Is TMS covered by insurance?

Yes — TMS therapy is covered by most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and MaineCare when FDA criteria are met. Our team handles prior authorization on your behalf.

How long is a TMS treatment course?

A standard TMS course consists of 36 sessions over 6–9 weeks, with sessions five days a week. Each session lasts approximately 20–40 minutes.

What does TMS feel like?

Most patients feel a rhythmic tapping or knocking sensation on their scalp during the magnetic pulses. Some experience mild discomfort or headache early in treatment, which typically subsides after the first week.

How effective is TMS for depression?

In clinical trials, approximately 83% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experience a meaningful response to TMS, and about 62% achieve full remission.

FDA-Cleared Treatment

TMS Therapy

FDA-cleared transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression — non-invasive, medication-free, and covered by most insurance plans.

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FDA-Cleared Treatment

Non-Invasive, No Medication

Most Insurance Accepted

Clinician positioning the TMS coil for a patient during a treatment session at Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

What Is TMS?

Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate regions of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and especially effective when antidepressants haven't brought adequate relief.

TMS requires no anesthesia, has no systemic side effects, and lets you drive yourself to and from sessions — returning to normal activities immediately afterward.

TMS & Insurance Guide

Clinician positioning the TMS coil for a patient during a treatment session — TMS sessions in our Portland clinic

Why TMS

Key Benefits of TMS Therapy

A proven interventional option when traditional treatments haven't been enough.

FDA-Cleared

Non-Invasive & Drug-Free

No surgery, no anesthesia, and no medication changes required. Magnetic pulses are delivered through the scalp to stimulate targeted brain regions.

Outpatient

Minimal Disruption to Daily Life

Sessions last 20–40 minutes. You remain awake, alert, and can drive yourself home — most patients schedule around work and family.

Evidence-Based

Strong Clinical Results

Approximately 83% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experience meaningful improvement; many achieve full remission with durable results.

Insurance

Covered by Most Plans

TMS is covered by most commercial insurance, Medicare, and MaineCare when criteria are met. We handle prior authorization for you.

Safe

No Systemic Side Effects

Unlike medications, TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or cognitive dulling. Mild scalp discomfort may occur early on and typically resolves quickly.

Integrated

Combined with Therapy & Medication

TMS works alongside your existing antidepressants and therapy. Your psychiatrist and therapist coordinate care under one roof.

How It Works

What Happens During a TMS Session

A small coil is placed against your scalp near the forehead. The device delivers brief magnetic pulses — similar in strength to an MRI — that stimulate nerve cells in the left prefrontal cortex.

Over a standard course of 36 sessions (5 days per week for 6–9 weeks), repeated stimulation leads to lasting changes in neural activity. Most patients notice gradual improvement beginning around weeks 3–4.

36 sessions over approximately 6–9 weeks
Each session lasts 20–40 minutes
No sedation — you stay awake throughout

Welcoming clinic reception area — Expert TMS technicians on every session

Candidacy

Who Is TMS Right For?

TMS is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder who haven't achieved satisfactory improvement from antidepressant medications. It may also help with anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

You may be a good candidate if you:

Have tried 1–3 antidepressants without adequate relief
Experience intolerable medication side effects
Prefer a non-medication approach
Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Have not responded to ECT or prefer a less intensive option

Not recommended if you have metal implants near the head, a cochlear implant, deep brain stimulator, or history of seizures. Discuss cardiac devices with our team.

TMS treatment room at Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

Your Journey

What to Expect

Psychiatric Evaluation

A 60–90 minute assessment confirms TMS is appropriate and maps your treatment site.

Insurance Authorization

We verify benefits and handle prior authorization before your first session.

Daily TMS Sessions

20–40 minute outpatient sessions, typically 5 days per week for 6–9 weeks.

Ongoing Support

Maintenance sessions available if needed. Therapy and medication continue alongside TMS.

TMS + Therapy = Better Outcomes

Patients who combine TMS with ongoing therapy often see the strongest, most durable results. Our therapists and psychiatrists coordinate directly with your TMS team.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients describe a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp. Some experience mild discomfort or headache in the first few sessions, which typically resolves within 1–2 weeks.

Yes — TMS is covered by most major plans including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and MaineCare when criteria are met. We handle prior authorization on your behalf. View insurance details →

Most patients who respond maintain improvement for 12 months or more. If symptoms return, maintenance TMS (1–2 sessions per month or a brief re-treatment course) is often effective.

Yes. TMS can be used alongside antidepressant medications and therapy. Many patients continue their current regimen throughout treatment.