Depression and other mood disorders can affect a person’s daily life, from work and relationships to overall well-being. For some, traditional treatments like therapy and antidepressants may not provide enough relief on their own. In these cases, innovative options such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy can help support recovery and improve depression symptoms.
At LightHeart Mental Health, we combine NeuroStar® TMS therapy, medication management, and therapy to create integrated treatment plans that fit each client’s needs and goals. This approach supports the mind and brain together, addressing the emotional, behavioral, and biological aspects of mental health to promote lasting progress.
Understanding TMS therapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain related to mood regulation. TMS therapy is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). It is often recommended for people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have not experienced symptom relief from medication alone.
TMS therapy may benefit individuals who:
- Have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate relief
- Experience ongoing symptoms despite therapy or medication
- Prefer a noninvasive, medication-free treatment option
- Want to explore advanced depression treatments supported by research
During a TMS session, a small magnetic coil is placed near the scalp. This coil produces brief magnetic fields that pass through the skull to activate nerve cells. Over time, this stimulation helps regulate brain activity, which may improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.
TMS differs from procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation, as it does not require anesthesia, surgery, or cause memory loss. It is sometimes called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) because the treatment uses repeated magnetic pulses delivered in short bursts.
Research shows that TMS is a safe and effective option for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Many clients notice improvement after several weeks of regular TMS sessions, making it an important tool in modern mental health care. Studies show that about 62% of clients experience significant symptom relief after completing a full course of treatment.1
The role of traditional therapy in mental health treatment
While TMS focuses on brain activity, therapy addresses the emotional and psychological factors that may be contributing to mental health conditions. Common types of therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and other evidence-based approaches that help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Therapy plays a key role in treating depression because it provides space for reflection, skill-building, and self-understanding. Through regular sessions, clients can:
- Identify and reframe negative thought patterns
- Strengthen emotional regulation skills
- Build coping strategies for daily challenges
- Improve communication and relationships
Combining TMS with therapy supports progress across both treatments. As TMS promotes brain changes linked to mood regulation, therapy helps reinforce those improvements through insight, emotional awareness, and long-term resilience.
What does integrating medication management into a comprehensive treatment plan look like?
Medication management is an important part of a client’s mental health journey. The right medication support for each person’s mental health needs can set the foundation for healing. In treating depression, medication management focuses on monitoring antidepressants to balance brain chemistry, minimize side effects, and support well-being.
Providers track each client’s progress, adjust prescriptions as needed, and communicate openly about treatment effectiveness.
Medication management typically includes:
- Comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and current medications
- Ongoing assessment of treatment response and progress
- Adjusting dosages or prescriptions to improve results
- Coordination with therapists and other providers
For individuals using TMS therapy, this ongoing evaluation is key. As brain activity changes through stimulation, medication needs may also shift. Integrating medication management with TMS and therapy promotes communication and alignment across all aspects of care.
LightHeart Mental Health’s providers create treatment plans that adapt over time, combining therapy, medication care, and TMS therapy to promote the best possible outcomes.
How combining TMS, therapy, and medication management can enhance mental health outcomes
Each treatment component, TMS therapy, therapy, and medication management, addresses a different aspect of mental health. Together, they form a balanced approach that can be more effective than any single method.
TMS targets the biological side of depression by stimulating underactive regions of the brain that influence mood and emotion. Therapy helps clients work through behavioral and cognitive patterns that contribute to distress, while medication management supports chemical balance and stability.
Using these treatments together can improve motivation, restore emotional regulation, and support recovery. Standalone treatments may still provide benefits, but integrating TMS therapy, medication management, and therapy can promote more consistent progress and lasting emotional stability. Every treatment plan at LightHeart Mental Health is tailored to the individual, with adjustments made as needs evolve.
The process behind TMS therapy: What to expect during treatment sessions
For those considering TMS therapy, understanding what happens during a typical session can reduce uncertainty and build comfort.
Before treatment begins, clients complete an evaluation that includes a review of their medical history and mental health goals. In some cases, imaging tools may be used to help identify the specific brain region responsible for regulating mood. This process helps determine the magnetic strength needed to safely and effectively stimulate nerve cells.
During a NeuroStar TMS session at LightHeart Mental Health, clients sit comfortably in a treatment chair while a magnetic coil is positioned near the scalp. The device delivers precise magnetic pulses that activate targeted nerve cells. Most sessions last 20 to 40 minutes. Clients typically feel a light tapping sensation on the head but remain awake and alert throughout the procedure.
The treatment is well-tolerated and noninvasive, with minimal side effects such as mild scalp discomfort or temporary sensitivity. Safety protocols include screening for metal implants or other contraindications before each TMS session to support client comfort and safety.
Depending on diagnosis and response, repetitive TMS or theta burst stimulation protocols may be used. Over time, these sessions help rebalance brain activity and ease depression symptoms. After each session, clients can drive home and return to their normal daily activities right away. The treatment does not negatively affect memory or sleep.
Addressing common questions and criticisms of TMS therapy
As interest in TMS therapy continues to grow, many people have questions about how it works, its long-term effectiveness, and how it compares to other treatments.
Does TMS therapy actually work?
How long do the effects last?
The antidepressant effects of TMS can last for several months or longer. Some individuals may benefit from maintenance sessions to continue progress.
How much does TMS therapy cost without insurance?
Costs vary depending on the number of sessions and location. Many insurance providers now cover TMS therapy for depression treatment when it is clinically indicated.
What are the criticisms of TMS therapy?
Some concerns focus on accessibility or variable response rates. However, ongoing research shows that transcranial magnetic stimulation provides meaningful results for many adults with treatment-resistant depression.2 Unlike vagus nerve stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy, TMS is noninvasive and does not require anesthesia.
By combining TMS with therapy and medication management, LightHeart Mental Health supports ongoing progress through coordinated, compassionate care.
Discover a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment
Mental health care is most effective when it addresses every part of a person’s well-being. Combining TMS therapy, therapy, and medication management allows clients to benefit from an integrated treatment model that supports biological, emotional, and psychological recovery.
LightHeart Mental Health is committed to providing inclusive, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to find balance and stability. Our experienced providers collaborate across specialties to create treatment plans that promote growth, healing, and lasting improvement. If you are exploring advanced depression treatment options or want to learn if TMS therapy is right for you, contact LightHeart Mental Health today at 425.800.5688.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
Sources:
- NeuroStar®. “Is NeuroStar® Safe & Proven?” Accessed November 21, 2025.
- ScienceDirect. “Consensus Review and Considerations on TMS to Treat Depression: A Comprehensive Update Endorsed by The National Network of Depression Centers, The Clinical TMS Society, and The International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology.” Accessed November 21, 2025