Board-Certified Psychiatrists • FDA-Approved Technology • Proven Results for TMS Treatment
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BNI Clinics provides trusted doctor-led TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) for depression that hasn’t improved with medication or therapy. This non-invasive, medication-free treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood. At BNI Clinics, every TMS program is overseen by our board-certified psychiatrists, who confirm it’s the right fit and adjust your treatment as you progress.
If you’ve tried medication or therapy and still don’t feel like yourself, we’re here to talk through what’s next.
How TMS Works
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS), first developed in 1985, is a non-invasive procedure that uses a magnetic coil to send pulses that influence electrical activity in your brain. The coil is placed against the scalp over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area at the front of the brain involved in mood regulation and decision-making, which often shows lower-than-normal activity in people with depression. The magnetic pulses pass through the skull without pain and create small electrical currents that activate nerve cells in the targeted area.
Over repeated sessions, this stimulation is thought to strengthen communication between the prefrontal cortex and deeper brain regions that govern emotion, including the limbic system. This process, called neuroplasticity, helps the brain form healthier activity patterns over time.
Because the pulses are focused on a specific area, TMS doesn’t circulate through the body the way medication does, which is why TMS avoids many of the side effects people experience with medication.
What Research Shows
In a randomized, sham-controlled trial, Stanford researchers found that people receiving Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT), an accelerated, individualized form of TMS, saw an average 52.5% reduction in depression scores on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), compared with about 11% in the placebo group. The FDA cleared SNT for treatment-resistant depression in 2022.
A 2023 meta-analysis of 19 sham-controlled trials found that the overall response rate was almost 40% and the remission rate was almost 36%when TMS was added to medication for people with treatment-resistant depression.
What Are the Benefits of TMS?
- Non-invasive and medication-free. No needles, anesthesia, or systemic side effects like weight gain.
- No downtime. You can drive yourself and return to work or school right away.
- Mild, short-lived side effects. The most common side effects are scalp discomfort or a brief headache, and they usually fade after the first few sessions.
- An option when other treatments haven’t worked. TMS is designed for depression that hasn’t responded to medication or therapy.
Who Is TMS For?
- Adults and teens with depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) whose symptoms haven’t improved enough with medication or therapy
- People looking for TMS for migraines or to quit smoking (both FDA-cleared uses)
- Those who can’t tolerate medication side effects or prefer a non-medication approach
Why Choose BNI for TMS Therapy?
- Doctor-owned and operated; board-certified psychiatrists
- Psychiatric evaluation first to confirm TMS is the right fit
- Personalized protocols, adjusted to your symptoms and progress
- Programs for adults and teens
- Comfortable office setting, not a hospital
- Part of a full practice: psychiatry, therapy, testing, ketamine/Spravato under one roof
You’ll work with the same team from your first evaluation to your last session, in a doctor’s office close to home.
What to Expect at BNI Clinics
- Before: You’ll settle into a comfortable chair in a private treatment room. We’ll ask you to remove glasses and metal jewelry and give you earplugs so you can relax during the session.
- During: Therapy takes about 40 minutes. You’ll stay awake and can watch TV or use your phone. Most people feel a light tapping on the scalp, and any discomfort tends to ease after the first few sessions.
- Schedule: The FDA-cleared treatment is 5 days a week for 6 weeks (30 sessions in total)
- After: You can go back to normal activities right away.
Insurance and Cost
Many insurance plans cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression. BNI checks your insurance before you start, so you know what’s covered. Have questions about your plan? Reach out, and we’ll help you check your coverage.
BNI Clinics Offers Effective TMS Treatment
If you’ve been trying to feel better and haven’t gotten there yet, TMS may be a good next step. Our psychiatrists will talk through your history, what you’ve tried, and whether TMS makes sense for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is TMS treatment?
A standard TMS treatment program lasts 6 weeks and includes 30 sessions (5 per week). Each appointment takes about 40 minutes, and you can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Does TMS hurt?
TMS is generally painless. Some patients feel tapping sensations on the scalp, but discomfort decreases after the first few sessions as your body adjusts.
Is TMS safe?
Yes. TMS is FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and considered very safe. It does not affect memory, cognition, or personality. The most common side effects are mild and short-lived.
How long do TMS results last?
Many patients experience long-lasting improvements in mood, energy, sleep, and emotional balance for months or even years after completing the program. If symptoms come back, maintenance sessions are available to help you stay on track.
Does insurance cover TMS?
Many insurance plans cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression, especially if you’ve already tried multiple medications. BNI checks your benefits before you start so you know what to expect.
