When medication has not brought the relief you hoped for, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a noninvasive and effective alternative. Our medical providers deliver TMS therapy with precision and care, using advanced technology to target the areas of your brain involved in mood regulation and help you feel like yourself again.
Call today for your appointment and learn how TMS therapy in Fairfax works and whether it is the right choice for you.
TMS therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults who have not experienced success with antidepressant medications. TMS is also FDA-cleared for adolescents. NeuroPsych Wellness Center is offering this service to patients 15 and older. The therapy uses gentle, magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in specific regions of the brain that control mood. TMS helps improve communication between brain cells and can relieve symptoms of depression over time.
TMS does not require anesthesia or hospitalization, and there is no recovery period. Each session is completed in person, under the direct supervision of your provider.
In depression, certain regions of the brain, particularly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), tend to show reduced activity. This area plays a key role in emotional regulation and decision-making. TMS therapy works in Fairfax by:
This process can lead to improved energy, better concentration, and a more stable mood over time.
Our Fairfax team can help you understand the process of TMS and will support you throughout your treatment sessions.
Your treatment begins with an in-person medical assessment. We review your symptoms, medication history, and overall health to confirm that TMS is appropriate for you.
At your first appointment, we determine the precise location and magnetic strength needed to stimulate your brain effectively. This personalized “mapping” ensures accuracy for every future session.
During each TMS session, you sit comfortably in a reclined chair while a small magnetic coil is positioned against your scalp, typically near your forehead. The coil emits short pulses that create a tapping sensation on the scalp.
You remain awake, alert, and able to communicate throughout the session. Each treatment lasts about 20–40 minutes, depending on your prescribed protocol.
TMS therapy is generally administered five days a week for several weeks, though we will customize the duration based on your progress and response.
Throughout your treatment course, we track your progress and make adjustments if necessary. This close follow-up ensures you receive the safest, most effective care possible.
TMS is considered a safe, well-tolerated treatment option. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as:
These effects usually decrease as your body adjusts to the stimulation. TMS does not affect memory or cognitive function, and there is no downtime after each session, so you can resume your normal routine immediately.
Unlike antidepressants, which affect brain chemistry throughout the body, TMS in Fairfax works locally, targeting only the specific brain areas linked to depression. This localized approach means you experience fewer systemic side effects.
TMS can be especially helpful if you experienced intolerable side effects or limited improvement with antidepressants.
While individual experiences vary, many patients begin noticing improvements after two to four weeks of treatment. You might feel more motivated, notice better concentration, or experience lighter moods.
Call for your evaluation today and learn how TMS therapy in Fairfax works.