TMS Therapy: A New Approach to Treating Depression

If you’re living with depression, you already know it’s far more than just feeling sad. It can affect your sleep, energy, relationships, and overall sense of hope. While medication and therapy help many people, unfortunately, they don’t work for everyone. 

If you’ve tried multiple treatments and still don’t feel like yourself, it may be time to explore another option. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is one of the most promising advances in depression treatment, and it’s helping many of our patients here at Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services in Garland, Texas, find relief when other approaches have failed.

Our expert psychiatry and behavioral health team, Chima Asikaiwe, MD, Cecilia Chanda, DNP, PMHNP, and Amy Baynash, PMHNP, believes you deserve access to exceptional care that’s personalized, compassionate, and forward-thinking. TMS is part of that commitment.

What is TMS therapy?

TMS is a noninvasive treatment that focuses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of your brain involved in mood regulation. These pulses help wake up underperforming brain circuits that are often linked to depression.

Unlike antidepressant medications, TMS doesn’t circulate through your entire body. There’s no anesthesia, no sedation, and no surgery involved. You’re awake and alert during treatment, and most people return to normal activities immediately afterward.

Sessions typically last between 30 and 45 minutes and are conducted on an outpatient basis at our Garland office over several weeks.

Why you should consider TMS therapy

Research shows that about one-third of people with depression don’t respond adequately to antidepressant medications. TMS was developed specifically to help this group.

Clinical studies show that 50-60% of people with treatment-resistant depression experience significant improvement with TMS, and roughly 30-50% of this subgroup achieve full remission, meaning symptoms dramatically decrease or disappear. 

TMS can be especially beneficial if you’ve experienced medication side effects, want to reduce your reliance on medications, or are looking for a brain-based approach that works differently from traditional treatments.

What to expect during treatment

We understand that starting something new can be intimidating; we answer all your questions before you begin and guide you through the structured process. 

You’ll attend sessions five days a week for 4-6 weeks. During each visit, you’ll lean back in a comfortable chair while a small device delivers gentle magnetic pulses to a specific area of your scalp. 

You may feel a light tapping or clicking sensation, especially during the first few sessions. Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary scalp discomfort or headaches, which typically improve as your treatment continues. They don’t interfere with your daily functioning, and you can resume your normal routine immediately after each session. 

Throughout your treatment, our team closely monitors your progress and adjusts your care plan as needed.

How TMS fits into your overall care

At Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all mental healthcare. TMS works best when it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may also include psychiatric medication management, ongoing talk therapy, and regular follow-ups to support and enhance your long-term wellness.

If depression has been holding you in its grip, TMS offers renewed hope. Call us to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online. Your next step toward feeling better could be closer than you think.