Despite living in the Sunshine State, Florida residents may still have a hard time escaping the gloominess that mental health conditions can create. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI):
While anyone can experience personal trauma, stress due to life changes, or concerns about the rising cost of living, Florida residents have some unique concerns, such as natural disasters. The rise in hurricanes and flooding is linked to increased mental health conditions.
This is why it’s so important to find a mental health provider that understands your unique needs and insurance situation.
Our guide goes over everything you need to know about TMS therapy in Florida, so you can decide if this path is right for you. We’ll also show you how to find a trustworthy Miami TMS provider.
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is an FDA-approved, noninvasive option to treat various mental health conditions without medication. TMS uses painless electromagnetic pulses—bursts of energy—to activate different parts of your brain that regulate mood.
The pulses only feel like light taps, but they positively affect your brain’s neuroplasticity—its ability to change and adapt. Activating the brain’s adaptive ability can be the breakthrough many people need in their mental health management journey.
TMS therapy is an innovative mental health treatment available to Floridians who have found other therapies unsuccessful. It’s been proven to help those with treatment-resistant depression. One study found that 30% of patients using TMS for three to six weeks experienced depression remission. It also helped some people with physical pain. A different study found that 54% of patients with treatment-resistant depression showed improvement in their symptoms after six weeks of TMS.
TMS therapy can treat:
Many Floridians are good candidates for TMS therapy. TMS can be especially transformative for those who have tried traditional mental health treatments and found little or no success. It’s also a great option for those who want to reduce medication without putting their mental health at risk.
TMS is not good for those with seizure disorders, metal implants in their head, or certain cognitive conditions. It’s important to be upfront about your medical history with your practitioner.
Here’s how TMS therapy works at Elevate Psycharity.
Before starting TMS, you’ll have a free consultation appointment with one of our providers to discuss your needs and determine whether TMS is the right solution for you. We’ll show you our cloud TMS machine and explain how it works, so you fully understand the process.
If TMS treatment is the path forward, we’ll arrange appointments around your schedule.
TMS sessions last 20 minutes and are usually scheduled multiple times a week. Most patients receive treatment for four to six weeks.
Each TMS session starts with us reminding you to remove any metal objects from your body. We will then give you earplugs to wear so the machine isn’t too loud.
TMS is performed while the patient sits upright in a chair, awake. The first session begins by mapping your head’s measurements.
Magnetic devices are then typically placed in the front area of your head, because that’s where the parts of the brain that regulate mood are. You will feel pulses that feel like a slight tapping.
Once you’re done, you should be able to resume your daily activities without downtime, whether that’s relaxing, going back to work, or caring for your family.
Your provider will adapt your treatment plan based on your experience. For example, you may react well to the treatment and need shorter session times. Or maybe, you’re using multiple treatment methods such as TMS with talk therapy or medication, and you need to readjust as the sessions progress.
It’s important to always let your practitioner know how you’re feeling.
Aside from helping those with treatment-resistant depression, TMS offers many benefits:
While not universal, some people experience TMS therapy side effects such as:
Fortunately, as sessions continue, these side effects tend to ease. If you have any questions about TMS safety, don’t hesitate to contact us.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| TMS causes pain. | TMS can cause minor discomfort that eases with successive sessions. |
| TMS is the same as electric shock treatment (ECT). | ECT involves running an electric current through the brain; TMS places magnets near the brain—not in it—and doesn't have any electrical stimulation. |
| TMS is dangerous. | TMS is not dangerous to the majority of patients and has received FDA approval. |
| TMS is experimental. | TMS has been thoroughly studied and has proven its efficiency and effects on patients. |
| TMS requires a heavy time commitment. | TMS sessions with Elevate only take 20 minutes and happen 2–5 times a week, depending on the patient’s need. |
| TMS is only for treatment-resistant depression. | TMS has been very successful with treatment-resistant depression, but it can help with conditions like anxiety, PTSD, OCD, etc. |
| TMS is not a long-lasting treatment. | Results depend on the patient, but many feel the results for years before needing maintenance appointments. |
| You don't need medication if you use TMS. | While some patients may be able to reduce their medications, other patients may do best in combination with medications. |
| TMS will change your personality. | TMS can deliver relief from chronic symptoms; it doesn't impact a patient's core personality. |
| TMS is not covered by insurance. | TMS is covered by many insurance companies. |
Insurance Coverage in South Florida
TMS therapy through Elevate Psychiatry is covered by most insurance companies in South Florida—including Medicare and Medicaid—as long as medical necessity is provided. What that means is that you (or your practitioner) demonstrate you need this treatment to feel better. You can do this by providing your medical history, showing that your symptoms have persisted despite other interventions.
For a full list of insurances, look at our insurance page. We can help argue for the necessity of TMS therapy or a combination of treatments.
You want to find a Miami area TMS practitioner who understands your unique needs.
You also want a clinic with enough providers so that you can get appointments with relative ease and be provided the one-on-one attention you deserve. Ask any potential clinics about their patient-to-provider ratio.
Consider whether bilingual clinics should be on your list to check for.
“I highly recommend this practice, especially if you are looking to do TMS. I had an amazing experience with the treatment, and I continue to feel the best I’ve been in a long time. Everyone here is very professional, and they make you feel welcomed. Dr. Perez is very knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything. The TMS tech, Vanessa, is one of the sweetest people I know. I’m so glad I found them.” — GonzalezY
“Amazing overall experience! Starting from the initial contact at the front desk, to all staff encountered. No words to describe Vanessa, the TMS technician—during every therapy session, she shows kindness, true concern, is accommodating, and has friendly conversation to help make time go by so quickly, from day one to the last session.”— Frank S
“I feel blessed to have found this amazing psychiatric institute. I am impressed with the exceptional service rendered to my son and myself by Dr. Ayme Rodriguez. Her outstanding care, professionalism, courteous approach, expert knowledge, and patience in handling our case overwhelmed me. I highly recommend Elevate Psychiatry to anyone who is struggling with depression or any mental issues.”— S. Morales
If you feel stuck in place with your mental health care, TMS may be the solution. Our Coconut Grove and Doral locations have TMS practitioners ready to help you. We’ll listen to your concerns and history and determine whether TMS or any of our many treatment methods will improve the quality of your life.
