If depression hasn’t budged with medication and therapy alone, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can be a turning point. Still, the unknown can feel intimidating. This guide lays out a clear roadmap for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) of APA in Auburn, CA office—from the first evaluation to the final step, plus what maintenance looks like after your program.
Why Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) And How It Fits Your Overall Plan
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to gently stimulate mood-related brain circuits. It’s noninvasive, outpatient, and you can drive yourself to and from sessions. We typically recommend TMS for adults with treatment-resistant depression—often after two or more adequate medication/therapy trials. For a service overview, see Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Depression at Advanced Psychiatry Associates.
Evaluation & Coverage Check
What happens
Comprehensive evaluation with an APA clinician or via telehealth: history, prior treatments, goals, and medical/safety review.
Baseline measures (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) and functional targets (sleep, energy, work/school, social engagement).
Benefits review: We help verify insurance coverage and any prior authorization requirements, so costs are clear up front.
Your action items
Bring a list of past meds/therapy, what helped, and side effects.
Identify two daily time slots you can keep consistently for 6–7 weeks.
Mapping Day, Motor Threshold, & First Treatments
What happens
Mapping session: We position the treatment coil and determine your motor threshold (MT)—the personalized intensity setting that guides dosing.
First treatments: Sessions typically last ~20–40 minutes, depending on protocol. You sit in a comfortable chair; no anesthesia or IV is needed.
What you may feel
Tapping or tingling on the scalp; brief facial muscle twitching. Mild temporary scalp sensitivity or headache can occur.
Pro tips
Arrive with clean, product-free hair; bring ear protection (we also provide it).
Plan a light activity after—most people return to work immediately.
Dose Optimization & Momentum
What happens
We fine-tune intensity and coil placement to your comfort and clinical response.
Some patients report the earliest shifts in sleep, energy, and task initiation before mood changes.
Tracking progress
We repeat short rating scales weekly and track practical wins: fewer “stuck” mornings, more follow-through, reduced tearfulness, or less rumination.
If side effects show up
Tell us about headaches, scalp sensitivity, or restlessness. Adjustments in intensity, spacing of trains, or pre-session analgesics can help.
Mid-Course Review & Adjustments
What happens
Formal midpoint review: Compare your current PHQ-9/functional targets to baseline.
We may adjust parameters or session timing to align with when your mood is most reactive (some do best earlier in the day).
Sticking with the plan
Consistency matters. If you must miss a day, we’ll make it up to protect the integrity of the course.
Integrated care
Many patients continue Psychotherapy and Counseling during TMS—skills learned in therapy may “land” more easily as symptoms lift.
We coordinate with your Medication Management clinician at APA to decide whether to hold, simplify, or fine-tune meds mid-course.
Consolidation & Taper Planning
What happens
For many, mood and function show measurable gains by now. We continue daily sessions to consolidate neuroplastic changes.
If you’ve improved, we’ll discuss a brief taper to transition toward graduation. Protocols vary and are individualized.
What you’ll notice
More stable mornings, better task initiation, improved sleep continuity, and less intensity/frequency of depressive thoughts.
The Final Step
Graduation day includes
Final rating scales and a side-by-side look at your baseline vs. today.
A maintenance plan: therapy cadence, medication plan, and a relapse-prevention checklist (early warning signs + who to contact).
Discussion of touch-up sessions later if symptoms creep back—some patients benefit from brief, as-needed boosters.
Your maintenance toolkit
Keep therapy sessions or skills groups that helped.
Protect sleep/wake regularity and daylight exposure (these stabilize mood circuits).
Schedule a follow-up with your prescriber to consider simplifying medications if you’ve sustained improvement.
Ready to Start Your TMS Journey?
We’ll handle the details—evaluation, benefits check, personalized mapping—and walk with you from the first session to the final step. You can book an appointment online.
Relief is a process—but with a clear roadmap and APA team by your side, it’s a process you can trust.
