Patients may consider TMS when prior treatment for depression has not provided adequate relief. TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for qualifying patients with major depressive disorder. At The Mind Grove TMS Center in Colorado Springs, TMS is our main treatment modality. We offer standard rTMS, iTBS, and Accelerated TMS, and Dr. Bowers may also incorporate medication management, mindfulness-based interventions, and lifestyle psychiatry when clinically appropriate.
How TMS Works for Depression
Major depressive disorder can affect mood, interest or pleasure, concentration, sleep, appetite, energy, and daily functioning (Mayo Clinic, 2026). Depression involves multiple interacting brain regions and networks rather than a single area of abnormal activity.
During TMS, an electromagnetic coil positioned against the scalp delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate targeted cortical regions involved in mood regulation. This stimulation affects not only the area targeted by the coil, but also broader neural networks associated with depression. Interestingly, the neurobiology of TMS’s antidepressant effects does not appear to be explained by a single brain region or pathway and is an active area of research (Trapp et al., 2025). Improvement in depressive symptoms generally develops over a course of treatment, and continues after completion of treatment, rather than after one session.
TMS and medications used for treatment of depression are thought to work through distinct neurobiological mechanisms that converge on modulating neuroplasticity. However, unlike medication, TMS does not require systemic treatment for its antidepressant effects. For patients who are already taking medications, they can remain part of the patient’s care plan when clinically appropriate, and may be suggested in order to augment the effects of TMS. Dr. Bowers reviews diagnosis, treatment history, current medications, and other clinical factors when determining whether TMS, medication management, or a combination of care is appropriate.
Who TMS for Depression Is For
For adults, the current MagVenture clearance includes treatment of depressive episodes in patients with MDD who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication, including decreasing anxiety symptoms in adults with MDD and co-occurring anxiety symptoms (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025a). MagVenture also has a separate FDA clearance for MDD in adolescents ages 15–21 as an adjunct treatment (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025b). Insurance coverage varies by payer and medical-necessity criteria.
Treatment-resistant depression is an important treatment focus at The Mind Grove TMS Center. Dr. Bowers reviews each patient’s prior medication and psychotherapy history, current symptoms, medications, safety considerations, and overall care plan when determining whether TMS is appropriate.
For adults with MDD and co-occurring anxiety symptoms, MagVenture’s current FDA-cleared indication includes decreasing anxiety symptoms in the context of MDD (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025a). The adolescent MDD clearance is separate and applies to patients ages 15–21 (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025b). Dr. Megan Bowers, MD, PhD, is dual board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, which informs her evaluation and clinical oversight of adolescent patients.
Who TMS Is Not For
TMS is not appropriate for everyone. Certain implanted metallic or electronic devices in or near the head can affect TMS safety and candidacy and must be reviewed before treatment begins. Individuals with an active and untreated seizure disorder or certain mental health conditions may not be appropriate for TMS. A clinical evaluation determines whether TMS is appropriate for each individual.
Prior treatment history is an important part of TMS candidacy and insurance review. Dr. Bowers considers previous medication and psychotherapy treatment, diagnosis, current symptoms, safety factors, and payer criteria when determining whether TMS is appropriate.
What the Treatment Involves
Every patient at The Mind Grove TMS Center undergoes a clinical evaluation before treatment begins. That evaluation determines whether TMS is appropriate and which protocol should be considered. We offer standard rTMS, iTBS, and Accelerated TMS using MagVenture technology. Medication management may also remain part of care when clinically appropriate.
Sessions are conducted in our Colorado Springs office with patients seated and fully awake. No anesthesia or sedation is required. A magnetic coil is positioned against the scalp and delivers pulses during treatment. Common side effects can include headache and scalp discomfort or pain, which are generally mild to moderate and often lessen after a session or over repeated treatments (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Insurance Coverage for TMS
The Mind Grove TMS Center accepts insurance for qualifying FDA-cleared indications. For adults, the current MagVenture clearance includes MDD with co-occurring anxiety symptoms; the separate adolescent clearance applies to MDD in patients ages 15–21. Coverage varies by payer and medical-necessity criteria. Colorado Medicaid does not cover TMS.
We encourage patients to discuss their specific insurance coverage and out-of-pocket cost with our team before treatment begins.
FAQ
Does TMS actually work for depression?
TMS has a substantial evidence base for depression. A 2025 consensus review concluded that TMS continues to demonstrate broad evidence for safety and efficacy in treating depression (Trapp et al., 2025). Individual response varies, results are not guaranteed, and TMS is not appropriate for every patient.
Can I do TMS while still taking antidepressants?
In many cases, yes. TMS does not inherently require stopping current medications, and medication can remain part of care when clinically appropriate. Dr. Bowers reviews your current medication regimen during evaluation and may manage medication alongside TMS when that supports the treatment plan.
Is TMS right for MDD with anxiety?
MagVenture TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared for decreasing anxiety symptoms in adults with MDD and co-occurring anxiety symptoms who meet the indication criteria (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025a). This is different from primary generalized anxiety disorder, for which TMS remains off-label. Insurance coverage still depends on payer and medical-necessity criteria.
My teenager has treatment-resistant depression. Is TMS an option?
MagVenture TMS Therapy is FDA-cleared as an adjunct for the treatment of MDD in adolescents ages 15–21 (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025b). Dr. Bowers is dual board-certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry and evaluates each adolescent individually to determine whether TMS is appropriate.
How is TMS different from other non-medication treatments for depression?
TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted cortical regions and does not require anesthesia or sedation. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy, TMS does not require anesthesia, and patients remain awake during treatment (Mayo Clinic, 2023). At The Mind Grove TMS Center, we offer standard rTMS, iTBS, and Accelerated TMS, with medication management incorporated when clinically appropriate.
Key Takeaways
TMS has FDA-cleared depression-related indications for adults, including MDD with co-occurring anxiety symptoms, and a separate MagVenture clearance for MDD in adolescents ages 15–21.
TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted cortical regions involved in broader neural networks associated with depression.
The Mind Grove TMS Center offers standard rTMS, iTBS, and Accelerated TMS using MagVenture technology, with medication management available when clinically appropriate.
Dr. Bowers reviews diagnosis, prior treatment, current medications, safety considerations, and the current care plan to determine whether TMS and which protocol may be appropriate.
TMS has an established evidence base for depression, but individual response varies and no specific outcome is guaranteed.
If depression symptoms remain significant after prior treatment, Dr. Bowers can evaluate whether TMS is appropriate and, if so, which protocol to recommend. At The Mind Grove TMS Center in Colorado Springs, standard rTMS, iTBS, and Accelerated TMS are central to care, and medication management may be incorporated when clinically appropriate. Reach out through our website to schedule a consultation.
References
References
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Transcranial magnetic stimulation.https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625
Mayo Clinic. (2026). Depression (major depressive disorder): Symptoms and causes.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
Trapp, N. T., Purgianto, A., Taylor, J. J., Singh, M. K., Oberman, L. M., Mickey, B. J., Youssef, N. A., Solzbacher, D., Zebley, B., Cabrera, L. Y., Conroy, S., Cristancho, M., Richards, J. R., Flood, M. J., Barbour, T., Blumberger, D. M., Taylor, S. F., Feifel, D., Reti, I. M., McClintock, S. M., Lisanby, S. H., & Husain, M. M. (2025). Consensus review and considerations on TMS to treat depression: A comprehensive update endorsed by the National Network of Depression Centers, the Clinical TMS Society, and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Clinical Neurophysiology, 170, 206–233.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39756350/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025a). MagVenture TMS Therapy System (K251119).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf25/K251119.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025b). MagVenture TMS Therapy System (K251125).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf25/K251125.pdf
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this blog is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. TMS therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical or psychiatric provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.