How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost?

Depression is a mental health condition that can profoundly impact an individual's life; even with the support of a therapist, depression symptoms may continue. Though there are many options for treating depression symptoms, not all may work for every person.

TMS therapy can be a rewarding option for some people who experience severe depressive symptoms or treatment-resistant depression. When considering a new treatment to improve your mental health, you may want to understand its costs.

What is TMS therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often called TMS therapy, is a procedure that is used to treat depression and chronic pain. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in a person's brain. Pulses of magnetic stimulation have been found to improve the symptoms of depression.

Even though the TMS treatment cost may be high, it has gained popularity for its effectiveness. For many, the cost is worth the price. If you're interested in TMS treatment, talk to a mental health professional or your primary care physician to see if you meet the FDA clearances to receive it. You may need a referral from a medical doctor to receive the treatment, and your insurance might not cover the procedure. 

The process

The transcranical magnetic stimulation therapy treatments may feel simple for many patients, especially because magnetic stimulation is non-invasive. Though “transcranial” does mean in a literal sense “through the head,” the device delivering TMS therapy sits beside the head to do its work and never physically touches the patient. Clients may sit in a comfortable chair and wear earplugs while the TMS procedure occurs. The procedure often takes around 40 minutes to complete. You will be awake and alert the entire time, and you may feel minor scalp discomfort. If you experience pain, alert your doctor. 

Success rate

The TMS therapy success rate is often high. Harvard reports a 50-60% success rate of symptom reduction for most patients. About 20-30% of those patients experienced complete remission and reported no more symptoms after treatment. 

Is TMS FDA cleared?

For many patients, knowing whether or not TMS is FDA-approved is essential before starting treatment. TMS therapy is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, the treatment may not be FDA-approved if recommended for another condition. Discuss your options with a mental health professional or medical doctor before attempting a new treatment for your symptoms. 

If you plan to pay for TMS with insurance, your provider may only offer coverage for treatment that is FDA-approved to treat certain conditions such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. So even if your mental health professional refers you to TMS, your insurance may not pay if the treatment is not federally offered for your condition.

How much does TMS cost?

Most major insurance companies cover treatment and therapy for major depressive disorder. That being said, as mentioned above, your insurance may refuse to cover TMS for certain conditions. For some people, TMS therapy may be cost-prohibitive. Though healthcare providers might offer a free consultation, sessions of TMS can cost between $400 and $500. The TMS treatment cost can vary because many people require a series of TMS sessions to see results. Studies show that TMS can cost from $2,000 to $11,000, your exact TMS cost depends on your age and the number of sessions utilized. 

Like many forms of therapy, major insurance companies might cover the cost of TMS therapy. Since it is often an FDA-approved course of treatment, more insurance companies may add the procedure to their list of coverages. However, every insurance provider has different policies, and your policy may vary from that of other states.  

Some insurance providers may not cover the cost of TMS treatments for conditions outside of depression. Others may not cover the condition at all. In these cases, you might have to pay out of pocket for the treatment. However, clinics may work with you on pricing, as some offer a sliding scale fee. If you are using insurance, check with the clinic or doctor who will complete the procedure to ensure they accept your insurance plan. 

You may undergo a physical examination and a psychological evaluation to prepare for TMS therapy. People who have certain medical implants may not be able to participate in TMS. Speak to your doctor about these items before treatment to reduce the chances of an accident or medical emergency. 

Also, tell your doctor if you're taking prescription medication (including antidepressant medications), over-the-counter medications, supplements, or vitamins. 

TMS therapy is considered safe. It is non-invasive, and clients may not feel any physical discomfort during the process. A patient can also remain awake during the 40-minute session. However, there may be side effects to consider. 

Discuss treatment options with a mental health professional or doctor before making an informed decision. Even if TMS is not a fit, other treatments may be available. 

Should I consider other therapies?

Before considering TMS to treat depression or any other mental health disorders, consider other treatments, including talk therapy and medication. In addition to being expensive, TMS may not work for every condition or symptom. You may choose to use transcranial magnetic stimulation in conjunction with medication or other forms of treatment depending on your doctor’s recommendations.

Lifestyle changes 

It may be possible to improve depressive symptoms through lifestyle changes, like exercising more frequently. Exercise releases positive endorphins in the body, which can improve mood over the long term. However, if you're looking into TMS due to other treatments not working, lifestyle changes may impact you less. 

Electroconvulsive treatment

ECT treatment, also known as electroconvulsive therapy, is another option for those with severe depression. It may allow for molecular changes within the brain to encourage better communication between neurons. Like TMS, ECT is another option that people use when other treatment methods have not been successful.

Counseling sessions 

Cost may get in the way of some treatment options for depression. In these cases, online counseling may be beneficial. The average cost of in-person therapy is $100-$200 a session. Online therapy may range between $20-100 a session, depending on the platform or provider you use. These prices may save you hundreds of dollars a month if you do not have insurance or experience high insurance copays. 

Online therapy has helped many people manage depressive symptoms. One study showed that online mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was as effective as traditional therapy in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Counselor reviews

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