How effective is dTMS?
The Breakthrough You've Been Waiting For
Deep TMS is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to “wake up” areas of the brain involved in mood. It’s often recommended when depression hasn’t improved enough with therapy or medication. Beyond depression, it’s also cleared for OCD and can be used as a short-term aid for quitting smoking. And yes—it’s available right here at Katie’s Way.
Treatment is simple. You’ll sit comfortably in a chair while a cushioned helmet is placed on your head. The device sends targeted magnetic pulses to the brain areas linked to mood regulation. Sessions take about 20 minutes, usually 5 days a week for 4–6 weeks. Some people do a shorter continuation phase afterward. No anesthesia, no hospital stay—you can head right back to your regular day after each session. There are also newer accelerated protocols (FDA-cleared) that may shorten the overall timeline.
People who haven’t improved enough with medication or talk therapy may be good candidates. dTMS is also being studied (and showing promising results) for conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
Deep TMS has been studied extensively and is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache, which usually fade quickly. Serious side effects, like seizures, are extremely rare. Many people begin to notice improvement within a few weeks, though everyone’s journey is a little different.
Deep TMS takes commitment, but the routine is straightforward—and we’ll guide you every step of the way. While each plan is personalized, here’s what most people can expect:
Some patients may require additional treatments for full effectiveness.
Your first appointment is where we get everything tailored just for you. We’ll check the right magnet strength and helmet placement so the treatment is comfortable and effective. We’ll also give you earplugs, and a bite aid if needed, to make sure you feel at ease.
Each treatment happens while you’re seated comfortably. The helmet delivers magnetic pulses to the targeted brain area—most people describe it as a light tapping on the scalp. There’s no anesthesia, no downtime, and you can drive or head right back to work afterward. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or a temporary headache, which usually fades quickly.
Appointments are usually booked for about 30 minutes total. The stimulation itself lasts about 20 minutes; the rest is for setup, quick check-ins, and fine-tuning to make sure the treatment is working just right for you.
This is a good time to unplug. We suggest setting aside phones or tablets during treatment to help you relax and focus—feel free to enjoy the calming music and screen we provide and focus on tools you've learned in therapy.