Understanding the TMS Therapy Timeline
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive therapy designed to help ease depression, and a range of other mental health concerns, such as anxious depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When you are ready to undergo NeuroStar TMS therapy, understanding the timeline of the process can help you feel prepared and set realistic expectations. At Bloom Health Centers, patients can access NeuroStar Advanced TMS with immediate availability. From your initial consultation to your final session and beyond, each step plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results with this exciting therapy.
Step 1: Your Initial Consultation
The first step is an initial evaluation. During your NeuroStar consultation, you will meet with a specialist in Arlington or one of our other locations around the DMV. This visit helps your provider assess whether TMS is right for you and answer your questions. Key components of your initial evaluation include:
- Comprehensive assessment of your mental health history
- Discussion of your past treatments and their effectiveness
- Understanding of your current medications
If you qualify for TMS therapy, your provider will outline a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Step 2: Insurance Approval and Scheduling
Because Bloom Health Centers is an in-network provider, many of our patients can use their insurance to cover their TMS sessions. The approval process will vary depending on your provider, but our team is happy to assist you in securing coverage. Once we receive the insurance approval, we will schedule your sessions.
Step 3: Your First Mapping Session
During your first brain stimulation session, your provider will "map" the specific region of your brain that will be targeted with magnetic pulses. Your provider will place the NeuroStar magnetic coil against your head, then identify the ideal location for the targeted pulses. This ensures that the magnetic field reaches the nerve cells that are associated with your disorder. Your provider will also establish the appropriate stimulation level for your comfort and effectiveness.
Step 4: Your Ongoing Treatment Sessions
Our TMS therapy is typically delivered five days a week over a span of seven weeks (six if you are treating OCD), with each session lasting about 20 minutes—offering a convenient, noninvasive approach to mental health treatment. You can expect each treatment session to run as follows:
- You will sit in a comfortable chair
- Your technician sets up the TMS coil
- The coil delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate the targeted brain area
- You may feel a light tapping against your scalp
- You can relax, read, watch TV, or listen to music
- Once your visit is completed, you can resume your day
Step 5: Monitoring Progress and Adjustments
Throughout the duration of your neurostimulation course, your provider will assess your progress. If necessary, they will adjust your treatment plan based on how you respond to the therapy. A typical NeuroStar TMS treatment schedule:
- First Week: Adjustment period with daily sessions
- Weeks 2-4: Continued stimulation with provider monitoring your progress
- Weeks 5-7: Final phase, assessing long-term progress
- Post-treatment follow-up: Evaluation of improvements of your symptoms and potential retreatment plans
Many of our clients experience significant symptom relief by the end of their TMS therapy course, while others may require retreatment in the future. The ability of NeuroStar to promote long-lasting brain plasticity means that you can continue to benefit even after completing your initial course.
Schedule a Consultation With Us to Understand the NeuroStar TMS Therapy Timeline
If you are ready to explore TMS therapy as a treatment for major depressive disorder, anxious depression, or OCD, Bloom Health Centers offers immediate availability and a compassionate team of specialists to work with you. Call us now and book your consultation and learn how easy it is to get treated for your mental health condition.
TMS Patient Journey at Bloom
New to TMS? You are not alone.
Find out more about the journey to a life without depression through TMS Therapy at Bloom.
TMS Offered At:
Virginia
801 N Quincy St, #601
Arlington, VA 22203
158 Front Royal Pike, #206
Winchester VA 22602
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