Frequently Asked Questions.

What does TMS treat?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, medication-free treatment that targets the areas of the brain involved in mood, anxiety, and emotional regulation. At Serena TMS, we use TMS to help individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies.

TMS is clinically proven to treat Major Depressive Disorder, including treatment-resistant depression, and is also cleared for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxious depression. Many patients also experience benefits for related conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, bipolar depression, and chronic pain, based on emerging research and real-world clinical experience.

By gently stimulating underactive neural pathways, TMS helps restore balance, improve mood, and reduce symptoms—offering hope for those ready for a new path forward.

Is TMS painful?

Most patients find that TMS is very well tolerated. During treatment, you may feel a tapping or tingling sensation on the scalp as the magnetic pulses activate the targeted areas of the brain. This sensation is typically mild and decreases as you get used to the treatment.

TMS does not involve needles, shocks, or anesthesia, and you can return to your normal daily activities immediately afterward. Some patients may experience temporary scalp discomfort or a mild headache after the first few sessions, but these effects usually fade quickly.

Overall, TMS is considered a safe and comfortable, non-invasive treatment—and most patients are surprised by how easy the experience is once they begin.

How long is the treatment?

TMS sessions take place Monday through Friday for 6 weeks followed by a 3 week taper schedule. Each treatment is just under 19 minutes.

Does TMS work?

Yes — Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a proven, highly effective treatment for depression, including cases that haven’t responded to medication or traditional therapy. TMS is FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and supported by strong clinical research showing significant improvement in mood, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.

Many patients begin noticing benefits within 2–4 weeks, with results that can include reduced depressive symptoms, better emotional stability, improved energy, and clearer thinking. For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, TMS often has higher success rates compared to additional antidepressant trials—without the systemic side effects of medication.

Because TMS directly stimulates underactive areas of the brain associated with mood, it provides long-lasting relief for many people. Thousands of patients have experienced meaningful improvement or full remission after completing a TMS treatment course.

If you’re looking for a safe, effective, medication-free option for depression, TMS therapy is one of the most evidence-based solutions available today.

Is TMS therapy like ECT?

No — TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is not like ECT. Although both treatments are used for severe depression, they work very differently.

TMS is non-invasive, does not require anesthesia, and does not cause seizures. It uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Patients stay awake the entire time, drive themselves afterward, and experience little to no downtime.

ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy), on the other hand, uses electrical currents to intentionally trigger a controlled seizure under anesthesia. While ECT can be effective for certain severe cases, it often requires hospital-level care and may cause side effects such as memory loss or confusion.

TMS offers a safer, more comfortable, and medication-free option for individuals seeking relief from depression without the risks or intensity associated with ECT.

How long do TMS effects last and will I need any therapy beyond the first treatment?

Many patients experience long-lasting relief after completing a full course of TMS therapy. Research shows that the benefits of TMS can last 6 months to several years, depending on the individual. While some patients maintain their improvement without further treatment, others may benefit from periodic booster sessions if symptoms begin to return.

TMS helps “reset” underactive areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, and for many people, these changes are durable. However, because depression can be a recurring condition, ongoing support such as therapy, healthy routines, or follow-up care can help sustain the best long-term results.

At Serena TMS, we customize each treatment plan and offer boosters when needed to help you maintain the improvements achieved during your initial series.