What to Expect at Applied TMS
From First Call to Final Session — How We Deliver TMS Treatment
Starting a new treatment can feel overwhelming. At Applied TMS, we make the process clear, organized, and clinically focused from the very beginning. Our goal is to not only deliver FDA-cleared Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) but to ensure it’s integrated into a plan that works for you.
Your TMS Treatment Timeline
1. Initial Screening & Insurance Verification
- We start with a brief phone screening to determine whether TMS may be appropriate for your condition.
- Our team verifies insurance benefits or reviews self-pay options.
2. Comprehensive Evaluation
- A full psychological and medical evaluation to confirm diagnosis, assess treatment history, and ensure TMS is safe for you.
- Review of your current medications and care plan.
3. Mapping & First Session
- On your first treatment day, we perform motor mapping to locate the exact spot in your brain to stimulate and determine the correct intensity level for your treatment.
- This ensures precision and consistency in every session.
4. Active Treatment Phase
- Sessions last about 20–40 minutes.
- Most patients receive TMS 5 days per week for 6–8 weeks, totaling 30–40 sessions.
- You are awake and alert during the procedure. Most describe the sensation as a light tapping on the scalp.
- You can immediately return to work, school, or daily activities afterward.
5. Symptom Improvement Timeline
- Weeks 1–2: Many patients do not yet notice a change, though some experience early improvements in mood or energy.
- Weeks 3–4: This is when most patients begin to feel measurable improvement — such as fewer intrusive thoughts, better mood stability, improved concentration, or reduced anxiety.
- Weeks 5–6: Symptom relief continues to build, often with more consistent energy, improved daily functioning, and reduced symptom intensity.
6. Taper Phase
- Toward the end of treatment, sessions are gradually reduced to help maintain results and allow the brain to adjust without daily stimulation.
7. Post-Treatment Planning
- We provide a follow-up care plan, which may include ongoing therapy, medication management, or occasional booster TMS sessions.
Know exactly what your TMS treatment will involve — and when results can begin.
How Well Does TMS Work?
- Depression: Clinical studies show that 50–60% of patients experience significant symptom improvement, and about one-third achieve full remission.
- OCD: Studies report 40–60% reduction in symptom severity for many patients after a full course.
- Other Conditions: Research in anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive disorders shows promising symptom reductions and functional gains.
How Long Do Results Last?
For many patients, the benefits of TMS can last 6–12 months or longer. The duration depends on the condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and whether follow-up care is maintained.
- Some patients schedule booster sessions a few times a year to sustain progress.
- Long-term studies in depression show that about half of patients maintain improvement for a year after initial treatment.
Your Experience at Applied TMS
At every stage, our team tracks your progress using standardized rating scales and direct feedback. This allows us to measure your improvement objectively and adjust your care plan if needed.
- Comfortable outpatient setting
- Consistent staff for continuity of care
- Clear communication with your other providers
