Who Qualifies for TMS Therapy?

Candidates typically have treatment-resistant depression, meaning they have not responded adequately to at least one or two antidepressant medications from different classes.

Most insurance plans require documentation of prior treatment attempts before authorizing TMS. This typically includes trials of antidepressants from different medication classes at adequate doses and durations. A psychiatric evaluation is required to confirm the diagnosis and assess suitability for TMS.

Contraindications include epilepsy or seizure disorders, brain tumors, metallic implants near the head (such as aneurysm coils or deep brain stimulators), and cochlear implants. Pregnant women and patients under 18 generally do not qualify for TMS outside of clinical trials.