Mental Health and Wellness Services
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
Did you know that many mental health conditions could be tied to what is sometimes called brain arrhythmia or irregular brain wave activity? To assist with this, repetitive TMS or rTMS uses an electromagnetic coil to send magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. These magnetic fields pass through the skull and activate nerve cells that are involved in mood and cognitive regulation.
TMS does not require surgery, implanted devices or anaesthesia, as with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or electroconvulsive therapy. This makes it an effective, non-invasive treatment for a variety of mental health symptoms.
Standard Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
A Figure-8 coil is placed over the primary motor cortex or other target areas of the brain in standard TMS. The device produces magnetic pulses that help to control neural activity and eventually improve mood. These treatments have been approved by the FDA for conditions such as major depressive disorder, OCD, migraines and smoking cessation.
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS)
Deep TMS (deep brain stimulation in this context) uses a more powerful H-coil designed to penetrate deeper into the brain. It can go 3+ times deeper than standard TMS and is a potential option for more severe depression or complex psychiatric symptoms. Currently, we do not offer dTMS, as it is more expensive.
About The Apollo TMS Device
At Family Psychological Services, we use our in-house Apollo TMS system to offer effective treatment for depression, OCD, and other mental health conditions. It has a comfortable treatment chair, a standard coil set-up and advanced software that enables it to deliver full noninvasive sessions in 20 to 40 minutes.
Treat Depression & Other Mental Health Conditions
TMS is FDA-approved to treat:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Migraines
- Smoking Cessation
We can also apply personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (prTMS®) approaches to help manage symptoms linked to bipolar disorder, ASD, ADHD, PTSD, and sleep disorders.
Studies Show Promise For Treatment-Resistant Depression Symptoms
When antidepressant medication alone does not provide sufficient relief, TMS offers clinically supported outcomes. Research indicates that up to 62% of patients receiving prTMS® maintained improvements for at least 6 months following treatment, with approximately 45% remaining symptom-free after one year.
We Offer Advanced PrTMS® Plans
PrTMS® is a patented, proprietary form of TMS treatment designed to be fully individualized for each patient. Unlike standard TMS approaches, it incorporates QEEG testing to assess and map your unique brainwave activity and neurocognitive patterns. This information is then used to customize magnetic pulse timing and stimulation intensity based on your specific brain profile.
Am I a Good Candidate For Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Agoura Hills?
Most patients tolerate TMS treatment well since it is a noninvasive, drug-free therapy that does not use chemical medications. Some individuals may experience mild and temporary side effects such as scalp sensitivity, facial muscle twitching, tingling sensations, or headaches. If you are unsure whether TMS is appropriate for you, our providers in Agoura Hills will complete a detailed evaluation and guide you through the decision process.
Please inform us if you:
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Have a history of seizures, epilepsy, severe headaches, or traumatic brain injury
- Have implanted metallic or electronic devices such as aneurysm clips or cochlear implants
- Are currently taking prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements
What To Expect From TMS Treatments
1. Personalized Assessments & Brain Mapping
We provide comprehensive psychological evaluations to help determine whether TMS is an appropriate treatment option for you. For prTMS® protocols, we utilize real-time EEG-based brain mapping along with neuro-cognitive testing to detect irregular brainwave activity. This individualized brainwave profile helps guide precise adjustments to stimulation settings.
2. Dedicated TMS Sessions
Each treatment session delivers magnetic pulses in short, controlled bursts using carefully calibrated parameters. Based on your brainwave map, we adjust frequency, motor threshold, and cortical responsiveness to ensure optimal targeting. Sessions are completed while you sit comfortably in the Apollo TMS chair for approximately 20 to 40 minutes.
3. Ongoing Progress Monitoring
Whether TMS is used alone or alongside other treatments, we regularly reassess your progress throughout care. If changes are observed, your treatment protocol is modified accordingly to ensure continued effectiveness.
Get Started Today!
If you are interested in experiencing the potential benefits of personalized TMS treatment for both physical and cognitive health, we invite you to contact our Agoura Hills clinic today. Our experienced team, including our nurse practitioner, provides individualized care designed around your specific needs. You can rely on our clinical practice to prioritize your well-being and support a meaningful improvement in your quality of life.



