What To Expect From TMS Therapy

Starting something new can feel uncertain, especially when you have already tried a lot. Here is exactly what your TMS journey at Best Life Psychiatry looks like, from the first visit to the last.

Before your first treatment

Your first appointment is a mapping visit. Dr. McGaugh measures your motor threshold, which is the exact amount of magnetic energy that is right for you, and pinpoints the precise spot on your head where the coil will sit. This visit takes a little longer than a regular session, usually around 60 to 90 minutes, because it sets the foundation for your entire course. You do not need to do anything to prepare beyond showing up as yourself.

During a session

You recline comfortably in the treatment chair, fully awake. A curved magnetic coil rests against your head. As treatment begins you hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp. NeuroStar Contact Sensing technology makes sure the prescribed dose is delivered with every pulse. Most people read, listen to music, or simply relax. A typical session lasts 19 to 37 minutes.

Your full course

A standard NeuroStar course is 36 sessions, 5 days per week, over roughly 6 to 7 weeks. Completing the full course gives you the best chance at long lasting relief. With our new weekend appointments, it is easier to keep that daily rhythm without rearranging your whole life.

When will I feel better?

Everyone is different. Many people begin to notice small changes by week 2 or 3, often before they can put it into words. Friends and family sometimes see it first. The fullest benefit usually arrives after the complete course. Some people feel a brief dip around week 3 or 4 where symptoms seem to flare. This is temporary. It passes, and it is often followed by real improvement.

Side effects

The most common side effect is mild to moderate discomfort or tapping pain at the treatment site, which usually eases within the first week. There are no negative effects on memory or sleep, and nothing circulates in your bloodstream.

Take the first step with a free consultation