Is TMS Right for You?
Understanding Candidacy for Depression Treatment
If you’ve been living with depression — especially depression that hasn’t responded to medication or therapy — you may be wondering whether TMS could help.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) isn’t the right fit for everyone, but for many people with major depressive disorder, it offers a path forward when other treatments haven’t worked.
Here’s what to know about candidacy and how our team helps you find out for sure.
Signs TMS May Be a Good Fit for You
- You’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Antidepressant medications haven’t provided full relief, or side effects have been hard to manage
- You’ve tried therapy alone and are looking for an additional or alternative approach
- You’re looking for a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t involve medication or surgery
- Your depression symptoms are affecting your daily life, work, or relationships
Who TMS Is FDA-Approved to Treat
TMS is FDA-approved to treat people with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. It’s often considered by patients and their doctors when standard treatments, like antidepressant medication or talk therapy, haven’t led to the improvement they hoped for. Visit our Depression page to learn more about TMS treatment.
How We Determine Candidacy
Every patient’s path to treatment starts the same way: with a conversation, not a commitment.
Step 1: Phone Consultation
You’ll speak with our New Patient Coordinator about your symptoms, treatment history, and any questions you have about TMS. There’s no obligation at this stage.
Step 2: Testing and Clinical Evaluation
If TMS looks like a good fit, you’ll come in for initial testing, which may include an EEG, and a comprehensive evaluation. We review your history and symptoms, and if we feel TMS can help, we design your personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMS effective for treatment-resistant depression?
Yes. TMS is FDA-approved to treat both Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment-Resistant Depression, and it has been studied and used in clinical settings for years.
What if antidepressants haven’t worked for me?
TMS works differently than medication — directly on the neural circuits linked to depression, rather than affecting the entire body. It’s often considered when medication alone hasn’t provided the relief you’re looking for.
Do I need a referral to schedule a consultation?
No formal referral is required. Your first step is a no-obligation phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator.
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Many major insurance plans cover TMS for depression when medical necessity criteria are met, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Cigna, Anthem, Medicare, and TRICARE West. Our team verifies your specific benefits during intake.
Still Not Sure if You May be a Candidate for TMS?
Not everyone knows right away whether TMS is right for them, and that’s understandable. The best way to find out is to talk with our team. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just a conversation to help you understand your options.
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