t respond to medications or talk therapy.
Targets the Brain Directly
Unlike medications that work systemically, TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions involved in mood regulation — helping restore normal neural activity.
Non-Invasive & Gentle
There’s no surgery, no anesthesia, and no downtime. Most sessions are well-tolerated, and patients can resume their day immediately after treatment.
Effective Where Medications Aren’t
Studies show many people experience symptom improvement even after multiple medication trials failed — making TMS a valuable option for treatment-resistant conditions.
Minimal Side Effects
The most common side effects are mild and temporary (like scalp tingling or headache). TMS does not cause brain damage and is generally considered safe across broad patient populations.
Covered by Insurance
Because TMS is widely recognized as an effective treatment, many insurance plans cover at least part of the therapy when medical criteria are met, making this advanced option accessible for more people.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a series of repetitive, brief, and highly focused magnetic pulses designed to stimulate brain cells.
Schedule Your Consultation— Your Journey —
Our TMS Process is Simple:
In short, it’s just three steps
01Initial Consultation
Meet with our specialists to determine if TMS is right for you. We’ll review your medical history and discuss treatment options.
02Treatment Sessions
Relax in a comfortable chair while precise magnetic pulses stimulate brain cells. Sessions are 20 minutes, 5 days a week for 7 weeks.
03Feel Like Yourself Again
Experience improvement in your mood and energy levels in as little as 2 weeks. Many patients report significant relief from depression symptoms.
In depressed patients, the electrical activity in certain areas of the brain is shown to be reduced.
TMS, targeted in these areas, reawakens these cells, increasing brain activity to appropriate levels.
How TMS Works?
Here’s the detailed breakdown of each treatment step
Initial Assessment
The TMS therapy process begins with a comprehensive initial assessment. During this step, a qualified psychiatrist or TMS specialist evaluates the patient’s medical history, current medications, and depression symptoms. They also conduct a physical examination to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate for TMS therapy. This assessment helps determine the appropriate treatment protocol and identify any potential contraindications.
Mapping the Treatment Area
Once the patient is cleared for TMS therapy, the next step is to map the target area. The clinician uses a specialized device to locate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region associated with mood regulation. This process involves applying small magnetic pulses to find the optimal stimulation site. The clinician adjusts the coil position and signal intensity to calibrate the treatment settings.
Coil Positioning
After identifying the target area, the TMS technician carefully positions the magnetic coil on the patient’s scalp. It is typically placed over the left DLPFC. Proper coil positioning is crucial for delivering the magnetic pulses to the correct brain region. The technician may use markers to ensure consistent placement throughout the treatment course.
Magnetic Pulse Delivery
Once the coil is correctly positioned, the TMS device delivers rapid, repetitive magnetic pulses to the targeted area. These signals generate tiny electrical currents in the brain tissue, stimulating neural activity. The standard protocol involves pulses at 10 Hz for about 4 seconds, followed by a 11-seconds rest period. This cycle is repeated multiple times during each visit, typically lasting 20 minutes.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Throughout the TMS session, the technician closely monitors the patient’s comfort and response to the treatment. They may make minor adjustments to the coil position or stimulation parameters if needed. Patients remain awake and alert during the procedure and can communicate with the technician anytime. The therapist also observes for any adverse reactions or side effects, although these are generally mild and uncommon.
Session Completion
The TMS session is complete after the prescribed number of magnetic pulses has been delivered. The technician removes the coil from the patient’s head and conducts a brief post-session assessment. They may ask about any immediate effects or discomfort experienced during the treatment. The patient is then free to resume their normal daily activities, as there is no downtime required after a TMS procedure.
Treatment Course
A typical treatment course consists of multiple sessions. Most patients undergo five sessions each week for 2 months, totaling 30-40 visits. However, the exact number of sessions may vary depending on the individual’s response to treatment and the specific TMS protocol used. The clinician regularly assesses the patient’s progress and adjusts the plan as needed.
Is TMS an Option for me?
In the U.S., TMS therapy is approved for adults with Major Depressive Disorder who haven't improved with antidepressant medications or can't tolerate side effects. Talk to our specialists to find out if TMS is right for you.
Find Out If TMS Is Right for You
— The Good —
Benefits of TMS
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for various mental health conditions, such as major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety. It can also address neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and chronic nerve pain. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific brain regions, improving mood regulation and cognitive functions.
1
Non-invasive
Except for Talk Therapy, TMS is the least invasive treatment method for major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental conditions; magnetic fields can go throughout the body without causing damage.
2
Effectiveness
When traditional depression and other mental conditions treatments are not working, TMS has been proven to have a success rate, making it harmless and helpful for patients who require an alternative solution. As published by the NIH, “Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a safe, noninvasive neuromodulation therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD).”
3
No Systemic Side Effects
Classical antidepressant treatment causes systemic side effects like weight gain, stomach issues, dry mouth, etc. TMS is long-term side effect free.
4
Covered by Health Insurance
Nowadays, almost all medical insurances include TMS as a covered treatment for depression.
5
An accessible introduction to your routine
Due to TMS being a non-invasive procedure, patients can continue with their normal activities without being interrupted or causing significant difficulties.
6
None Addictive
TMS is not habit-forming. Maintenance TMS sessions are only to prevent a future depressive episode, but their application has no addictive properties.
7
No Memory issues
Unlike other treatments, which cause memory issues like ECT, TMS therapy does not affect memory; on the opposite, TMS has been proven to improve cognitive ability.
— Treatment Experience —
What Does TMS Feel Like?
During treatment, you'll be seated comfortably and remain fully awake. A magnetic coil is positioned on your head, and you'll feel a gentle tapping sensation as the magnetic pulses are delivered. You'll hear a clicking sound — many patients find the experience quite relaxing.
After each session, you can immediately drive yourself home and continue with your normal daily activities. There's no downtime or recovery period needed.
20
Minutes per
session
session
5
Days per week
7
Weeks total
0
Days of
downtime
downtime
Depression Treatment Outcomes
Both research and clinical evidence show that TMS is effective for treating various mental health conditions, particularly for individuals with depression who have not achieved satisfactory results with antidepressant medications or cannot tolerate their side effects. TMS has a response rate of approximately 50-72% in people with treatment-resistant depression. This means that a significant number of patients experience a reduction in depressive symptoms and an improvement in overall mood.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is rooted in well-established principles of neuroscience and electromagnetic physics — and it’s more than just a “treatment buzzword.” At its core, TMS uses magnetic fields to influence brain activity in targeted regions that play a key role in mood, cognition, and emotional regulation.
Magnetic Fields & Brain Stimulation
TMS devices generate brief magnetic pulses using an electromagnetic coil placed against the scalp. These magnetic pulses safely pass through the skull and induce tiny electrical currents in the underlying brain tissue. These currents can activate or modulate neurons — the brain’s signaling cells — without surgery or implants.
How It Affects the Brain
When targeted at specific areas (like the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in mood and executive function), these magnetic pulses can:
- Increase neuronal activity in under-active regions linked to depression and mood dysregulation.
- Promote better communication between brain networks that influence emotional processing and cognitive control.
- Encourage neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt over time — which is thought to underlie many of TMS’s lasting benefits.
What Makes It Different
Unlike medications that affect the whole body, TMS offers a focal approach, directly engaging brain circuits involved in the symptoms being targeted. It’s non-invasive, doesn’t require sedation, and allows patients to stay awake and alert during treatment.
Visualizing brain activity during TMS treatment
— Insurance —
Is TMS covered by insurance?
At Valley Medical, we understand that affordability matters when exploring treatment options. That’s why we accept most major insurance plans for TMS therapy. Because coverage can vary based on your specific provider and policy, we encourage you to connect with our team to verify your benefits and review any requirements. We’re happy to walk you through the process and help you understand your coverage before starting treatment.
Contact Us
Serving Minneapolis, Burnsville, Plymouth & Woodbury
Or call: 612-979-9666
No referral needed
If you are a provider referring patients, please contact us at TMS@valleymedical.com
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