Are you or someone you know exploring options for mental wellness? If so, you may have heard about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, a non-invasive treatment that uses neurostimulation to help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. At Revitalize Ketamine Clinic, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care through a variety of services, including TMS therapy, ketamine treatment, SPRAVATO® treatment, at-home ketamine therapy, IV hydration, and medication management. If you’re curious about how long a full course of TMS treatments takes, you’re in the right place!
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This neurostimulation can help improve symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. The treatment is typically well-tolerated and does not require anesthesia, making it a convenient option for many individuals seeking relief.
What a Full Course of TMS Typically Looks Like
A full course of TMS therapy usually consists of multiple sessions spread over several weeks. The standard treatment course typically lasts nine weeks, during which patients attend sessions regularly.
Session Duration
Each TMS session generally lasts about 20 minutes. Your first session will take longer and any other ‘mapping’ or ‘re-mapping’ sessions. During this time, patients relax in a comfortable chair while a device delivers magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain. The procedure is painless, and most individuals can return to their daily activities immediately afterward.
Number of Sessions
On average, a full course of TMS therapy includes around 36 sessions. However, the exact number may vary based on individual needs and treatment goals. The general approach is daily (monday through friday) rTMS for six weeks, then a taper of three times per week, followed by twice for a week and then finally once a week. Some people are good candidates for maintenance treatment the evidence is evolving rapidly for best practice with rTMS right now.
Timeline, Frequency, and Milestones
Weekly Schedule
In a typical six-week treatment course, patients usually attend TMS sessions five days a week. This frequency helps to maximize the benefits of the therapy and allows for consistent neurostimulation. Typically, our advice is to stick to a 30 minute appointment window and plan that into your day, you are able to drive yourself to and from these appointments, many people actually feel cognitively sharper after their treatments.
Milestones
Throughout the treatment course, patients may notice gradual improvements in their mood and overall well-being. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique, and some may notice changes sooner than others. Regular check-ins with the treatment team can help track progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
What to Expect Week by Week
It’s important to note that TMS therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and our providers at Revitalize Ketamine Clinic work to create a treatment plan that is catered to the individuals. A typical six-week series of TMS sessions might look like this:
Week 1: Initial Sessions
During the first week, patients will typically have five sessions. This is a time for getting accustomed to the process and understanding how TMS therapy feels.
Week 2: Building Momentum
In the second week, patients continue with five sessions. By now, many individuals start to feel more comfortable with the treatment and may begin to notice subtle changes in their mood.
Weeks 3-6: Noticing Changes
As patients enter the third week, they may start to experience more noticeable improvements. The frequency of sessions remains the same, with five sessions scheduled.
Week 7, 8, 9: The Taper
In these weeks, clients begin their tapers; 3, 2, 1 sessions/weekly . Many individuals report feeling overall feeling more hopeful and engaged in their daily lives.
Week 10 and ongoing
At Revitalize, we are here to partner with you in your care, we have ongoing support groups and modalities designed to support you in your healing and growth. By this point, many individuals have experienced significant improvements in their mood and overall quality of life.
TMS therapy is currently available only at our Flagstaff, and Prescott Valley locations. It is a short drive up the Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona to Flagstaff.
Accelerated Protocols
TMS therapy best practice is quickly evolving with wellness pundits such as Andrew Huberman and Tim Ferris singing TMS benefits from the roof, as well as the treatment outcomes that we’re seeing at Revitalize Clinics, it is no wonder that there are increased treatment options available such as the What Is Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) protocol (https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/s/stanford-accelerated-intelligent-neuromodulation-therapy.html). While the SAINT tms protocol is not something that Revitalize offers right now, Revitalize Clinics is passionate about increasing options and access. With that being said we have two accelerated protocols that we can offer you and your loved ones with our theta burst protocols including one and three day accelerated protocols. Also, treatment should be individualized and there are no cookie cut treatments that work for any two people the exact same.
One thing that is interesting about the accelerated protocols is that there is a delay in the max benefits of 1-3 weeks in many people. While with traditional rTMS you start feeling relief after 10-14 sessions.
One Day TMS Treatment Protocol
Using the latest evidence, we are able to offer an expedited one day rapid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapeutic protocol. This one day protocol involves receiving twenty theta burst TMS sessions in a one day period combined with a well established medication combination that leads to an increased neuroplasticity and effectiveness of the treatments (D-cyclosporine and Lisdexamfetamine).
Weekender, Three Day Protocol
Our ‘Weekender’ rTMS protocol involves receiving 7 treatments per day for 3 days, typically done on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday. This works well to be treated as a retreat and pairs well with our ROHCT (www.rohct.com) Sister clinic’s services. Typically we will do half days, so you may still have time for a leisurely drive to the Grand Canyon, Sedona or Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ..
Not everyone is a good candidate for any one protocol, reach out today to see if you’re a good candidate for one of our accelerated protocols.
Also, accelerated protocols are currently not covered by any insurances. These are cash pay services exclusively.
Accessing TMS in Flagstaff, Prescott Valley or Sedona, AZ
If you’re interested in exploring TMS therapy, we invite you to reach out to us at Revitalize Ketamine Clinic. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the support and care you need on your journey to mental wellness.
Currently our rTMS machines are located in Flagstaff and Prescott Valley, AZ, both a short drive from our Sedona, AZ location.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit our contact page.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
