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

Is TMS Therapy Available in Orange, CA, for Mental Health Treatment?

tms in orange county

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical therapy option for treating certain mental health issues. As outlined in an article published in the journal Brain Stimulation in 2022, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS as a treatment for depression in 2008, major depressive disorder in 2013, migraine in 2014, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in 2017. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with one of these mental health concerns and is not responding to traditional treatments, the good news is that outpatient options for TMS in Orange, CA, are available.

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Can TMS Help With Anxiety?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 4% of the world’s population lives with anxiety, an overwhelming feeling of fear or worry. As anxiety is closely linked to depression and OCD, TMS in Orange, CA, can help treat any underlying anxiety you may be feeling.

TMS works by stimulating specific areas of the brain using magnetic pulses. The magnetic pulses stimulate electric currents in the brain, which can turn neurons “on” or “off.” This helps “rewire” brain pathways that may not be working correctly and causing certain mental health symptoms.

TMS usually targets the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for many functions that may impact your mental health, such as:

  • Regulation of mood and emotions
  • Impulse control
  • Knowing how to be socially appropriate
  • Personality development and expression
  • Understanding the consequences of how you behave
  • Behavior related to rewards and motivation
  • Planning, decision making, and setting long-term goals
  • Paying attention and focusing
  • Solving problems
  • Working memory

TMS therapy can treat other areas of the brain as needed, including the prefrontal cortex. It’s important to note that the FDA has not yet approved TMS for the treatment of anxiety orders. However, it is an effective mental health therapy in California for depression and OCD, which are often caused by or linked to anxiety.

There is a great deal of research being done on TMS as a potential therapy for anxiety disorders. For example, a study published in the journal Brain Behavior in May 2019 found TMS to be an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Types of TMS Therapy

Several different types of TMS therapy are being used in today’s clinics. Your psychiatrist will determine which type of TMS is best for you based on your specific situation.

Types of TMS therapy include:

  • Single-pulse TMS
  • Paired-pulse TMS
  • Repetitive TMS
  • Deep TMS
  • Accelerated TMS
  • Theta-Burst Stimulation

Benefits of TMS Therapy

Benefits of TMS over traditional treatments for depression, OCD, and anxiety include:

  • Completely non-invasive, so no needles or cutting are involved
  • Drug-free anesthesia is not needed
  • Outpatient procedure that allows you to get in and get out to enjoy the rest of your day
  • Can focus on specific regions of the brain
  • Fewer risks of side effects than medications
  • Can be used in conjunction with other therapies
  • Good option for people who have not responded well to traditional therapies and medications

Additionally, clinical studies show that TMS therapy can provide long-lasting symptom reductions, even after treatment is completed. A study published in the journal PNAS in February 2024 reported that almost 80% of people treated for depression with TMS reached remission, while an article published by the International OCD Foundation says about 45% of people with OCD treated with TMS reduced their symptoms after one month of treatment.

Mental Health Treatment That Works

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What Should I Expect During a TMS Therapy Session in Orange?

When scheduling outpatient mental health treatment for TMS in Orange, CA, there are a few steps you’ll follow before your first appointment:

  • Initial Consultation: You’ll first meet with a mental health professional to discuss your symptoms and mental health history to help them determine if TMS is right for you.
  • Pre-Session Q&A: Once you’re ready to schedule your first TMS session, you’ll have an opportunity to speak with a mental health professional about how to prepare for it, what to expect, and any potential side effects.
  • Scheduled TMS Sessions: During your TMS sessions, you’ll relax in a chair while the technician applies a head apparatus that stores the magnetic coils needed to send electric pulses to a pre-determined area in your brain. Most people feel nothing during a TMS session — you may feel a light tapping sensation on your head. Because you’re awake during the session, we invite you to bring earbuds to listen to music, a magazine, or a book to read.
  • Post-Session: Once your session is done, you can leave and get on with the rest of your day. Most patients can drive themselves home as no anesthesia is involved. You may also meet with your psychiatrist following every session so they can monitor you for any side effects and treatment effectiveness.
orange county depression tms

How Long Does a Typical TMS Treatment Session Last?

A typical session of TMS in Orange, CA, will last between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your specific mental health treatment needs. Because no anesthesia is involved, you are awake during each session. You can listen to music, read a magazine or book, or just sit back and relax during your TMS sessions.

Most people receiving TMS therapy receive sessions five days a week for four to six weeks, but this will again depend on your medical history and personal needs. While side effects from TMS are rare, some people experience a slight headache or mild scalp discomfort after TMS sessions, especially the first few. Make sure to speak with your psychiatrist if you continue to experience these side effects or they worsen.

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Are There Local Clinics Offering TMS Therapy in Orange?

Yes, if you live in Orange, CA, or its surrounding areas, outpatient mental health clinics in Orange County currently offer TMS therapy.

When looking for a local clinic offering TMS therapy, make sure they:

  • Specializing in TMS treatment with knowledgeable staff and the most up-to-date equipment
  • Employ only board-certified psychiatrists and TMS technicians
  • Offer a consultation where a mental health professional can answer all your TMS questions
  • Are at a nearby location that is easy for you to get to for frequent sessions
  • Accepts your insurance plan or is an in-network provider
  • Have excellent patient reviews for TMS therapy
tms orange

Key Takeaways on TMS in Orange, CA

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment option for certain mental health conditions.

  • TMS is currently FDA-approved to treat depression, OCD, and migraine.

  • TMS can help treat anxiety, as it is normally related to or a symptom of depression and OCD.

  • TMS offers several benefits over traditional therapies and is an excellent option for people who do not respond well to medications.

  • There are a few steps to follow when finding a local TMS clinic and scheduling your first session.

Moment of Clarify is proud to be the mental health treatment facility of choice for thousands of Southern Californians seeking outpatient care for many mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. Our TMS services offer a therapeutic option for patients not responding to traditional therapies or medications, allowing them to take charge of their healing process through an effective alternative treatment.

If you’re looking for TMS in Orange, CA, call Moment of Clarity today at 949-625-0564 to learn more about how we can help.

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