At DFWPMA Behavioral Health of Corpus Christi, we are proud to announce a new therapy coming soon to our practice: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) — a noninvasive, FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder that doesn’t respond to traditional approaches like medication or therapy alone. This cutting-edge procedure offers new hope to those struggling with treatment-resistant depression and will be available close to home at our Corpus Christi location.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain — particularly in areas known to be underactive in people with depression. It’s a noninvasive procedure, meaning there’s no need for anesthesia, surgery, or sedation, and it’s done entirely in an outpatient setting.
What to Expect During Your Treatment Series
rTMS is typically administered several days a week. Each session is quick and convenient, allowing most patients to return to their normal daily activities immediately afterward.
Your First Appointment: Mapping and Calibration
Your first visit at DFWPMA BH will take about an hour and involves a mapping session to find the optimal treatment site and energy level for your unique brain.
Each Subsequent Treatment
Once your treatment area and dosage are determined, future sessions are much shorter. You’ll sit comfortably as the coil delivers a series of magnetic pulses to the targeted brain region. These pulses are administered in patterns — a few seconds on, followed by a brief pause — and you’ll remain fully awake and alert the entire time.
Some patients may experience mild scalp discomfort or headaches, but these effects usually resolve quickly.
Treatment can last anywhere from 3.5 minutes (with newer intermittent theta burst stimulation) to about 20 minutes using traditional patterns.
After Your Session
There’s no downtime — you can drive, work, and go about your day as usual. Symptom relief typically appears after a few weeks of treatment. For many patients, TMS leads to significant improvement or even full remission of depressive symptoms.
While researchers continue to study the best ways to use TMS — such as how often to repeat it and which brain regions yield the best results — many patients experience lasting relief. If symptoms return, you may be eligible for repeat treatment, which is often covered by insurance.
To maintain your progress, your provider at DFWPMA BH may recommend ongoing care, including therapy or medication.
If you’ve struggled with depression that hasn’t responded well to other treatments, TMS could be a life-changing option. At DFWPMA Behavioral Health of Corpus Christi, we are committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how TMS can help you reclaim your mental well-being — with the support of our expert team, right here in Corpus Christi.
