Mental Health and Wellness Services

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) Treatments

At Family Psychological Services, we’re proud to offer the latest in brain stimulation therapies. Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) has been FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and smoking cessation. Reach out today to achieve lasting symptom relief.

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Understanding Deep TMS

dTMS is a type of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy that, compared to other similar options, reaches 3x deeper into the brain during treatment sessions. Like with other TMS therapies, dTMS uses an electromagnetic coil to send magnetic pulses to the brain. The magnetic field then penetrates the skull, stimulating nerve cells associated with various mental health conditions.

Despite the term “deep,” this therapy does not require surgery, implanted medical devices, or anesthesia to impact brain activity. It’s a completely noninvasive option for treating OCD, depressive symptoms, and other mental health conditions.

dTMS vs rTMS: What’s the Difference?

dTMS and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are both noninvasive brain stimulation therapies but differ in depth. Compared to repetitive TMS’ shallower 0.7 cm penetrating magnetic coil, dTMS uses a specialized H-coil helmet to reach deeper and broader areas of the brain (up to 3.2 cm).

For that reason, dTMS is usually the more effective treatment for severe mental health disorders. For example, while both treatments are approved for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), only deep brain stimulation therapies are approved for smoking cessation and OCD treatment. In clinical trials, patients who tried dTMS were nearly 150% more likely to achieve remission for depression symptoms compared to the control group.

dTMS Therapy For:

dTMS specifically targets brain structures associated with mood regulation, providing an FDA-cleared, medication-free treatment for:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
Anxious Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Smoking Addiction

Please note that even without FDA clearance, the deep TMS coil can also improve symptoms for bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, ADHD, autism, and certain sleep disorders.

dTMS Benefits

Effective for major depression & more

Whether trying to treat depression effectively or address other mental health conditions, dTMS goes far beyond other treatments. Its ability to reach deeper and wider areas of the brain makes it a powerful option for treatment-resistant disorders.

Noninvasive & drug-free

Like other TMS treatments, dTMS does not require anesthesia, surgery, or implanted devices. Instead, it’s completely noninvasive and medication-free.

Mild side effects

The side effects of dTMS are generally mild, mostly limited to a temporary tapping sensation, scalp discomfort, or headaches during or after sessions. Luckily, you’ll experience none of the systemic effects associated with medications.

Broader brain reach

Using a specialized H-coil helmet, dTMS stimulates deeper and wider areas of the brain than standard rTMS, allowing it to target structures involved in mood, habit, and compulsive behaviors more precisely.

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What To Expect From dTMS Treatment Sessions

1. Initial Consultation & Psychological Testing

The first step toward symptom relief is reviewing your medical history, current disorders, prior treatments, and overall goals. If you don’t already have a formal diagnosis for conditions dTMS is FDA-approved to treat, our psychological testing services can assist.

2. Safety Assessment & Treatment Planning

Certain metal implants and medications can interfere with treatment, so before treatment begins, we’ll conduct a thorough screening to make sure dTMS is the best option. If you’re a good candidate, our team will then determine the best areas to target, session frequency, and stimulation parameters.

3. dTMS Sessions Begin

When you arrive for your first session, we’ll make sure the seat is comfortable and help you put on the specialized H-coil helmet. Each session typically lasts 20–40 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately after.

4. Ongoing Progress Monitoring

Whether you’re using dTMS in combination with other treatments or not, we’ll periodically repeat assessments. If any changes occur, we’ll adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Get Started Today!

Whether you’re struggling with major depression, OCD, or another mental health condition mentioned above, dTMS is a noninvasive way to reduce symptoms long-term. Reach out to FPSCA today and our expert team, including our nurse practitioner, is here to provide a fully personalized approach.

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dTMS: Frequently Asked Questions

Is dTMS safe?

Yes. Deep TMS is an FDA-cleared, safe treatment option for depression, OCD, smoking cessation, and other disorders. It’s fully noninvasive, does not cause memory loss, and has very few possible side effects.

Do dTMS treatments hurt?

No. Even though dTMS treatments go deeper than other TMS therapies, patients should only experience a light tapping sensation on the scalp. Most also report this sensation fading after the first few sessions. We always put the patient’s comfort first, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any concerns or requests.

Do dTMS sessions use Apollo TMS machines?

Often, yes, though they also use a special H-coil to achieve deeper stimulation. Read about the Apollo TMS the rapy system.

How long does a typical session take?

Sessions generally last 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your personalized treatment plan.

What are the side effects of dTMS treatment?

Because dTMS treatment stimulates specific brain regions, the most common side effects include:

Mild tapping or tingling at the treatment site
Temporary scalp sensitivity
Occasional mild headache

These mild effects are short-lived and typically resolve quickly.

How soon will I notice results?

Some patients start to feel improvements 2–4 weeks after starting dTMS therapy. Over time, you should notice reduced depression, anxiety, or OCD symptoms, as well as more energy and focus.

How long do results from dTMS plans last?

Research has shown that roughly two-thirds of patients maintained the effects of TMS therapy for 6–12 months following treatment. However, as with any treatment, individual results may vary. We can always recommend periodic maintenance sessions to preserve long-term gains.

Can my medications be integrated into my dTMS treatment?

Yes. Many patients use medication and dTMS therapy simultaneously, and we can tweak your plan based on your prescriptions.

Is TMS covered by insurance?

Most insurance providers—including Medicare and Medicaid—cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression. Coverage for other conditions varies. Our office can help verify your benefits and submit all required documentation.

Who is a good candidate for dTMS?

Most patients with depression or anxiety symptoms, OCD, or a smoking addiction can benefit from dTMS. However, it’s not recommended for patients with:

Implanted electronic or metal devices near the head
A history of seizures (evaluated case-by-case)
Certain neurological conditions

Your clinician can help you determine if dTMS treatment is right for you.

Can I drive after a TMS session?

Yes. TMS has no cognitive or sedating effects, so you can safely resume normal activities immediately after treatment.