Speciality Service
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, evidence-based treatment for individuals who live with major depressive disorder (MDD), anxious depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and those who want to quit smoking. TMS offers hope and a new beginning for individuals when medications and other behavioral treatments have been unsuccessful.
How does TMS therapy work?
TMS therapy is individualized to ensure the highest level of care for each client. A typical initial treatment course for depression and OCD consists of five treatments per week over six weeks, with each treatment about 20 minutes long. For smoking addiction, the full course of treatment typically requires 18 sessions over six weeks, paired with brief counseling sessions.
During TMS therapy, pulsed magnetic fields are repetitively transmitted into the left prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain thought to regulate mood—to stimulate the firing of neurons (nerve cells). It triggers a cascade of neurochemical events, including the release of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), and helps normalize neurotransmitter function.
Deep TMS to quit smoking involves using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with addiction, including nicotine/tobacco, giving you a better chance of having cognitive control.
The therapy uses the same type and strength of magnetic fields as MRIs, which have been used with millions of patients around the world and have not been shown to cause long-term consequences.
Consider TMS therapy if you:
- Have tried medications for depression or OCD or have tried to quit smoking, and your symptoms, cravings, and quality of life have not improved.
- Are experiencing medication side effects that interfere with daily life.
Approved by the FDA
The technology we use has been FDA approved since 2008, and Rosecrance was one of the first providers of TMS therapy in Illinois and Wisconsin. Our experienced team will guide you through the treatment.
View all TMS locations within Rosecrance Therapies
Rockford, IL & Surrounding Areas
Chicago
TMS Therapy Side Effects and Safety
Unlike many antidepressants and medications to treat tobacco/nicotine addiction, TMS does not introduce side effects that impact your quality of life. The most common adverse reaction related to treatment was mild-to-moderate scalp pain or discomfort at the treatment site, which lessens after the first week of treatment as our team adjusts care to make you as comfortable as possible.
TMS works better than any medication for me. It's made such a difference in my life.
- Michelle D.
TMS for Smoking Cessation
If you are considering quitting smoking, or have had difficulty quitting with other approaches, we can help you overcome that urge. Brainsway Deep TMS is a noninvasive treatment option for smoking cessation that has been approved by the FDA. Potential benefits include increased chances of quitting smoking, reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and improved long-term abstinence rates. TMS for smoking cessation is offered at our Rosecrance Therapies | Chicago-River North outpatient center.
TMS for Teens
For teens who have tried medication and therapy with adverse side effects, or without significant improvement, TMS may be a viable option, and it is now approved by the FDA for use in children as young as 12. Studies have shown positive results in reducing depressive symptoms and improving overall well-being in teens who haven’t found relief with other treatments. When combined with therapy, self-care, and social connections, adolescents can enjoy positive relationships and healthy lives.
TMS During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can affect emotional regulation and add stress to the lives of people living with depression and anxiety. TMS therapy is an option to consider for individuals who are pregnant, as an alternative to medication or as additional support.
Studies have shown that TMS is considered a safe option for individuals who are pregnant. Our team has cared for many pregnant clients who have had success with TMS therapy during pregnancy.
Innovative technology
Rosecrance uses BrainsWay technology to deliver Deep TMS treatment, which has been proven to offer significant results by directly stimulating deeper and broader areas of the brain, effectively treating conditions such as depression, anxious depression, OCD, and smoking addiction.
Insurance covers TMS
TMS therapy is covered by most insurance. We are here to help you understand costs, verify insurance, and find affordable options.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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TMS is indicated for individuals who:
- Have a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder
- Are 18 or older
- Have tried at least four antidepressant medications without significant improvement
TMS has also been successfully provided to teens, in coordination with families and insurance providers when medically appropriate.
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TMS is not approved for individuals diagnosed with:
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychotic disorders or symptoms
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
It is also not recommended for those with:
- Seizure disorders
- Metal implants in or around the head or chest (for example, aneurysm clips, shunts, or pacemakers)
If you’re unsure whether TMS is safe for you, our team can consult Brainsway’s full list of contraindications.
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TMS therapy typically occurs over four to six weeks, five days per week, followed by a short taper period — a total of about 36 sessions.
Each session lasts roughly 20 minutes.We use Brainsway Deep TMS Therapy. During your session:
- You’ll sit comfortably in a treatment chair.
- A cushioned, air-cooled helmet is placed over your head.
- The helmet delivers gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the targeted brain region.
All sessions are performed in our office under the supervision of a psychiatrist.
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Side effects are generally mild and temporary. Some clients experience:
- Mild discomfort or tenderness at the treatment site or face (often relieved with ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
There is a very low risk of seizure (approximately 0.1% of patients in clinical trials).
There are no known negative effects on memory or cognition. -
In the multicenter trial that led to FDA approval for Brainsway Deep TMS:
- 1 in 3 patients who did not respond to medication achieved remission.
In real-world treatment settings:
- After about 20 sessions, remission rates are often even higher.
- Among those who completed 30 sessions, 1 in 2 achieved full remission.
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Yes.
Most Medicare, Medicare replacement, and private insurance plans cover TMS therapy, though pre-authorization and a recent depression screening (PHQ-9 or BDI) are usually required.Medicaid coverage is limited.
Self-pay options and financial assistance may also be available.
See Rosecrance locations near you.
Why are we asking for this additional information?
With your current insurance information and location, we can better match you to programs and services that best fit your specific situation.