Start with the question that’s on your mind.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWe’ve grouped our most common questions into three areas so you can quickly find what matters most to you: whether TMS may be right for you, what treatment is like, and what to expect from results.
Could TMS Be Right for Me?
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Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Other private carriers to come.
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In most cases, treatment is covered by your insurance plan. Out of pocket treatments may cost between $2000-$5000.
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TMS may be worth exploring if you’re living with depression and haven’t experienced enough relief from medication or therapy, have had difficulty tolerating medication side effects, or are interested in a non-medication treatment option.
Dr. Stone personally evaluates each patient to determine whether TMS is appropriate based on your symptoms, treatment history, medical history, and goals.
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Many people who receive TMS have previously tried one or more antidepressant medications without enough improvement or with side effects they found difficult to tolerate.
Specific requirements can vary based on your clinical history and insurance plan. Dr. Stone will review your previous treatments during your evaluation.
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Many patients continue their prescribed medications while receiving TMS. Dr. Stone will review your current medications before treatment and let you know whether any changes or additional considerations are needed.
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No. You do not need to transfer your psychiatric care to Anew TMS or have an established psychiatrist in order to request an evaluation.
Dr. Stone performs your TMS evaluation and oversees your TMS treatment. If you already work with a psychiatrist, primary care clinician, psychiatric nurse practitioner, therapist, or other healthcare provider, Anew can coordinate with them with your permission.
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Certain medical or neurological conditions may require additional evaluation before TMS treatment, including a history of seizures or certain neurological conditions.
Some types of metal or implanted devices in or near the head may affect whether TMS is appropriate. Other implants may not prevent treatment.
Dr. Stone will carefully review your medical history to determine whether TMS can be provided safely.
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Start by contacting Anew TMS to request an evaluation. Our team will gather some basic information, help review your insurance benefits when applicable, and schedule an evaluation with Dr. Stone.
What Treatment Is Like
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TMS is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment that does not require medication, anesthesia, or surgery.
Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as scalp discomfort or headache during or after treatment. Serious side effects are uncommon, although seizures can occur in rare cases.
Before treatment begins, Dr. Stone will review your medical history and potential risk factors to determine whether TMS is appropriate for you.
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During treatment, you’ll sit comfortably while a magnetic coil rests against your scalp. Most patients describe the stimulation as a tapping sensation and may hear clicking from the device.
You remain awake and alert throughout treatment. Some people experience temporary scalp sensitivity or discomfort, particularly during their first few sessions.
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No. TMS and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are very different treatments.
TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain and does not require anesthesia or intentionally produce a seizure. ECT uses an electrical current to produce a controlled seizure while the patient is under anesthesia.
TMS is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients can return to their usual activities immediately afterward.
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At Anew TMS, typical treatment sessions are approximately 3 minutes, depending on the protocol prescribed for you.
TMS is performed while you are awake and alert and does not require anesthesia or a recovery period.
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Before regular treatment begins, your TMS settings are personalized to you.
Dr. Stone performs motor threshold mapping, which helps determine the appropriate treatment location and stimulation intensity. You’ll remain awake throughout the process, and the team will explain what is happening along the way.
Once your individualized settings have been established, treatment can begin according to the protocol Dr. Stone has prescribed.
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In most cases, yes. TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, so there is no routine recovery period.
Most patients can drive themselves to and from appointments and return to work, school, errands, or other everyday activities immediately afterward.
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TMS is prescribed as a course of treatment rather than as a single session, and completing the recommended course gives Dr. Stone the best opportunity to evaluate your response.
Because improvement may develop gradually, feeling the same—or beginning to feel better—early in treatment does not necessarily mean treatment should be stopped. Dr. Stone will monitor your progress and discuss any changes to your treatment plan with you.
Results & Life After Treatment
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Everyone responds differently. With traditional TMS, improvement is often gradual, and some patients begin noticing changes in mood, energy, sleep, motivation, or daily functioning during the first several weeks.
Others may not notice significant changes until later in their treatment course. Dr. Stone and the Anew team will monitor your symptoms throughout treatment.
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The duration of improvement varies from person to person. Some patients experience benefits for many months or longer, while others may eventually benefit from additional treatment.
Continuing other parts of your mental health care—including medication or psychotherapy when appropriate—may also help support your progress after TMS.
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TMS can provide meaningful improvement for many people with depression, but no treatment works for everyone.
If you are not experiencing the improvement you hoped for, Dr. Stone will review your response and discuss what it means for your treatment plan. Depending on your individual situation, that may include completing the prescribed course, adjusting treatment when clinically appropriate, or discussing other options with your psychiatric care team.
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In some cases, yes. Patients who responded well to TMS previously may be candidates for another course if symptoms return.
Whether additional TMS is appropriate depends on your previous response, current symptoms, medical history, and broader treatment plan. Dr. Stone can evaluate those factors with you.
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No. The goal of TMS is not to change who you are.
Treatment targets brain circuits associated with symptoms of depression. Patients who respond may notice improvements in things like mood, motivation, energy, concentration, or their ability to enjoy everyday life. Those changes reflect improvement in depressive symptoms rather than a change in your underlying personality.
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TMS is not generally associated with the memory loss that can occur with ECT. It does not require anesthesia or intentionally induce a seizure, and significant cognitive side effects are not typically expected with standard TMS treatment.
If you notice cognitive changes or any other unexpected symptoms during treatment, let Dr. Stone and the Anew team know so they can evaluate them.