Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

If medication hasn’t helped your depression, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may offer a new path to feeling better.

TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to activate areas of the brain associated with mood. This noninvasive treatment is FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression and is offered as part of our Interventional Psychiatry Clinic at our South Providence Psychiatry location in a quiet outpatient setting.

Our experienced team of psychiatrists, nurses and technicians works with you to personalize your care plan to your symptoms and goals. We use proven, evidence-based methods to help improve your mental health.

Types of TMS at MU Health Care

Transcranial magnetic stimulation may help when other treatments haven’t improved your depression.

During treatment, we’ll place a device on your scalp that sends magnetic pulses to the brain’s left prefrontal cortex, the area that regulates mood. You may hear a clicking sound and feel a light tapping sensation.

MU Health Care offers two forms of TMS:

Standard TMS: 20‑minute sessions, five days a week, for about six weeks.
Theta Burst TMS: A newer, FDA‑approved approach that takes just three minutes per session with similar results.

Our interventional psychiatry team supervises each treatment, and we’ll track your progress with standardized tools like the PHQ‑9 questionnaire.

Am I a Candidate for TMS?

If your depression hasn’t improved with medication or you’re looking for treatment with fewer side effects, TMS may be a good fit. Your psychiatrist or primary care provider can refer you for evaluation.

You may be a candidate for TMS if you:

Can’t tolerate medication side effects
Don’t have a history of seizures or active substance use
Have major depressive disorder that hasn’t improved with at least two antidepressants
Prefer a noninvasive, outpatient treatment with minimal side effects

Our Approach to TMS

TMS is part of our Interventional Psychiatry Clinic, where we combine traditional therapies and medication management with advanced neuromodulation options, including esketamine, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and TMS.

Your care begins with a full psychiatric evaluation to confirm whether TMS is right for you. If it’s recommended, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan, check in regularly to track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Our team includes psychiatrists, nurses and certified technicians trained in neuromodulation. We also stay in close contact with your referring provider to ensure consistent, well-coordinated care.

What to Expect With TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation sessions are quick, comfortable and take place entirely in our outpatient clinic. You’ll sit in a cushioned chair, remain awake throughout and can relax with music or rest quietly.

Most patients receive TMS five days a week for four to six weeks. You can drive home after each session and resume your usual routine.

Here’s what to plan for:

Before treatment: You’ll complete a psychiatric evaluation and undergo brain “mapping” to identify the best location and stimulation level.
During treatment: A magnetic coil is placed against your scalp to deliver targeted pulses. Sessions last between 3 and 20 minutes, depending on the type of TMS.
After treatment: You can return to work, school or daily activities right away. You may experience mild scalp discomfort or a brief headache that typically fades quickly.

Ongoing Support

We monitor your symptoms weekly using standardized tools and adjust your treatment as needed. You may benefit from maintenance treatments after the initial series, depending on your response.

Our team will continue to follow up and support your progress long after treatment ends.