TMS Therapy for Depression in Glendale, CA
Breakthrough TMS provides FDA-cleared BrainsWay Deep TMS for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) at our Glendale office, using protocols designed for adults who have not achieved enough improvement with standard care. Treatment is noninvasive, requires no anesthesia, and most sessions take about 20 minutes or less.
When Medication and Therapy Are Not Enough
Depression can feel exhausting, isolating, and stubborn. If you have tried medication and therapy and still feel stuck, that does not mean nothing will work — it may mean your treatment needs a different mechanism. TMS offers a more targeted approach: instead of working through your whole body the way medication does, it uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the specific brain networks involved in mood regulation. You can read more about how TMS differs from antidepressants, ketamine, and ECT.
Common Depression Symptoms
Depression looks different from person to person. Symptoms we commonly hear about include:
- Low mood, numbness, or irritability
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Low energy, fatigue, or slowed thinking
- Sleep changes (too much or too little)
- Appetite or weight changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling hopeless or “not like yourself”
If your depression also comes with racing thoughts, restlessness, or constant worry, you may want to read about TMS for anxious depression — Deep TMS is FDA-cleared to reduce anxiety symptoms that occur with depression in adults.
Why Deep TMS for Depression
Deep TMS targets brain networks involved in mood regulation using specialized coils. Unlike medication, it is not systemic and does not affect your whole body chemistry. Treatment is performed while you are awake, without anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activities immediately — including driving themselves home.
BrainsWay's Deep TMS coil design is built to reach deeper and broader brain regions than traditional TMS, which can matter for people with more treatment-resistant depression.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
Step 1: Consultation and screening. We review your history, symptoms, medications, and goals, and confirm that TMS is safe and appropriate for you.
Step 2: Personalization (mapping). We determine the best coil positioning and stimulation settings for your brain. This makes your first visit longer than regular sessions.
Step 3: Treatment course. You attend brief sessions on weekdays. Progress builds as sessions accumulate — a common structure involves daily sessions over about 4 to 6 weeks.
For a fuller walkthrough of mapping, session length, and scheduling, see how TMS works.
Are You a Candidate for TMS?
You may be a fit if you:
- Have MDD and have not improved enough with medication or therapy
- Cannot tolerate medication side effects
- Prefer a non-drug approach
- Are medically appropriate after screening
Candidacy is confirmed in a consultation, not a checklist — your history and safety screening matter more than any single factor.
Safety & Side Effects
Most side effects are mild and short-term, commonly headache or scalp discomfort during or after sessions, and comfort typically improves as your body adapts. A very rare risk of seizure is associated with treatment — the reported estimated rate using BrainsWay technology is 0.02%. We review all risks and contraindications during your consultation, including safety screening for metal in or around the head.
Cost & Insurance
Many insurance plans cover TMS for depression. Our team can verify your benefits and explain expected out-of-pocket costs before you start, so there are no surprises. If you have questions about your specific plan, reach out to our Glendale office and we will check for you.
Depression FAQs
How soon will I notice improvement?
Some patients notice changes during the course, while others build improvement later. We track progress so you can see trends over time.
Can I keep taking my current medication?
Possibly. We will review your medication list and coordinate care as needed.
Will I be awake during treatment?
Yes. You stay awake the entire time — TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation.
How long is each session?
Most sessions are about 20 minutes or less, depending on the protocol. Your first visit is usually longer because it includes mapping and setup.
Do I need a ride home?
Typically, no. Most patients drive themselves.