What to Expect During TMS Therapy: A First-Person Walkthrough of the Process
Introduction: A New Path to Healing in Greater Boston
If you’re reading this, chances are you—or someone you care about—has been battling depression that hasn’t responded to medication or talk therapy. You’re not alone. Roughly one-third of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) do not respond adequately to antidepressants alone (Rush et al., 2006).
Today, many in the Boston area—from Brookline to Somerville—are turning to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a breakthrough treatment for medication-resistant depression.
At Dignity Brain Health, located conveniently on Beacon Street in Brookline, we specialize in TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Our clinic is accessible to residents of Cambridge, Newton, Back Bay, and beyond.
In this blog, we’ll give you a first-person walkthrough of the entire TMS experience—what it feels like, how it works, and what you can expect every step of the way.
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate regions of the brain linked to mood regulation. It’s most commonly used for adults with major depressive disorder who haven’t responded to at least one antidepressant medication.
According to a landmark study by O’Reardon et al. (2007), patients receiving TMS therapy were significantly more likely to experience symptom improvement and remission than those receiving sham (placebo) treatment.
Key Benefits of TMS:
Non-invasive: No surgery, sedation, or hospitalization needed.
Minimal side effects: Most common are mild scalp discomfort or headache, usually subsiding after the first week.
Clinically proven: Roughly 50–60% of patients experience a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, and up to one-third achieve full remission (Perera et al., 2016).
Insurance accepted: Most major insurance providers in Massachusetts—including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Harvard Pilgrim—cover TMS therapy.
Step-by-Step: My TMS Journey at Dignity Brain Health
1. Initial Consultation
My journey started with a consultation at Dignity Brain Health with Dr. Omar Haque. He asked about my symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments. After determining that I had tried two antidepressants without success, I qualified for TMS under most insurance guidelines.
Dr. Haque and his team explained the science behind TMS and helped ease my anxiety with their warm, patient-first approach.
2. Insurance Approval and Scheduling
The clinic submitted paperwork to my insurance and handled the prior authorization process. Within a week, I was scheduled for my first treatment. The administrative support at Dignity made the logistics seamless—ideal for a busy working professional in Cambridge like myself.
3. First Treatment Session
I arrived at the Brookline clinic, just steps from the Hawes Street Green Line stop. After a brief check-in, a technician guided me to a private treatment room. A TMS device—a padded helmet-like coil—was positioned on the left side of my head.
The first session included a motor threshold test to determine the ideal stimulation level. Then the treatment began: a series of rhythmic tapping sensations on my scalp. It lasted just under 20 minutes.
4. Daily Treatments (Weeks 1–6)
TMS therapy involves 30–36 sessions over 6–8 weeks. My visits were brief (about 20 minutes), with no downtime—meaning I could return to my job in Back Bay immediately after. I often listened to music or podcasts during the session. The staff made every effort to personalize the experience, helping me feel calm and cared for.
5. Real Results: Improved Mood and Energy
Around the fourth week, I began to notice that I was waking up earlier, completing tasks without dread, and reconnecting with friends in Newton. By the end of the sixth week, I was in remission—something I hadn’t thought possible after years of struggling.
Why Choose Dignity Brain Health in Brookline, MA?
At Dignity Brain Health, we bring together cutting-edge technology and compassionate care. Our TMS program is overseen by Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr. Omar Haque, who tailors every treatment plan to the unique needs of each patient.
Here’s What Sets Us Apart:
Top-tier expertise: We stay current with the latest clinical protocols and TMS research.
Convenient location: Located on Beacon Street, close to Coolidge Corner and just 15 minutes from downtown Boston.
Flexible scheduling: Designed for working professionals, students, and busy parents.
Holistic care: In addition to TMS, we offer psychotherapy, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations.
📍 View Our Location on Google Maps:
Dignity Brain Health - TMS Therapy Clinic
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Trusted Boston-Area Mental Health Resources
Boston is home to many excellent mental health institutions. If you're seeking additional support, here are some helpful local options:
Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Department – World-renowned psychiatric services and research.
Cambridge Health Alliance – Affordable, community-based mental health care.
Boston Medical Center Behavioral Health – Specializes in trauma-informed and culturally competent care.
In crisis? Call the Samaritans Statewide Helpline: 1-877-870-4673
FAQs About TMS Therapy in Boston
Does TMS Work for Everyone?
No single treatment works for every individual with depression—but TMS therapy has proven to be highly effective, particularly for those who have not responded to traditional medications or talk therapy.
In a large multicenter study, patients receiving TMS were three times more likely to achieve remission compared to those receiving a placebo treatment (O’Reardon et al., 2007). Many patients report a gradual but steady improvement in energy levels, sleep, and mood over the course of treatment, with some achieving full remission and returning to daily life without the burden of persistent depressive symptoms.
Is TMS Safe?
Yes—TMS is considered a safe, well-tolerated, and FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder. According to a clinical consensus review by Perera et al. (2016), the most commonly reported side effects are mild and temporary, such as:
Scalp discomfort during treatment
Mild headaches after the session
Facial muscle twitching during stimulation (which stops immediately afterward)
Most of these side effects subside within the first week of treatment. There is no memory loss, no need for anesthesia, and no long-term cognitive effects—unlike some other interventions like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
In rare cases (less than 0.1%), TMS may cause a seizure, but this is extremely uncommon and mostly limited to patients with predisposing neurological conditions. Your care team will screen thoroughly for risk factors before starting treatment.
Will My Insurance Cover It?
Most major insurers in Massachusetts cover TMS if you meet the clinical criteria. Our staff can help verify your benefits.
Ready to Reclaim Your Life from Depression?
Thousands in the Greater Boston area—from Somerville to Back Bay—are discovering a new path to mental wellness through TMS. If you're curious whether it's right for you, we encourage you to book a consultation with our team.
👉 Schedule Your TMS Consultation Today
Tell Us Your Story
Have you had experience with TMS therapy? Do you live in the Boston area and want to learn more? Drop a comment below, share this post with a friend, or reach out to our clinic directly. We’re here to help.
References
O'Reardon, J. P., Solvason, H. B., Janicak, P. G., Sampson, S., Isenberg, K. E., Nahas, Z., McDonald, W. M., Avery, D., Fitzgerald, P. B., Loo, C., Demitrack, M. A., George, M. S., & Sackeim, H. A. (2007). Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the acute treatment of major depression: a multisite randomized controlled trial. Biological psychiatry, 62(11), 1208–1216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.01.018
Perera, T., George, M. S., Grammer, G., Janicak, P. G., Pascual-Leone, A., & Wirecki, T. S. (2016). The Clinical TMS Society Consensus Review and Treatment Recommendations for TMS Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder. Brain stimulation, 9(3), 336–346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2016.03.010
Rush, A. J., Trivedi, M. H., Wisniewski, S. R., Nierenberg, A. A., Stewart, J. W., Warden, D., Niederehe, G., Thase, M. E., Lavori, P. W., Lebowitz, B. D., McGrath, P. J., Rosenbaum, J. F., Sackeim, H. A., Kupfer, D. J., Luther, J., & Fava, M. (2006). Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: a STAR*D report. The American journal of psychiatry, 163(11), 1905–1917. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905
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CONTACT INFO:
DIGNITY BRAIN HEALTH
1101 BEACON STREET, SUITE 8W
BROOKLINE, MA, 02446
UNITED STATES
Phone: (617) 855-7288