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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment option for certain mental health conditions that uses a magnetic field to stimulate specific areas of the brain. TMS Therapy is not to be confused with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), commonly referred to as “shock therapy.” Let’s explore how TMS works, the mental health conditions it is approved to treat, the potential benefits and risks of TMS, and what to expect during a TMS treatment. We will also discuss alternative treatment options.
If you are looking for TMS therapy in Los Angeles we can help. TMS uses a magnetic field to stimulate specific areas of the brain. After placing a coil directly above the patient’s head, a magnetic field is generated to stimulate the neurons in the targeted brain region. This process is non-invasive, painless, and highly localized, so it doesn’t affect the entire body system like oral medications and has few short-term side effects. There are no known long term side effects. Some soreness at the treatment site is the most common side effect, which usually subsides within a few hours. A standard course of TMS Therapy consists of 30-36 treatment sessions, five days per week, over 6-9 weeks, with each session lasting about 3-20 minutes. Relief typically begins within the first 10-15 days and success rates range from around 70-80%.
The Accelerated Protocol, sometimes referred to as the “Saint Protocol” or “Stanford Protocol,” consists of 10 treatment sessions per day, once per hour, over the course of five days, with each session lasting about 3 minutes. This TMS Accelerated Protocol is not currently covered by insurance, but can save patients a substantial amount of time and energy going to and from treatment and provide rapid relief in less than one week. Relief typically begins within the first 5 days and success rates range from around 70-85%.
TMS Therapy is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. Insurance networks require patients trial conventional medications and therapies, such as talk therapy, prior to authorizing payment for TMS Therapy. Your KCLA Care Team will help assess whether or not TMS is a good option for you and if so, take the lead in identifying the criteria your health insurance requires in order to authorize your treatment. As with any treatment, you may pay out of pocket in the event your insurance denies to cover your care or you wish to undergo an off-label protocol. TMS Therapy has been proven effective for a variety of other mental health and neurological conditions, such as TMS for anxiety, TMS for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
TMS Therapy’s main benefits are that it is a safe, effective, FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment option. TMS does not require medication, typically has no significant side effects and no long-term side effects, and has a high success rate between 70-80%. Additionally, TMS has a unique mechanism of action so it can work well when other treatments have failed, helping people cope with depression, OCD, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. Some people may experience mild to moderate soreness at the treatment site during treatment, but this generally resolves immediately afterward.
While TMS Therapy is generally considered a safe treatment option, there are some potential risks and precautions to consider. The most serious potential risk is the possibility of a seizure, which occurs in approximately 0.004% of people who receive TMS, or 1 in 30,000 people. The chance of this occurring is further diminished when patients disclose significant changes to medication, substances, or other lifestyle changes made during the course of treatment with their technician, who can adjust their dose to account for such changes. Other possible side effects may include scalp discomfort, headache, and lightheadedness. Before starting treatment, you will discuss TMS’s potential risks and benefits with your KCLA Provider.
After completing a brief TMS Questionnaire, you will have a free phone consultation with a Care Coordinator who can answer your questions and explain what TMS is and how it works. Afterward, you will be scheduled for a free consultation with a KCLA Provider to assess whether or not TMS is a good treatment option for you. If it is, you will receive a TMS Evaluation which will be used to submit a request to your insurance carrier for authorization to cover your care. This process can usually be completed in about one week, and we take pride in ensuring a smooth, seamless journey for you to get started so you can feel better faster.
Our state-of-the-art facility provides TMS Treatments in a serene, beautiful space accompanied by light refreshments and a large 4k smart TV equipped with premium streaming services and art for your viewing pleasure during treatment. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and your KCLA TMS Technician will gently position the TMS coil directly above your head to provide your TMS Treatment. You will be awake and alert during the treatment and able to communicate with the TMS Technician the entire time.
Alternative treatment options for mental health conditions are available at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, including Ketamine Infusion Therapy, Psychiatric Medication Management, talk therapy, and Spravato. Working with your KCLA Provider to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your specific needs and goals is essential. TMS Therapy may be suitable for some people but may not be right for everyone.
KCLA accepts 10 of the largest health insurance networks in California to increase access to this transformative treatment. Please see our insurance banner on this page or text/call us to confirm that we accept your health insurance. Your insurance carrier and the specific policy you have will impact your eligibility for insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs. Your KCLA Care Team will walk you through each step of the process with transparency so you can make an informed decision about whether TMS Treatment is right for you.
As with any treatment, you may elect to pay out of pocket. KCLA offers several interest free financing options and plans for self-pay patients. Please inquire for details.
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Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles
6801 Park Terrace, Suite 525
Los Angeles, CA 90045
