What is TMS?
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses short magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, we use NeuroStar TMS as a non-drug option for people living with depression — and it is covered by most insurance plans.
There is no single depression treatment that fits every patient. Understanding what TMS is — and how a session works — helps you decide whether it belongs in your care plan, especially if medications have not brought enough relief or have caused side effects you do not want to continue.
What TMS Actually Is
During TMS, a treatment coil is placed against the scalp. The device delivers focused magnetic pulses — similar in kind to the magnetic fields used in an MRI — that induce small electrical currents in nearby neurons. The goal is to help underactive mood-related circuits work more normally over a course of sessions.
Because the energy is delivered locally to the head, TMS does not circulate a medication through the whole body the way an antidepressant does.
What Happens in a NeuroStar Session
A typical visit is brief and structured:
You recline in a treatment chair and stay awake and alert
The coil is positioned for your mapped treatment plan
Focused magnetic pulses are delivered for about 20 minutes, depending on the protocol
Many people feel tapping, tingling, or mild warming at the treatment site
You can usually return to normal activities right afterward
Watch the short video below for a clear look at what TMS is and how treatment looks in practice.
Covered by Most Insurance Plans
A common question is cost. NeuroStar TMS is covered by most insurance plans when clinical criteria are met. During your consultation, we review your history, confirm whether you are a candidate, and help you understand what your plan typically requires before starting a course of care.
Coverage details vary by insurer and policy, so we verify benefits up front whenever possible — the goal is clarity before you commit to a treatment series.
How TMS Differs From Medication
Local brain stimulation
Antidepressants travel through the bloodstream and can affect sleep, appetite, sexual function, and energy. TMS focuses on mood circuits in the brain and is not a daily systemic drug.
No anesthesia
You do not need sedation. Cognition and alertness are generally preserved during and after sessions.
A course of care
Benefit usually builds across a prescribed series of visits rather than from a single treatment. Your clinician individualizes the plan based on diagnosis, prior therapies, and response.
Who May Be a Candidate
NeuroStar TMS is often considered when depression has not improved enough with medication, when side effects are hard to tolerate, or when a non-drug option is preferred. It is FDA-cleared for depression in adults and as adjunctive treatment for adolescent depression, with additional clearances related to anxious depression and OCD in adults.
A consultation with Dr. Lorenzo reviews your history and goals to determine whether TMS is appropriate and whether insurance criteria are likely to be met — again, most plans cover TMS when those criteria are satisfied.
When TMS May Not Be the Best Fit
TMS is not right for everyone. It may be deferred or avoided with incompatible metal or implanted devices near the treatment area, certain seizure-risk factors, or when another level of psychiatric care is more urgently needed. Safety screening is part of evaluation.
Practical Tips If You Are Exploring TMS
Bring a list of current and past depression treatments and side effects
Ask how many sessions are typical and how progress is measured
Ask about insurance coverage — NeuroStar TMS is covered by most insurance plans when criteria are met
Plan for consistent attendance — completing the course matters
Report scalp discomfort or headache early so settings can be adjusted
Continue other therapies as directed unless your clinician changes the plan
The Bottom Line
TMS is a non-drug therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate mood-related brain circuits. NeuroStar sessions are brief, done while you are awake, and usually allow an immediate return to daily activities. For many patients who have not found enough relief from medication alone, it is a practical, insurance-covered option to evaluate in person.
Schedule a Visit
Complete Healthcare offers individualized NeuroStar TMS evaluation, mapping, treatment sessions, and follow-up for patients with depression in Richland and the Tri-Cities. Call 509-392-6700 to schedule a TMS consultation.
Complete Healthcare, Richland, WA
Richard Lorenzo, D.O.
Women’s Health and Wellness Care in Richland, WA
