TMS Therapy FAQs

TMS Therapy is a clinical breakthrough for those battling depression.  More importantly it’s an alternative to standard drug therapy (antidepressants).  There are many patients that are resistant to antidepressants – our TMS patients have tried 4-6 antidepressants (& sometimes way more).  TMS is another viable option that can help you win your battle against depression. TMS Therapy is a stand alone machine that delivers magnetic pulses precisely to the part the brain associated with mood control.  These magnetic pulses stimulate your brain cells which results in the release of natural chemicals – serotonin, dopamine & norepinephrine (the chemicals most commonly associated with happiness). This process restores the neurochemicals to normal levels.  And, as a result, reverses depression.

TMS Patient Experience:

When comparing TMS Therapy to antidepressants, there are a couple advantages.  First off, unlike antidepressants, TMS has little to no side effects — making your fight against depression a lot easier.  Secondly, TMS has unprecedented accuracy when targeting depression.

The main benefit of TMS Therapy is the chance of getting better & living a happier, healthier life depression-free.

Those experiencing depression that have had unsuccessful results from antidepressant(s) are good candidates for TMS Therapy. 

There are little to no side effects that come with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).  Some patients may experience mild headaches and/or slight scalp discomfort which typically dissipate within a week of treatment.

As far as safety concerns, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been studied extensively for over 20 years and is an FDA approved treatment for depression. TMS Therapy is a safer alternative to standard drug therapy because TMS has a safer side effect profile relative to antidepressants.  Instead of being distributed to all parts of the body like antidepressants, TMS treatment is localized to the area where depression resides. It’s important to note that TMS Therapy should not be administered to patients who have a seizure disorder and/or have had metal materials implanted within the brain. 

For anyone, dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting, overwhelming & intimidating task.  For someone who is unfamiliar with the insurance coverage process, this can be a nightmare.  Luckily, our practice has dealt with these insurance companies for 27 years.  We have created an efficient process & questionnaire that allows us to check and see if you’re covered.  Let us handle the insurance company so that you can fight your depression.  We want to remove this headache from your journey to a healthier life.  If you have any questions at all, please contact us.

Does Bluecross cover TMS Therapy?

• Yes

Does Cigna cover TMS Therapy?

• Yes

Does UnitedHealthCare cover TMS Therapy?

• Yes

Does Medicare cover TMS Therapy?

• Yes

Does Multiplan cover TMS Therapy?

• Yes

Does Aetna cover TMS Therapy?

• Yes

Does Tricare cover TMS Therapy?

• Yes

Most major insurance companies cover TMS Therapy

There is no definitive answer here.  Just like anything in life, nothing is certain.  But what Dr. Walter Griffith & Dr. TMS Therapy provide is a chance at living depression-free. After 20+ years of treating depression in the St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay area,  Dr. Walter Griffith is extremely happy to provide those who are resistant to antidepressants with a possible solution. An alternative. Another way to a healthier, depression-free life.  Hearing our TMS Patients’ testimonials really puts TMS Therapy into perspective. We’ve seen patients who have been battling depression for decades walk out of TMS Therapy depression-free. Think about that. Giving depression the cold turkey.  The heavy burden, the fog, the emptiness suddenly gone. Here are some stats on our TMS Therapy program: 80% of our TMS patients show a significant improvement & 1 in 2 patients see a complete remission of their depression. TMS is a way out. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, we’re more than happy to help in any way possible.  

No, they are completely different treatments. 

• What does TMS Therapy feel like?
  • The feeling our TMS patients describe when going through their therapy session is a tapping sensation that gradually gets stronger over the course of the first few  sessions as we increase the TMS dosage–similar to how we’d increase the dosage of a medication. Also, the TMS machine that creates the magnetic stimulation, gives off a woodpecker-like sound. As far as TMS Therapy side effects go, some of our patients have headaches or scalp sensitivity.  These typically go away after the first few sessions (and within a few hours after the sessions). And if you want, you can always take an over-the-counter analgesic (Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, etc.) before the therapy to mitigate those effects.  

Some of our patients feel better after the first day and others feel better towards the end of their TMS Therapy treatment.  Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive answer to this question and it entirely depends on the patient. TMS Therapy is a 4-6 week treatment. 5 days a week.  We know it’s a crazy amount of work. Going to the doctor’s is a hassle to begin with and going 5 times a week doesn’t seem possible. But it is possible. And after seeing our patients completely transform in mood, we see it as a tremendous opportunity.  We like to tell our patients that TMS therapy is an investment in themselves. It’s an investment for their future. For their family. For their friends. For their career & so much more. Dr. TMS Therapy strongly believes that Dr. Walter Griffith & his team will give you the best possible care in the St. Pete / Tampa Bay area.  Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has worked wonders for our patients. We are happy to see their journey to a happier life.