Great News for Our Patients: 📢 Medi-Cal has approved coverage for TMS treatment. Read More
NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). While the exact cause of depression is not known, the leading scientific theory is that it is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells.
During a NeuroStar treatment session, a magnet similar in strength to that used in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine is used to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain thought to control mood. These magnetic pulses may have a positive effect on the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, mak ing long-term remission possible.
FREE TMS CONSULTATION IS TMS RIGHT FOR YOU?
With more than one million treatments performed, this novel treatment approach to achieving remission is bringing new hope to people every day. Almost 100% of our patients reach 98% remission.
How does it work?
At California TMS Clinics in Santa Monica, CA, we've witnessed the transformative power of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for countless patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and OCD. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain's prefrontal cortex, regulating mood and alleviating symptoms of depression. This stimulation induces small electrical currents that encourage neurotransmitter release and promote neural plasticity, leading to improved mood and decreased symptoms over time. Research consistently shows its efficacy, with many patients experiencing significant improvement after completing a course of treatment. It's worth noting that TMS is FDA approved for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and OCD, further validating its effectiveness. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care and guiding you through the process to optimize your outcomes.
Does TMS Hurt?
One of the most appealing aspects of TMS therapy is its non-invasiveness and minimal discomfort. During a TMS session at California TMS Clinics in Santa Monica, CA, patients typically experience a tapping or clicking sensation on the scalp as the magnetic pulses are delivered to the targeted areas of the brain. This sensation is generally mild and well tolerated, with most individuals able to resume their daily activities immediately after each session. Our compassionate staff ensures your comfort throughout the treatment process, making your journey towards mental wellness as smooth and pain-free as possible. It's important to note that TMS is not shock treatment, also known as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Unlike ECT, which involves inducing controlled seizures through electrical currents passed through the brain, TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific regions of the brain without causing seizures or requiring anesthesia. This key difference makes TMS a safer and more tolerable option for many patients seeking relief from depression and other mental health conditions.
How much does it cost?
Your insurance covers TMS. "At California TMS Clinics, located in Santa Monica, CA, we understand the importance of accessibility to effective mental health treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Most insurance companies cover TMS treatment, and we are proud to be in-network with Aetna, Cigna, HealthNet PPO, United Health Care/Optum, Magellan, and Blue Shield. Additionally, we are an out-of-network provider with most insurance companies. If you prefer to use your out-of-network benefits, you can submit your invoices to your insurance. Some plans reimburse up to 70% of the cost. We also offer an easy payment plan to further assist you. We utilize the NeuroStar TMS machine, recognized as the most effective and superior TMS device available, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes for our patients. The cost of TMS therapy can vary depending on factors such as the number of sessions needed and whether insurance coverage applies. We offer personalized consultations to assess your needs and provide transparent pricing information tailored to your individual treatment plan. Our goal is to make TMS therapy affordable and within reach for all those seeking relief from depression and other mental health conditions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow.
NeuroStar® makes long-term remission possible. It’s safe and easy to tolerate, and has patented precision technology to ensure you receive the right dose to the right location, every time. It is the #1 TMS choice of doctors.
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"I actually looked forward to going because the experience was something that was hopeful. It
really gave me some hope."
- Tammy Q.
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"Within a couple weeks I started to feel happier and I started to feel that gray cloud that follows
me when I have depression lift. And there were days when the sun was shining. And then there
were more days when the sun was shining."
- Carol B.
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"Don’t be scared to ask questions. I knew this treatment could change my future, and I wanted
to be sure to understand everything."
- Colleen C.
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"I involved my wife in my treatment and she helped me stay positive, which I truly believe
contributed to it working."
- Todd D.
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"NeuroStar has changed my life. It’s given me life, it’s given joy, It’s given me opportunity."
- Colleen C.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.
TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain.
A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.
A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans.
TMS does not circulate in the blood throughout the body, so it does not have side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort — generally mild to moderate — occurring less frequently after the first week of treatment.
No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for a therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low intensity, static magnetic fields. Those products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells. The activation and stimulation of brain cells is a key part of why TMS is so effective.
1. Carpenter LL, et al. (2012). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Major Depression: A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Acute Treatment Outcomes in Clinical Practice. Depres- sion and Anxiety, 29(7):587-596. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689344
2. George MS, et al. (2010). Daily Left Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 67(5):507-516. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439832
3. Dunner DL, et al. (2014). A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Transcranial Mag- netic Stimulation (TMS) for Patients with Pharmacoresistant Major Depressive Disorder: Durability of Benefit Over a 1-Year Follow-Up Period. J Clin Psychiatry. 75(12):1394-1401. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/25271871
4. O’Reardon JP, et al. (2007). Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Acute Treatment of Major Depression: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial. Biol Psychiatry, 62(11):1208-1216. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17573044
NeuroStar® TMS Therapy: The #1 Choice Of Doctors
NeuroStar® makes long-term remission possible. It’s safe and easy to tolerate, and has patented precision technology to ensure you receive the right dose to the right location, every time. It is the #1 TMS choice of doctors.
WE OFFER NEUROSTAR ADVANCED TMS THERAPY
With more than one million treatments performed, this novel treatment approach to achieving remission is bringing new hope to people every day.
TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.
