TMS Therapy · Overland Park
TMS Therapy Now Available at Armstrong Family Counseling
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is an exceptionally effective treatment for depression, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety. TMS targets areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation and prompts healing through the brain's stimulus/response mechanism. If you are looking for a better way to treat depression, TMS may be the right answer for you.
- FDA-approved treatment
- Treats the brain directly for long-term results
- Covered by most insurance
Works with Your Schedule
Sessions run about 25 minutes. You are awake and alert throughout, and cleared to drive or return to work immediately after.
Builds Lasting Change
TMS treats the brain directly to induce neural changes in the brain that overcome depression, PTSD, and anxiety for the long-term.
Medication-free Treatment
TMS is completely medication-free, making it an excellent option for those who wish to reduce or eliminate taking medication.
Precisely Targeted Brain Stimulation
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, treats the brain using magnetic pulses, similar to an MRI machine. But instead of creating an image, the pulses are used to stimulate the prefrontal cortex: the region of the brain most involved in regulating mood.
In depression, that region tends to be underactive. TMS delivers a focused pulse which prompts a stimulus/response mechanism in the brain. Through a process called neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change, new brain networks and new patterns of activity are created during the course of treatment.
Similar to going to the gym, each treatment session builds on the previous sessions. Day by day, session by session, the brain is healing and building resiliency against depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other harmful brain behaviors.
Are You a Good Candidate for TMS?
TMS works best for patients who have tried other therapies, such as antidepressant medication and talk therapy, but haven't achieved full relief. Under insurance guidelines, a patient must be diagnosed with major depressive disorder or OCD to qualify for treatment. Anxiety and PTSD can be treated as secondary conditions during treatment.
You may be a good candidate for TMS if:
- You've tried one or more antidepressant medications without getting the relief you'd hoped for
- You're looking for a non-medication option to add alongside the care you're already receiving
- You're already working with a therapist or psychiatric provider and want to know what else might help
- You're able to commit to short, daily treatment sessions
Your psychiatric provider at Armstrong Family Counseling will review your history, current medications, and treatment goals and discuss whether TMS is an appropriate option.
Getting Started with TMS Therapy
The steps to get started with TMS are similar to other medical procedures. You are thoroughly evaluated by a psychiatric provider. If TMS is an appropriate treatment, you will be scheduled for your TMS sessions, which are conducted in our Overland Park office. No preparation is required.
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A Thorough Mental Health Evaluation
The first step is to schedule a psychiatric appointment at Armstrong Family Counseling. You will receive a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. If appropriate, TMS will be prescribed for you.
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What Does TMS Treatment Look Like?
You will come in daily for TMS sessions for about 7 weeks. Each session is about 25 minutes long. You are awake and alert throughout and can drive a car or return to work immediately after. There is no loss of function with TMS.
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How Long Does it Take TMS to Work?
Most patients report they notice a distinct difference around the fourth week of treatment. People close to the patient - friends, family, and even coworkers - often notice a difference about a week sooner than the patient themselves.
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Is TMS Covered by Insurance?
Yes, TMS is covered by most commercial insurance and Tricare. TMS is a proven, effective treatment for depression and is FDA-approved. We work closely with your insurance carrier to ensure you receive the maximum allowable benefit.
Coordinated Care
A Complete Support System
Armstrong Family Counseling strives to be a complete mental health resource for the entire family, with therapy, psychiatry, group therapy, and classes available for children, teens, parents, and individuals. TMS is another tool to meet your treatment needs.
TMS is approved for patients ages 15 and older. It can be used standalone or in combination with other treatments, such as therapy or medication.
Because TMS uses a completely different functional mechanism from either medication or therapy, it can be an excellent complement to either treatment. Or, if you have not found full relief with other treatments, TMS may be the right treatment that finally works for you.
Is TMS Covered by My Insurance?
There's a good chance you are covered for TMS treatment. Most major insurers and Tricare cover TMS for major depressive disorder. Coverage depends on a qualifying diagnosis, the severity of depression, and meeting certain criteria, such as having previously tried antidepressants and/or therapy. We will help you understand your specific coverage and requirements to qualify. Call our office and our team will talk through what your specific insurance requires, along with what TMS will cost you directly.
Talk to Our Overland Park Team About TMS
The only way to see if TMS is right for you is to schedule an appointment with one of our psychiatric providers. During your evaluation, we will discuss whether TMS is the right treatment for you.
Questions About TMS?
Our Overland Park team can answer questions about fit, insurance, and scheduling.