TMS Therapy Beverly Hills – TMS Treatment and Therapist

Are you looking for TMS Therapy in Beverly Hills? At our Mental Health Treatment Center, we offer the latest evidence-based treatment methods tailored to meet your specific needs. From your initial consultation through to your final session, our expert team ensures your treatment is managed with the utmost care.

If you’re ready to begin TMS Therapy, contact us today to set up your appointment.

Looking for more details on TMS? Keep reading to discover the conditions TMS treats, understand the treatment process, and get answers to frequently asked questions from our clients.

TMS Therapy provided by Dr. Antonello Bonci and our team

At GIA, our treatment approach is led by Dr. Antonello Bonci, a pioneering specialist in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). His groundbreaking clinical researches have proven the effectiveness of TMS, helping it gain global approval for treating various mental health issues. Dr. Bonci and our team are dedicated to providing the highest quality care based on current evidence-based research, a field in which Dr. Bonci actively contributes. By choosing GIA, you are in truly expert hands, supported by a team committed to your recovery journey.

What is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy is a non-invasive, safe treatment approved by the FDA. It uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. For over thirty years, TMS has helped millions, offering significant benefits to those suffering from depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health issues like insomnia. 

These conditions are often linked to areas of the brain that are underactive or overactive. By stimulating these areas, TMS can significantly improve mood, reduce cravings, and alleviate other symptoms. TMS Therapy is noted for its effectiveness, especially when other treatments such as medications, behavioral therapies, and support groups have failed. It provides considerable improvements in mental health and overall well-being for many patients. 

This therapy is also FDA-approved, non-invasive, and safe, enabling patients to resume daily activities immediately after each session, making it a practical option for many.

What Do We Treat with TMS at GIA Beverly Hills?

At GIA Beverly Hills, we utilize Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to treat a variety of mental health conditions, supported by extensive clinical research and FDA approval. We focus on:

• TMS for Anxiety: Anxiety disorders can disrupt everyday life and diminish overall quality. TMS Therapy targets brain areas involved in mood regulation and stress response. This treatment can reduce symptoms and provide lasting relief for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder.
• TMS for Depression: Depression is a primary focus for TMS. Recognized by the FDA as an effective treatment for major depressive disorder, it enhances mood and behavior by activating brain regions typically underactive. For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, this non-invasive method offers renewed hope and noticeable improvements.
• TMS for Addiction: Addiction affects the brain’s reward system. Research, including studies by Dr. Antonello Bonci, shows that repetitive TMS can reduce alcohol consumption and increase sober days in people with alcohol use disorders. TMS targets brain areas linked to addiction, helping to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms, making it an effective part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.
• TMS for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): PTSD, caused by traumatic experiences, significantly impacts mental health. TMS Therapy relieves symptoms by focusing on brain areas associated with fear and memory. This technique helps reduce problems like flashbacks and emotional numbness, supporting recovery for those with PTSD.
• TMS for OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder): OCD involves persistent unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors. TMS helps by stimulating brain sections related to obsessive and compulsive behaviors, decreasing symptoms and improving quality of life.

How Does TMS Therapy Work? 

TMS Therapy employs electromagnetic pulses that target specific brain regions using a magnetic coil placed on the scalp. These pulses vary in speed—slow to calm overactive neurons and fast to stimulate underactive ones. They pass painlessly through the scalp and skull to influence brain cells directly. This technique functions similarly to physical therapy for the brain, utilizing targeted magnetic pulses to adjust brain activity and enhance mental health and well-being.

What does the TMS session look like? What can I expect?

TMS Therapy is a non-invasive, straightforward treatment that carries no long-term side effects. You remain fully awake during the session, able to communicate with the therapist at any moment. 

The treatment process is painless, and you are capable of driving yourself to and from the session. Your treatment begins with an initial “mapping session,” where magnetic pulses are used to determine the exact location and intensity needed for your therapy, tailoring it to your brain’s specific activity. 

During the stimulation, you will sit comfortably with the magnetic coil positioned on your head, experiencing a clicking sound and a tapping sensation on your scalp, both of which are normal and not painful. The session environment is designed to be relaxing and supportive, allowing you to feel at ease throughout the treatment. You may read or watch TV during the session.

How long does TMS Sessions last? 

A typical TMS session lasts about 20 to 50 minutes.

What does the whole treatment process look like and how long does it take?

The TMS treatment involves several phases, starting with an initial consultation and culminating in the final treatment session:

• Initial Consultation: You meet with a TMS specialist to discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatments. This step assesses TMS suitability and includes an overview of the procedure.
• Pre-Treatment Preparation: Should TMS be appropriate for you, a mapping session will follow to locate the precise placement for the magnetic coil on your scalp and set the pulse intensity.
• Personalized Treatment Schedule: You will attend daily sessions (Monday through Friday) for three to six weeks, with each session lasting between 20 to 50 minutes. The consistency and length are crucial for effective treatment.
• Monitoring and Adjustments: Your progress is regularly monitored, and adjustments are made as needed to optimize the treatment.
• Completing the Treatment Course: Post-treatment, an evaluation is conducted to assess the effects of the therapy and determine if additional sessions are necessary.
• Follow-Up and Maintenance: Post-treatment follow-ups ensure your progress is sustained, and maintenance sessions may be recommended to extend the benefits of TMS and prevent symptom recurrence.

How many sessions do I need?

The number of sessions varies per individual. Some may notice improvements within the first two weeks (5-10 sessions), while others may see changes around the fourth or fifth week (20-25 sessions). Completing the full course of treatment is crucial to ensure the brain fully adapts to the changes and to provide sustained benefits. Ending treatment early or skipping sessions could lead to symptom relapse or reduced effectiveness.

How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost?

TMS therapy is a cost-effective option for treating depression and other conditions. Many insurance providers cover TMS under specific conditions. We accept various insurances and offer payment options. For more information, contact us any time as we are available 24 hours a day.

Is TMS Therapy Covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover TMS treatment. GIA Beverly Hills can work with insurance companies to determine the level of coverage and handle any necessary paperwork.

Who Should Avoid TMS Treatment?

TMS is not suitable for individuals with certain types of metal implants in their heads, excluding dental braces and fillings, due to risks such as heating, movement, or malfunction. These implants include:

• Deep brain stimulators
• Aneurysm coils or clips
• Metallic or magnetic face tattoos
• Electrodes for brain activity monitoring
• Other metal medical devices or objects near the head People considering TMS should consult their doctor if they:
• Take medications
• Have a seizure history
• Have a family history of epilepsy
• Suffer from co-occurring mental disorders
• Have sustained a brain injury
• Suffer from other medical conditions
• Have previously undergone TMS therapy
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy

Are there any side-effects of TMS?

While there are no known negative long-term effects of TMS, some individuals may experience mild, short-term side effects like headaches or scalp discomfort. These symptoms generally improve shortly after treatment and decrease with continued sessions.

Can TMS Make You Worse?

There is no evidence that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can worsen symptoms of conditions it is prescribed for.

Can TMS Damage Your Brain?

TMS is entirely non-invasive and does not damage the brain.

Can TMS Change Your Personality?

TMS does not fundamentally change your personality; it alleviates symptoms of mental health issues, helping you reconnect with your true self and express yourself more fully.