What is TMS therapy and how does it work?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. At MAT Care Clinics, we use advanced, FDA-approved BrainsWay Deep TMS technology to help patients find relief from depression and other mental health conditions without medication side effects.

How long is a TMS session and how many will I need?

Each TMS session typically lasts about 25 minutes. Most patients follow a treatment plan of 36 sessions over 12 weeks, starting with five sessions per week for the first four weeks, then tapering to twice weekly for weeks five through twelve. There is no downtime, so you can return to work or daily activities immediately afterward.

Is TMS therapy covered by insurance?

TMS therapy is covered by most major insurance plans when certain clinical criteria are met, typically including a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression. Our staff will help verify your benefits and guide you through the prior authorization process. Self-pay and financing options are also available.

Does TMS therapy replace medication for depression?

Not necessarily. Many patients use TMS alongside therapy or medication management for better overall results, especially if medication alone hasn't provided enough relief. TMS is often recommended for treatment-resistant depression, and our team can help determine how it fits into your broader care plan.

What are the side effects of TMS therapy?

TMS therapy is well tolerated and does not carry the systemic side effects associated with many medications. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache during treatment, which typically improve after the first few sessions. TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual side effects, or memory loss, and most patients return to normal activities immediately after each session.

Am I a good candidate for TMS therapy?

TMS therapy is often recommended for adults with major depressive disorder who have not found sufficient relief from antidepressant medications or who cannot tolerate their side effects. A consultation with our providers will include a full evaluation of your mental health history to determine whether TMS is an appropriate option for your situation.

What happens during a TMS treatment session?

During a TMS session, you will sit comfortably in a treatment chair while a magnetic coil is positioned near your scalp. You'll feel a tapping sensation as painless magnetic pulses stimulate the targeted area of your brain. You remain awake and alert throughout, can talk with staff or relax, and are able to drive yourself home immediately afterward.

How soon will I notice results from TMS therapy?

Many patients begin to notice improvements in mood and energy within two to four weeks of starting treatment, though individual response times vary. Because TMS works gradually to restore normal brain activity, it's important to complete the full course of sessions recommended by your provider to achieve the best possible results.

What should I do if I'm in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm?

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or go to your nearest emergency room. TMS therapy is not an emergency treatment, but our team is here to help connect you with appropriate ongoing care as part of your treatment plan.

How do I get started with TMS therapy at MAT Care Clinics?

Getting started is simple. Contact MAT Care Clinics to schedule a consultation, where our providers will review your mental health history and determine whether TMS therapy is right for you. We'll also help verify your insurance benefits and answer any questions before beginning your personalized treatment plan.

TMS Therapy for Depression and Mental Health

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity and improve symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. At MAT Care Clinics, we offer advanced, FDA-approved TMS treatment in a supportive environment designed for comfort and healing.

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a form of neuromodulation that targets specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.

It is particularly effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression—people who have not found relief through medication or talk therapy alone.

Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia and has minimal side effects, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately after each session.

How TMS Works

TMS therapy uses a specialized magnetic coil placed gently against the scalp. The device emits focused magnetic pulses that stimulate underactive brain regions linked to mood and emotional control.

Over a series of sessions, this stimulation helps “reset” neural pathways and improve communication between brain cells, reducing depressive symptoms and improving overall emotional well-being.

Our patented Brainsway d-TMS equipment delivers a unique form of TMS called Deep TMS, which is far more effective than standard TMS.

Who Can Benefit from TMS

TMS may be a life-changing treatment option for adults experiencing:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Treatment-resistant depression
Anxiety and mood instability

If antidepressant medications or traditional therapy haven’t worked—or cause unwanted side effects—TMS offers a proven alternative backed by years of clinical research.

Benefits of TMS Therapy

FDA-approved, evidence-based treatment
Noninvasive (no surgery or medication)
No anesthesia or recovery time required
Minimal to no systemic side effects
Safe for long-term or repeat use
Improves mood, energy, focus, and motivation

Most patients begin noticing improvements in mood and daily functioning within a few weeks of consistent sessions.

TMS Therapy for Depression and Mental Health

What to Expect During Treatment

Each TMS session typically lasts 25 minutes. The recommended frequency is 36 sessions over 12 weeks (5x per week for the first 4 weeks, then twice-weekly for weeks 5-12).

You’ll sit comfortably in a reclining chair while a clinician positions the magnetic coil on your head. You may feel a light tapping sensation during the procedure, but it’s generally well tolerated.

You’ll remain awake and alert throughout the session and can immediately return to work, school, or other daily activities afterward.

Why Choose MAT Care Clinics for TMS

At MAT Care Clinics, we combine cutting-edge neuroscience with compassionate care. Our licensed professionals are trained in evidence-based TMS protocols and tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of every patient.

We offer:

Board-certified medical professionals and experienced TMS technicians
Modern equipment in a comfortable, patient-centered setting
Coordinated care with therapy, psychiatry, and medication management
Convenient appointment scheduling and flexible treatment hours

Our goal is to help patients achieve long-term relief from depression and regain a sense of balance, energy, and purpose.

Insurance and Payment

TMS therapy is covered by most major insurance plans when certain clinical criteria are met. Our staff will help verify your benefits and guide you through the approval process.

Self-pay and financing options may also be available.

Take the Next Step

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression or anxiety that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments, TMS therapy may offer real hope.
Contact MAT Care Clinics today to schedule a consultation and learn whether TMS is right for you.

Call (833) 659-8281 or request an appointment online to begin your path toward recovery.

FAQ for TMS Therapy at MAT Care Clinics

How do I know if TMS could help my depression?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be an option if depression has not improved enough with antidepressants or talk therapy, or if medication side effects are difficult to tolerate. At MAT Care Clinics, TMS is primarily used for adults with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. If you are wondering whether TMS may work for you, a clinical evaluation can determine if the treatment fits your needs.

Is TMS covered by insurance in New Hampshire?

Many insurance plans cover TMS for depression when specific medical criteria are met, but approval depends on your individual plan. New Hampshire insurers may require documentation of major depressive disorder and previous treatments, as well as prior authorization.

Where can I get TMS treatment in New Hampshire?

MAT Care Clinics provides TMS therapy in New Hampshire, with locations in Nashua and Manchester. If you are looking for TMS treatment near Nashua or a TMS provider in Manchester, contact MAT Care Clinics to ask about availability and schedule an evaluation.

What happens during a TMS session?

During TMS, you remain awake while a specialized coil placed against your scalp delivers magnetic pulses to areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. A session at MAT Care Clinics typically takes about 25 minutes. You may notice a tapping sensation during treatment, but anesthesia is not required. Unlike procedures that require sedation or recovery time, patients can return to their usual activities immediately afterward.

How soon can I expect to feel better with TMS?

Some patients begin noticing changes in mood and daily functioning within a few weeks, although individual responses vary. TMS is delivered as a series of treatments rather than a one-time procedure, so improvement may develop gradually as treatment progresses.

How many TMS sessions will I need?

The recommended frequency is a 36-session TMS treatment course delivered over approximately 12 weeks. The current protocol includes treatment five times per week during the first four weeks, followed by two sessions per week during weeks five through twelve. Treatment plans may still depend on individual clinical needs. Because each visit typically lasts about 25 minutes and requires no recovery period, TMS can often fit into a regular work or daily schedule.

Do I have to stop taking antidepressants before starting TMS?

Not necessarily; TMS does not automatically require you to stop taking antidepressants. Medication decisions should be made with your treating medical professional based on your symptoms, treatment history, and current prescriptions. MAT Care Clinics can coordinate TMS with psychiatry and medication management when appropriate.

Is TMS the same as ECT?

No, TMS and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are different treatments. TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses and does not require anesthesia, while ECT involves a different medical procedure. During TMS, patients remain awake and alert and can resume normal activities after the appointment. MAT Care Clinics uses BrainsWay Deep TMS technology, a form of neuromodulation designed to stimulate brain regions associated with mood regulation.

What if my depression is getting worse while I'm waiting for treatment?

If depression is worsening or you are concerned about your immediate safety, seek prompt professional help rather than waiting for a routine TMS appointment. Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. TMS is delivered through a planned course of treatment and is not an emergency intervention. MAT Care Clinics offers TMS for depression as well as psychiatry and medication management, allowing treatment needs to be evaluated rather than assuming TMS is the right approach for every mental health situation.

Can I get TMS if I also have a substance use disorder?

Having a substance use disorder does not automatically determine whether TMS is appropriate; eligibility depends on an individual clinical evaluation. MAT Care Clinics treats depression with TMS and separately provides medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders. For people experiencing both concerns, the clinic can coordinate care across mental health and substance use services when appropriate, rather than treating TMS as a replacement for addiction treatment.