Is TMS Therapy an Effective Mental Health Treatment in Irvine, California?

Is TMS Therapy Available Near Fountain Valley for Mental Health Treatment?

tms clinic in fountain valley

Yes, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy is available near Fountain Valley, California. A professional TMS clinic near Fountain Valley will provide comprehensive mental health treatment services, including therapy, medication management, and TMS treatment. TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for various mental health conditions. Since Fountain Valley is in Orange County, patients have good access to multiple TMS providers in the region.

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Is TMS Therapy Right for Me if I Haven’t Responded to Medication?

TMS therapy is specifically designed for people who haven’t responded well to traditional medications, so it could be a good option for these patients. TMS is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, which means it’s intended for patients who haven’t found relief with standard antidepressant medications. Many people who try TMS for depression have already tried multiple medications without success. The best way to determine if TMS is right for you is to consult a psychiatrist specializing in TMS treatment. They can evaluate your specific medication history, current symptoms, and overall health to make a personalized recommendation.

How TMS differs from medication

  • TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions rather than affecting your entire body chemistry.
  • It targets the prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in depression.
  • There are no systemic side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or cognitive dulling that are common with medications.
  • Treatment is performed in an outpatient setting, with no anesthesia or recovery time required.

Who typically benefits

  • People who’ve tried two or more antidepressants without adequate response
  • Those who experience intolerable side effects from medications
  • Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, and in some cases, OCD or anxiety disorders
  • People looking for an alternative to medication or wanting to reduce their medication dependence

Important considerations

  • TMS typically requires a series of treatments over 4–6 weeks (usually five sessions per week)
  • Response rates are generally 50-60% for people with treatment-resistant depression.
  • Some people experience improvement after a few weeks, while others may need the whole course.
  • It’s not suitable for everyone (those with certain metal implants in the head, for example)

Mental Health Treatment That Works

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What Mental Health Conditions Are Commonly Treated With TMS?

TMS therapy has FDA approval for several mental health conditions, with both established uses and emerging applications.

  • FDA-Approved Conditions: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved TMS to treat four conditions: Major depressive disorder and Obsessive-compulsive disorder. TMS therapy for veterans and other patients has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly for those who haven’t found relief from traditional treatments (also known as treatment-resistant depression). It is also FDA-approved as an ‘adjunct’ treatment.
  • Recent Developments: The FDA’s clearance of TMS devices for adolescent depression marks a significant milestone in mental health care, with NeuroStar being the first and only TMS therapy cleared as an adjunct treatment for patients ages 15 and older.

Primary Conditions Treated

  1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – This is the most common use, especially for treatment-resistant depression.
  2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – FDA-approved for adults
  3. Adolescent Depression – Recently approved for teens 15 and older as an add-on treatment

Recent research suggests TMS may also help with bipolar disorder and other conditions beyond its current FDA approvals. Other conditions that researchers are investigating include:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • PTSD
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Chronic pain conditions
  • Addiction/substance abuse
  • Migraine headaches
  • Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline
fountain valley tms clinic

What Happens During a TMS Session Near Fountain Valley?

During an appointment at a TMS Clinic Near Fountain Valley, patients remain awake and seated comfortably in a chair. Each treatment lasts between 20 and 50 minutes. Patients will be fully conscious during TMS therapy since no sedation or anesthesia is needed.

During the treatment, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead. The coil then emits short electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the part of the brain responsible for mood regulation. The patient will feel the coil against the top-left side of the head, just above the temple. When the patient is ready to begin treatment, the coil will deliver a rapid train of pulses, with a break before the next train of pulses.

During stimulation, a clicking noise and taps on the head will be heard around the point of coil placement. The TMS machine emits a repetitive tapping sound when it is active. Patients will feel a tapping or pulsing sensation at the treatment site. TMS should never be painful, but it can cause discomfort.

The most common side effect of TMS is a mild to moderate headache or scalp discomfort during the procedure, especially during the first week of treatment. This is normally treated with over-the-counter ibuprofen. Patients become used to therapy during the first five to ten sessions.

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How Long Does a Full Course of TMS Treatment Take?

In a typical course, the first round of sessions spans six weeks, typically lasting five days a week, followed by an 8- to 12-week continuation phase with two sessions per week.
This breaks down to:

  • Acute Phase: 6 weeks of daily sessions for approximately 30 sessions
  • Continuation Phase: 8-12 additional weeks with two sessions per week
  • Total Treatment Duration: The complete course typically spans 4–5 months, including both phases, with approximately 46-54 total sessions.
  • Individual Session Length: Each treatment lasts anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. Most standard sessions are around 20–40 minutes.
  • When You Might See Results: Many patients begin to notice improvements during the first 2–4 weeks of the acute phase. However, the full benefits often become apparent after completing the initial 6-week intensive period.
  • Maintenance Treatment: Some patients may require periodic “booster” sessions after completing the whole course, especially if symptoms recur months later. The frequency of maintenance sessions varies from individual to individual.
  • Flexibility in Scheduling: Since there’s no recovery time needed, you can schedule sessions around work or other commitments. Many clinics near Fountain Valley offer flexible scheduling to accommodate different needs.

The exact timeline may vary slightly between providers and based on your response to treatment; however, this standard protocol is what most TMS clinics near Fountain Valley typically follow.

tms clinic near fountain valley

Key Takeaways on Attending a TMS Clinic Near Fountain Valley

  • The Orange County region offers good access to a TMS Clinic Near Fountain Valley at Moment of Clarity, which offers flexible scheduling options in an outpatient setting.
  • TMS therapy is FDA-approved specifically for people who haven’t responded well to traditional antidepressants.
  • Research is ongoing for other conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
  • Each TMS session lasts 20–50 minutes, during which you remain fully awake and alert in a comfortable chair.
  • A complete TMS course typically spans 4–5 months total, beginning with 6 weeks of daily sessions.

As a professional MS clinic near Fountain Valley, CA, Moment of Clarity provides outpatient therapy access to this FDA-approved treatment for various mental disorders—contact Moment of Clarity at 949-625-0564 today.

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