TMS for Depression in San Diego

 

A non‑medication treatment option for patients who haven’t improved with antidepressants

Depression can be exhausting, isolating, and disruptive to daily life — especially when multiple medications haven’t provided relief. At Silverlining Psychiatry in San Diego, we offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as an evidence‑based, FDA‑cleared treatment for treatment‑resistant depression.

TMS is a non‑invasive therapy that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. For many patients, it provides meaningful improvement when medications and therapy alone haven’t been enough.

 

How TMS Helps Treat Depression

Depression is associated with reduced activity in specific neural circuits responsible for mood, motivation, and emotional regulation. TMS targets these circuits directly.

What TMS does:

• Increases activity in underactive mood‑regulating regions

• Strengthens neural pathways involved in emotional balance

• Supports long‑term changes in brain function

• Helps reduce symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest

TMS does not involve medication, sedation, or electrical shocks. You remain awake and comfortable throughout treatment.

 

Who TMS Is For

TMS is often recommended for patients who:

• Have not improved with at least one antidepressant

• Experience side effects that limit medication use

• Prefer a non‑medication treatment option

• Want a therapy that targets the brain directly

• Have persistent symptoms despite therapy

TMS is FDA‑cleared for Major Depressive Disorder and is widely used in psychiatric practices across the country.

 

What TMS Sessions Feel Like

A typical TMS session is comfortable and straightforward:

• You sit in a treatment chair

• A small magnetic coil rests lightly against your scalp

• You feel tapping sensations as the device delivers pulses

• You can read, listen to music, or relax during treatment

• There is no downtime — you can return to your day immediately

Most patients describe the sensation as unusual but very tolerable.

 

Treatment Timeline

TMS works gradually, with benefits building over time.

Typical course:

• 5 sessions per week

• 6–8 weeks total

• 3–20 minutes per session

Many patients begin noticing improvement around weeks 2–4, with continued progress throughout the course.

 

 Effectiveness of TMS for Depression

Clinical studies consistently show:

• 60–70% of patients experience significant improvement

• 40-53 % achieve full remission

• Benefits can be long‑lasting, especially when combined with therapy and healthy routines

For patients who have struggled with medication‑resistant depression, TMS can be a turning point.

 

Side Effects

TMS is well‑tolerated and non‑systemic, meaning it does not affect the whole body like medication.

Common, mild side effects:

• Scalp sensitivity

• Mild headache

• Temporary facial muscle twitching during treatment

These typically improve within the first week.

 

 Why Patients Choose TMS at Silverlining Psychiatry

• Treatment delivered by a board‑certified psychiatrist

• Evidence‑based protocols

• Personalized treatment adjustments

• Calm, private treatment environment

• Clear communication and support throughout the process

We focus on clinical precision, patient comfort, and long‑term outcomes.

 

Is TMS Right for You?

If you’ve tried antidepressants without meaningful improvement — or you’re looking for a non‑medication option — TMS may be an appropriate next step.

We offer a thorough evaluation to determine whether TMS is a good fit for your symptoms, history, and goals.

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to explore TMS for depression in San Diego, our team is here to help you understand your options and take the next step toward feeling better.

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