Standard TMS Therapy (rTMS)
Drug-free relief for depression that has not responded.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for treatment-resistant depression. At Complete Mind Care it is one of two TMS technologies we offer — so your protocol fits you.
- FDA-cleared Deep TMS
- BrainsWay H-Coil
- 20+ clinicians
- 2 Main Line locations
- Most insurance accepted
What is rTMS?
Repetitive TMS uses a figure-8 coil to deliver magnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex — the region involved in mood regulation. Like Deep TMS, it is drug-free, requires no anesthesia or sedation, and lets you drive yourself home and return to your day. It is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and is a strong option for patients who have not responded to medication.
Many of our patients ask which is right for them — standard rTMS or Deep TMS. Because we offer both, the answer is based on your diagnosis and history, not on the one machine in the building. See how Deep TMS compares
Two TMS systems under one roof
Most clinics own a single TMS machine and fit every patient to it. Complete Mind Care runs dual technology, so your protocol is matched to your diagnosis — not to the one device in the building.
BrainsWay Deep TMS (H-Coil)
Our flagship system. The patented H-Coil reaches deeper, broader mood-regulating networks and is FDA-cleared for depression, anxious depression, and OCD — including the accelerated SWIFT protocol.
Explore Deep TMSApollo figure-8 rTMS
A precise, focal figure-8 system for standard repetitive TMS to the prefrontal cortex — an excellent fit for many patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Who rTMS helps
Treatment-resistant depression
Adults whose depression has not improved after one or more antidepressants.
Learn moreMedication-sensitive patients
Those who cannot tolerate antidepressant side effects and want a drug-free path.
Patients seeking maintenance
People looking to sustain gains with a non-invasive, repeatable treatment.
How it works
What to expect
-
01
Step 1
1. Evaluation & mapping
A provider confirms candidacy and maps your motor threshold to calibrate treatment.
-
02
Step 2
2. Daily sessions
Short, in-office sessions over several weeks. You stay awake and drive yourself home.
-
03
Step 3
3. Response builds
Many patients notice change within a few weeks as the acute course progresses.
-
04
Step 4
4. Maintenance plan
We coordinate ongoing care with your psychiatrist and therapist to protect your progress.
How TMS compares
TMS vs. medication vs. ECT
When you have a treatment-resistant diagnosis, it helps to see how TMS stacks up against the alternatives.
| TMS Therapy | Medication & ECT | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Targeted magnetic pulses stimulate mood-regulating brain circuits — nothing enters your body. | Medication alters brain chemistry system-wide; ECT induces a brief, controlled seizure under general anesthesia. |
| Side effects | Mild and temporary — scalp tingling or a short-lived headache. | Medication: weight gain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction. ECT: confusion and short-term memory loss. |
| Time to response | Builds over two to four weeks; the accelerated SWIFT protocol can be faster. | Medication: four to eight weeks per trial. ECT: rapid, but in a hospital-style setting. |
| Drug interactions | None — drug-free, with no systemic interactions. | Medication: interacts with other drugs and alcohol. ECT: anesthesia-related precautions. |
| Anesthesia & downtime | None — you stay awake and alert and drive yourself home. | Medication: none. ECT: general anesthesia plus recovery time after each session. |
This comparison is general and educational. ECT remains an important option for some patients; your provider will recommend the safest effective path for you.
Specialized TMS protocols
Beyond the FDA-cleared depression and OCD indications, our team offers specialized, off-label TMS protocols for a range of conditions. These are not covered by insurance and are offered on a self-pay basis with sliding-scale and CareCredit options.
Autism
Protocols aimed at supporting social and behavioral regulation.
Learn morePTSD
Targeting the circuits involved in trauma and hyperarousal.
Learn moreDementia
Cognitive-support protocols for memory and processing.
Learn moreAnxiety
Standalone anxiety protocols beyond the anxious-depression indication.
Learn moreCognitive enhancement
Stimulation aimed at focus, clarity, and mental sharpness.
Learn moreFibromyalgia
Protocols targeting chronic-pain processing networks.
Learn moreNeuropathy
Stimulation approaches for chronic nerve-related pain.
Learn moreSleep disorders
Protocols supporting healthier sleep regulation.
Learn moreTinnitus
Targeting the auditory-cortex activity behind persistent ringing.
Learn moreTraumatic brain injury
Supportive protocols for post-TBI symptoms.
Learn morePost-stroke recovery
Stimulation to support neuro-recovery after stroke.
Learn moreInsurance & Coverage
Is TMS covered by my insurance?
TMS for the FDA-approved indications — depression and OCD — is typically covered by most major plans, especially when antidepressants have not provided adequate relief.
Covered by insurance
- Depression (MDD)
- OCD
Self-pay (sliding scale + CareCredit)
- Specialized protocols (autism, PTSD, dementia, anxiety, cognitive enhancement, and more)
Our billing and authorization team verifies your coverage, obtains any prior authorization, and walks you through out-of-pocket costs before you begin treatment. Don't see your plan? Call Villanova (215) 918-7939 or Horsham (215) 607-7250 to verify.
rTMS — common questions
How is rTMS different from Deep TMS?
rTMS uses a figure-8 coil that stimulates the surface cortex, while Deep TMS uses BrainsWay's H-Coil to reach deeper, broader brain networks and is FDA-cleared for more conditions. Your provider will recommend the right one for you.
Does rTMS have side effects?
It is well tolerated. The most common effects are temporary scalp discomfort or a mild headache that typically fades within the first week.
Can I keep taking my medication?
Usually yes. Many patients continue their medication during TMS. Your provider will review your regimen and adjust if needed.
Wondering if TMS is right for you?
Request a consultation and we will recommend rTMS, Deep TMS, or another path — and verify your coverage.