Question 1

How is TMS different from antidepressant medication?

Accepted Answer

TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to directly stimulate the mood-regulating regions of your brain. Because it works locally on the brain rather than traveling through your whole body, it avoids side effects like weight gain, sexual side effects, and sedation that many antidepressants cause.

Question 2

Does TMS hurt?

Accepted Answer

No. Most patients describe TMS as a tapping sensation on the scalp. Some feel mild discomfort or a headache during the first few sessions, which typically fades. There is no anesthesia and no sedation.

Question 3

How long does treatment take?

Accepted Answer

A standard TMS course is 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. Each session lasts around 20 minutes, and you can drive yourself to and from every appointment.

Question 4

Is TMS covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — TMS is covered by most major insurance plans (including Medicare) for patients who meet medical necessity criteria. Our team verifies your benefits and handles the paperwork.

Question 5

What's the difference between ketamine, esketamine, and SPRAVATO®?

Accepted Answer

SPRAVATO® is the brand name for esketamine, an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression that is administered in a certified clinic and covered by most insurance. Generic ketamine infusions are an off-label but well-studied option, usually self-pay.

Question 6

Do I have to stop my current medication?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. TMS and SPRAVATO® are designed to work alongside your existing antidepressants. Any medication changes are made in coordination with your prescribing provider.

Question 7

Who qualifies for TMS?

Accepted Answer

TMS is typically for adults with major depression, treatment-resistant depression, OCD, or anxious depression who have not responded to at least one antidepressant. A short consultation determines whether TMS is right for you.

Question 8

How soon will I feel results?

Accepted Answer

Some patients notice improvements within the first two weeks. Most people experience significant symptom relief by weeks four to six of a TMS course. Ketamine and SPRAVATO® can work more rapidly, sometimes within hours or days.

Question 9

Can I drive after a treatment?

Accepted Answer

After TMS, yes — there is no sedation and no downtime. After SPRAVATO® or a ketamine infusion, you must arrange transportation home. You cannot drive on the day of those treatments.

Question 10

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Request a free consultation through the form on this site or call 1-800-TMS-HELP. A care coordinator will listen, answer your questions, verify your insurance, and schedule your first visit — often within a week.

Question 11

Where is your clinic located?

Accepted Answer

Our Colorado office is at 2821 S Parker Rd, Suite 877, Aurora, CO 80014 — convenient to Denver, Centennial, Parker, and the Denver Tech Center.

Question 12

Is TMS safe?

Accepted Answer

TMS is FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and has been used clinically for more than a decade. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort during the first sessions.

Question 13

How is Magstim TMS different from other TMS devices?

Accepted Answer

Magstim built the first TMS system over 30 years ago and its devices appear in more than 15,000 published studies. The Horizon 3.0 we use adds navigated targeting, consistent pulse delivery with no decay, and the industry's only single-coil clearance across four indications.

Question 14

Will TMS work if medications haven't?

Accepted Answer

TMS was specifically developed and FDA-cleared for people whose depression hasn't responded adequately to antidepressant medication. Many of our patients come to us after trying multiple medications without lasting relief.

Question 15

Can I keep taking my current medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TMS can be used as a stand-alone treatment or alongside your existing medication — your care team will coordinate the right plan for you.

Question 16

Is Magstim TMS covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

TMS for depression is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare. Our team verifies your benefits and handles the paperwork before you begin.

Question 17

How soon will I notice results?

Accepted Answer

Every patient is different. Some notice improvement within the first couple of weeks; for others, changes build gradually across the six-week course. Studies suggest benefits can persist long after treatment ends.

Question 18

Can TMS help with conditions besides depression and OCD?

Accepted Answer

TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, anxious depression, OCD, and adolescent depression (15–21). Research into other conditions such as PTSD and chronic pain is ongoing, and use for those conditions is off-label. During your free consultation, our clinical team will review your history and discuss which options, if any, are appropriate for your situation.

Questions, answered honestly.

Relief is closer than it feels.