Switching to a TMS Provider? Here’s What You Need to Know

Change can feel overwhelming when you’ve been working with the same psychiatrist for a while. But if you’re still battling depression symptoms, anxiety attacks, ADHD, or bipolar depression (despite medication) then it might be time to consider a new path. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we specialize in advanced psychiatric services like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, which is why patients often come to us when they’ve hit a wall with traditional treatment methods. If you’re curious about switching to a Serenity psychiatrist for TMS treatment, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know from safety and side effects to medication questions and insurance coverage.

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a medication-free brain stimulation technique used to treat clinical depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. It works by sending magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain that are proven to be impacted by the effects of these disorders. These pulses stimulate underactive neural pathways and can help patients who haven’t responded well to antidepressant medication or other traditional medications.

Unlike prescription medications, TMS therapy doesn’t involve chemicals or systemic drug interactions. That means you don’t have to worry about digestive issues, weight changes, or common side effects associated with anxiety medication, ADHD medication, or antidepressants. TMS is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder (MDD), and we’ve begun to find great effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health conditions with TMS, especially when patients haven’t found relief through standard options.

How Does TMS Work?

TMS treatment begins with a consultation and brain mapping session, where your Serenity psychiatrist will locate the most effective stimulation point on your scalp. From there, a small electromagnetic coil is placed on your head during each session to deliver gentle, repetitive pulses to your brain. Over time, this magnetic stimulation helps retrain neural circuits responsible for depression symptoms, anxiety, attention, memory, and emotional regulation.

Sessions typically last 20-40 minutes, and patients are fully awake the entire time. You can drive yourself to and from appointments and resume daily activities right away. It’s a breakthrough for people who want to avoid the sedative effects of certain anxiety medications or the numbing feeling that can come with long-term antidepressant use.

Is TMS Safe?

One of the most reassuring aspects of TMS therapy is its safety profile. Since the treatment is non-invasive and doesn't involve medication, there’s no risk of drug dependency or withdrawal symptoms. This makes it a great option for patients with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, or ADHD who may be sensitive to prescription medications or concerned about long-term side effects.

TMS is also safe for older adults and individuals with coexisting medical conditions. Many seniors and patients who are already on several prescriptions for other health issues find TMS to be a lower-risk alternative with fewer complications.

TMS Side Effects

Most patients tolerate TMS therapy well. That said, there are a few side effects worth noting:

• Mild scalp discomfort or tapping sensations during treatment
• Temporary headache after sessions
• Lightheadedness in rare cases

These symptoms usually fade quickly and become less noticeable as treatment continues. Unlike some ADHD medications or antidepressants, TMS therapy does not cause nausea, sexual dysfunction, sleep disruption, or weight gain. There are also no known negative interactions between TMS and other medications you may be taking for depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

Do I Need to Stop My Medication When Starting TMS?

Not at all. You can continue taking your depression medication, anxiety medication, or ADHD prescription while undergoing TMS therapy. In fact, many patients experience the best outcomes when TMS is combined with a personalized medication management plan.

At Serenity, your psychiatrist will work closely with you to review all current prescriptions and ensure there are no concerns. TMS works independently of medication but can enhance the effects of antidepressants or stabilize mood in patients managing bipolar disorder or generalized anxiety.

We offer support throughout the process for patients hoping to reduce or discontinue certain medications as well. After all, the end goal is to help you take back your life.

Who Is a Good Candidate for TMS?

TMS therapy is often recommended for people struggling with:

• Major depressive disorder that hasn’t improved with antidepressants
• Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or panic attacks
• ADHD symptoms that persist despite medication
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar depression and mood instability

If you’ve tried multiple medications, therapy, or lifestyle changes and still feel stuck, TMS could be a valuable next step. Many patients feel frustrated by the side effects or lack of improvement from antidepressant medications. Others are wary of adding more prescriptions or dealing with drug interactions. TMS offers a different path, one that’s evidence-based and rooted in neuroscience.

It’s also worth noting that our psychiatrists personalize your TMS treatment to your specific diagnosis and symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with the signs of depression, complex anxiety disorders, or managing ADHD without medication, our team builds a treatment plan tailored to you.

Is TMS Covered by Insurance?

Yes. Major health insurance providers now recognize TMS as a medically necessary treatment for major depression and other mental health conditions. At Serenity, we work with all major insurance companies to help you access the care you need.

If you’re worried about coverage, our team can walk you through the pre-authorization process and answer any questions about your plan’s benefits. We’ll also explore affordable TMS treatment options if your plan has high out-of-pocket costs. You shouldn’t have to delay care due to cost; we’re here to make it accessible.

Why Switch to a Serenity Psychiatrist for TMS?

Choosing Serenity means working with a psychiatrist who’s not only skilled in diagnosis and medication management but also trained in administering and customizing TMS therapy. Our psychiatrists understand the complex nature of mood disorders, and they know that managing mental health isn’t always as simple as finding the right pill.

At Serenity, we believe in treating the whole person. That’s why we offer:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
• TMS therapy tailored to your brain and diagnosis
• Medication reviews to reduce unnecessary prescriptions
• Ongoing support from local psychiatrists and care teams
• Flexible appointment hours for your schedule

You don’t have to leave your current psychiatrist without a plan. Many of our patients begin the transition by adding TMS to their treatment and then gradually shifting their psychiatric care to Serenity. Our providers take the time to learn your story, understand your symptoms, and work with you to create lasting change.

What Happens After TMS Treatment Ends?

Patients who complete TMS therapy often report a significant improvement in symptoms. This includes more energy, better focus, fewer mood swings, and a renewed ability to experience joy. For people with depression or anxiety who’ve spent years chasing stability through prescriptions, this can feel like a second chance at life.

After your initial round of treatment, your Serenity psychiatrist will assess whether maintenance sessions are needed. Some patients benefit from periodic “booster” TMS sessions, while others continue to do well with medication and therapy alone.

TMS is not a one-size-fits-all solution; TMS is a powerful tool especially when it’s delivered by a psychiatrist who understands how to integrate it into your care plan.

A Smarter, Safer Step Forward

If you’re still searching for relief from anxiety symptoms, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder, it may be time to take a new approach. Switching to a Serenity psychiatrist could open the door to treatment options you haven’t tried yet.

Whether you’re hoping to reduce your medication load, find a more responsive provider, or simply want to feel like yourself again, our team is here to help. We invite you to discover why so many patients choose Serenity when it’s time to reclaim their mental health.

If you’re asking yourself “Is there TMS therapy near me?” there is, and it’s more accessible than you think. Click here to book your consultation and get started with one of our board-certified psychiatrists. We can’t wait to meet you!