TMS
(Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
A cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment alternative that gives patients a new way to manage depression, OCD, and anxiety.
Struggling with depression, anxiety, or OCD symptoms can feel exhausting and isolating, especially when traditional treatments haven’t brought you the relief you’ve been hoping for. At Psych North, we understand how disappointing and discouraging this can be. That’s why we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy in Duluth and Hibbing. A research-backed, FDA-approved treatment, TMS can offer you new hope and healing.
Whether you’ve tried other treatments with little to no success or you’re exploring alternatives to medication, TMS may be the next step forward in your journey to feeling better and more like yourself.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
An alternative treatment for depression, OCD, and anxiety, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy—known as TMS or rTMS—is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It’s FDA-approved and often recommended when traditional antidepressants, anxiety medication, OCD medication, or other forms of treatment haven’t brought you the relief you deserve.
How Does TMS Work?
At Psych North, we use the Blossom TMS™ Therapy System—an advanced and patient-friendly TMS solution that does not require sedation, surgery, skin incisions, or systemic side effects. During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp. The coil delivers repetitive pulses to targeted areas of the brain—most often the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which plays a role in mood and emotional regulation.
What is TMS Used For?
TMS is primarily used to treat symptoms associated with:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
If you tried other treatments with little to no success, TMS can offer hope and a new direction. Give us a call at 218-209-2150.
Our TMS
Treatment Process
At Psych North, our team of trusted and certified professionals is committed to making your TMS experience as smooth as possible. From start to finish, you can expect a compassionate and personalized approach that makes you feel heard, supported, and validated.
Initial Assessment
Your TMS journey will begin with an initial video or in-person assessment where one of our providers will take the time to truly understand you—your medical and mental health history, current challenges, and hopes for healing—to determine if TMS is an appropriate treatment option for your individual needs. All patients who receive treatment billed through insurance, including current and long-term patients, must complete an initial (or updated) assessment before beginning or continuing care.
Custom Mapping
If TMS is recommended for your specific circumstances, we’ll then use precise targeting techniques to identify the exact area of your brain to stimulate. This ensures the most effective treatment possible.
In-Office Sessions
Our next step is building a personalized session schedule. Our TMS system utilizes innovative theta burst stimulation (iTBS) technology for unmatched efficiency and ease during your treatment. Sessions typically last between 3 and 20 minutes and are done in a quiet, relaxed setting.
Ongoing Support + Management
Throughout your treatment, we’ll monitor your progress closely and make adjustments to your plan as needed. While every treatment plan is different, most patients undergo a total of 36 sessions that follow an 8-week schedule, beginning with 5 sessions per week and gradually decreasing to 1 session per week.
Follow-Up Assessments
All patients who receive treatment billed through insurance, including current and long-term patients, must complete periodic follow-ups with one of Psych North’s providers. This helps us ensure that we’re keeping you on the most effective treatment plan as your internal landscape changes.
If you’re ready to take the next step and schedule a consultation with our providers, give Psych North a call at 218-209-2150. Let’s work together to find the most effective treatment for your individual needs and goals.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) FAQs
Yes. TMS is FDA-approved and has been used safely by thousands of patients nationwide. Because it’s non-invasive and does not involve medication, it avoids many of the side effects commonly associated with antidepressants.
TMS is particularly recommended for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not experienced meaningful improvements from prior antidepressant medication. Additionally, it is also recommended for reducing symptoms associated with OCD, anxiety, and PTSD.
Furthermore, TMS has also been used to help patients manage weight loss, quit smoking, and stop addictive behaviors, such as alcoholism. If you have questions about TMS and how it can help improve your life, give us a call at 218-209-2150.
When looking at patients with major depressive disorder, approximately 75% of them respond to treatment, with 50% reaching total remission. For patients with OCD, research looking at TMS found that about 45% of patients have reduced OCD symptoms within one month following treatment.
You can rest assured knowing that TMS is a trusted, research-proven treatment, especially when it comes to improving depressive and OCD symptoms.
Generally, yes. Most major insurance providers cover TMS therapy, particularly for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, some conditions must be met first, and each insurance plan has its own requirements. This is why we recommend consulting with your insurance provider before making an appointment.
All patients who receive treatment(s) billed through insurance, including current and long-term patients, must complete an initial (or updated) assessment and periodic follow-ups with one of Psych North’s providers.
Insurance
Accessible care starts with knowing your coverage options.
Psych North works with a broad range of insurance providers to help make your care more accessible. We are also a Certified VA Community Care Provider. Coverage can vary depending on your individual plan—call our clinic at 218-209-2150 to learn more about which insurance providers we accept, and reach out to your insurance provider to find out which treatments are covered for you. All patients who receive treatment billed through insurance must complete an initial assessment and periodic follow-ups with one of Psych North’s providers.