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How TMS Therapy Works for Depression

When depression doesn’t improve with medication or therapy alone, it’s easy to feel stuck—or even hopeless. But there’s another option that’s clinically proven and FDA-approved: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

At Oak Health Center, we offer non-invasive TMS treatment for individuals struggling with persistent depression that hasn’t responded to traditional care.

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS is a drug-free treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Sessions are performed in-office, typically last under 30 minutes, and don’t require any sedation or downtime.

Most people receive treatment five days a week for four to six weeks, depending on their needs.

How It Helps

For those with major depressive disorder, the regions of the brain that help regulate mood can become underactive. TMS therapy “wakes up” those areas, helping improve emotional balance and reduce symptoms of depression.

This approach has shown success for people who haven’t responded to antidepressants or therapy alone.

Benefits of TMS may include:

Improved mood and daily functioning
Better sleep
Reduced anxiety
Increased energy and motivation
Sharper focus and mental clarity

You can read more about how TMS works and what to expect on our services page.

Is It Right for You?

TMS therapy may be a strong option if:

You’ve tried multiple medications with little improvement
You’ve experienced side effects from psychiatric drugs
You’re seeking a treatment that doesn’t rely on medication
Your depression has lasted two years or more
You’ve been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression

It’s not suitable for everyone—especially individuals with metal implants in the head or a history of seizures. We’ll help determine if you’re a good candidate during your initial consultation.

Our Approach at Oak Health Center

Our team will guide you through each step of the process:

Comprehensive Evaluation – We’ll review your mental health history and current symptoms.
Insurance Support – Our staff will help confirm benefits and submit any pre-authorization forms.
Personalized Treatment Plan – Sessions are scheduled at your convenience, and your progress is closely monitored.
Collaborative Care – If appropriate, we may combine TMS with therapy or medication management to enhance results.

We currently provide TMS services at our Fullerton and Laguna Hills offices.