What is the difference between Deep TMS and rTMS?

Deep TMS and rTMS are both noninvasive brain stimulation treatments that are often covered by insurance, so out-of-pocket cost usually depends more on the insurance plan than the type of TMS. rTMS sessions typically last about 20 to 40 minutes, while Deep TMS sessions are often shorter, sometimes under 20 minutes. rTMS reports efficacy rates around 50% to 60%, while Deep TMS reports 82% efficacy and 65% remission rates. Deep TMS may be more effective for treatment-resistant depression because it stimulates deeper and broader brain regions than standard rTMS.

What is Deep TMS Therapy?

Not all TMS is the same — and not every TMS provider offers a full care team. Axis combines the most advanced Deep TMS technology with integrated psychiatry, therapy, Spravato®, and personalized depression care.

When antidepressants haven’t provided the relief you need, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy offers new hope. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, our psychiatric providers can prescribe the most cutting-edge TMS treatment, Deep TMS, in Aurora, Denver, Boulder, and Westminster. Use our free cost calculator to get a rough estimate of costs based on your insurance details.

How Does TMS Help with Depression?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike antidepressants that affect your entire body, TMS directly targets the prefrontal cortex, where depression-related brain activity patterns can be normalized.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the prefrontal cortex. This helps normalize brain activity patterns linked to depression, providing targeted relief without the systemic side effects of medication.

The TMS process begins with a consultation, treatment history review, and brain mapping which can take about an hour. Afterwards, sessions last 20 minutes, and you sit in a comfortable chair while magnetic pulses are delivered. After each session, you can immediately return to work, drive, and resume normal activities like driving.

Clinical studies show response rates of 58–70% with regular TMS, while deep TMS efficacy rate has been reported in peer-reviewed studies to be well over 80%. Remission rates range from 32–38% with traditional TMS and up to 65% with deep TMS, with benefits lasting a year or longer for many patients.

The FDA approved TMS for treatment-resistant depression in 2008, and since then, over 5 million treatments have been administered worldwide. While research from Harvard Medical School and other leading institutions consistently demonstrates TMS therapy’s effectiveness, with response rates of 50-60% in treatment-resistant depression patients, deep TMS has shown an 80% efficacy rate.

How TMS Works: The Science Behind the Treatment

Targeted Brain Stimulation: TMS uses a specialized electromagnetic coil placed against your scalp to deliver focused magnetic pulses to the left prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that shows decreased activity in people with depression. Deep TMS has been shown to penetrate more deeply than rTMS, hence the superior results.

Neuroplasticity Enhancement: The magnetic stimulation promotes neuroplasticity–your brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This helps restore normal brain function and communication pathways that have been disrupted by depression.

No Systemic Side Effects: Unlike medications that circulate throughout your body, TMS therapy only affects the specific brain region being treated, eliminating the systemic side effects common with antidepressants.

Evidence-Based Protocols: Treatment follows precise FDA-approved protocols developed through extensive clinical trials, ensuring optimal effectiveness and safety.

Do you want to know how much TMS will cost with your insurance coverage?

We now offer a free TMS Cost Calculator if you want a rough estimate of your out-of-pocket cost for Deep TMS. If you still have questions about your specific insurance benefits, you can book a free financial consultation with one of our team members who can check your coverage and walk you through your insurance plan.

At your appointment, we’ll tell you:

What your insurance plan requires to cover treatment
Your estimated out-of-pocket cost
What you can expect from TMS treatment including time commitments, when you might to start feeling better, and other options.

We believe that costs should not be the only reason you don’t get the mental health care. Ask our team about payment plans, alternative payments, and more on your call.

Schedule a Free Treatment Cost Consultation

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Deep TMS Cost Calculator

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This is a general estimate only. Your actual cost may differ. Axis verifies your exact benefits before treatment begins. No insurance data is stored.

Important: This is an estimate only, not a guarantee or full benefits investigation. Actual costs depend on your specific plan and claim processing. You are not required or encouraged to book services with Axis based upon this calculator. The calculator is provided as a certain mental and behavioral health concerns.

Deep TMS Effectiveness vs rTMS: Clinical Results and Success Rates

TMS therapy has been extensively studied, with robust clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression. However, with the introduction of Brainsway Deep TMS technology, TMS therapy has gotten better.

Clinical Trial Results

Response Rates: Clinical studies show 58-70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experience significant improvement with rTMS therapy. With deep TMS therapy, response rates are over 82% and remission rates are double what they are for rTMS.

Remission Rates: 32-38% of patients achieve complete remission of depressive symptoms with rTMS. With deep TMS, remission rates were 65% after 30 sessions.

Sustained Benefits: Follow-up studies demonstrate that improvements often last 12+ months after completing treatment.

Quality of Life: Patients report significant improvements in work performance, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.

Comparison to Other Treatments

Research comparing TMS to other depression treatments shows:

Superior to medication in treatment-resistant cases
Less risky than ECT without memory loss or anesthesia risks
More effective than therapy alone for severe depression
Better long-term outcomes than continued medication trials
Compared to Ketamine Therapy: While ketamine therapy works faster (usually within days), efficacy is only within 50%-60%. Deep TMS therapy has a higher efficacy rate (over 80%) and lasts much longer. There’s also no down time and patients can drive and resume regular activity right after treatment. But realistically, it’s not a question of choosing one depression treatment over another. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we see incredible improvements and enhanced neuroplasticity when patients do both treatments at our clinic.

Advantages of TMS Therapy

TMS offers significant advantages over traditional depression treatments, particularly for individuals who haven’t responded to medications or experienced intolerable side effects.

Drug-Free Treatment Benefits

No Medication Side Effects: TMS doesn’t cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, cognitive problems, or other common antidepressant side effects.

No Drug Interactions: Safe to use with other medications or medical conditions that may contraindicate antidepressants.

Preserved Cognitive Function: Unlike ECT, TMS doesn’t affect memory or cognitive abilities.

Maintained Alertness: You remain fully conscious and alert throughout treatment, able to read, listen to music, or relax.

Lifestyle Compatibility

Work and Life Integration: TMS sessions fit into busy schedules without disrupting professional or personal responsibilities.

Driving Safety: You can drive to and from appointments without any restrictions.

Social Activities: No need to avoid social situations or activities during treatment.

Family Impact: Treatment doesn’t affect your ability to care for family members or maintain household responsibilities.

Long-Term Benefits

Sustained Results: Many patients maintain improvements for 12+ months after completing treatment.

Medication Reduction: Some patients may reduce or eliminate antidepressant medications after successful TMS treatment.

Enhanced Therapy Response: TMS can make psychotherapy more effective by improving brain function.

Relapse Prevention: Regular maintenance sessions can prevent depression recurrence.

Who is a Good Candidate for TMS?

TMS therapy is particularly effective for specific populations and depression presentations.

Ideal Candidates

Treatment-Resistant Depression: Individuals who haven’t responded adequately to at least two different antidepressant medications at therapeutic doses.

Medication Intolerance: People who experience severe side effects from antidepressants that make continued treatment impossible.

Medication Contraindications: Those with medical conditions or drug interactions that prevent safe use of antidepressants.

Preference for Non-Drug Treatment: Individuals seeking effective alternatives to medication-based approaches, and don’t want to use insurance to pay for treatment.

Professional Demands: People whose work requires mental clarity and alertness that medications might compromise.

Clinical Requirements

Depression Severity: Moderate to severe major depressive disorder that significantly impairs functioning.

Treatment History: Documentation of failed antidepressant trials to establish treatment resistance for insurance coverage. Cash pay patients can start immediately.

Stable Medical Conditions: General good health without contraindications to magnetic stimulation.

Realistic Expectations: Understanding of treatment timeline and commitment to completing the full course.

Special Populations

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: TMS is safe during pregnancy when antidepressants may be contraindicated.

Elderly Patients: Excellent safety profile in older adults who may be sensitive to medication side effects.

Adolescents: FDA-approved for ages 15+ with emerging research in younger populations.

Medical Comorbidities: Safe for patients with heart conditions, diabetes, or other medical issues that complicate medication use.

TMS Safety Profile and Side Effects

TMS therapy has an excellent safety record with minimal side effects compared to other depression treatments.

Common Side Effects (Usually Mild and Temporary)

Scalp Discomfort: Mild pain or discomfort at the treatment site, typically diminishing after the first few sessions.

Headaches: Occasional mild headaches that usually resolve with over-the-counter pain medication.

Muscle Twitching: Minor facial muscle contractions during treatment that are normal and not harmful. We can provide you with a mouth guard if necessary.

Jaw Discomfort: Temporary jaw tension that can be managed with muscle relaxation techniques.

Rare Side Effects

Seizure Risk: Extremely rare (less than 0.1% of patients) and typically occurs only in individuals with predisposing factors.

Hearing Changes: Temporary hearing effects prevented by wearing ear protection during treatment.

Mood Changes: Some patients experience temporary mood fluctuations as brain function adjusts.

Contraindications

Metal Implants: Certain metallic objects in the head or neck area may preclude treatment.

Medical Devices: Some implanted medical devices may interfere with magnetic stimulation.

Seizure History: Personal history of seizures requires careful evaluation and monitoring.

Medications: Certain medications that lower seizure threshold need careful consideration.

Insurance Coverage and Affordability

Most major insurance plans now cover TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression, recognizing its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness compared to ongoing medication trials.

Insurance Coverage Details

Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, United Insurance Plans: Covered after 2 or more failed antidepressant trials and evidence of psychotherapy.

Medicare Coverage: Medicare covers TMS therapy when medical criteria are met and treatment is provided by qualified providers.

Medicaid Acceptance: Colorado Medicaid does not cover TMS therapy.

Prior Authorization: Our team handles all insurance paperwork and prior authorization requirements to ensure coverage approval.

Making TMS Affordable

Insurance Navigation: Dedicated insurance specialists help maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Payment Plans: Flexible payment options for any uncovered portions of treatment.

Financial Assistance: Sliding scale fees and hardship programs for qualifying patients.

HSA/FSA Eligible: Treatment costs can be paid using health savings account or flexible spending account funds.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Studies show TMS therapy is cost-effective compared to continued medication trials:

Reduced Healthcare Utilization: Fewer doctor visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations
Improved Work Productivity: Return to full functioning reduces disability costs
Medication Savings: Reduced need for multiple medications and their associated costs
Quality of Life: Economic value of restored functioning and well-being

Success Stories: Real Patients, Real Results

“I chose Axis because when I called the office it was one of the places that I think really gave me a lot of the options. It was really easy to reach out to them and like here’s all the information you need pretty immediately”- Megan, Axis Integrated Mental Health Patient

Frequently Asked Questions About TMS Therapy

How effective is TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression?

Deep TMS therapy shows remarkable effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression, with clinical studies demonstrating over 80% efficacy. Regular TMS response rates are closer to 50-70% in patients who haven’t responded to multiple antidepressant medications. TMS is particularly effective because it directly targets brain regions involved in depression using magnetic stimulation, bypassing the systemic limitations of medications. The treatment works by normalizing brain activity patterns in the prefrontal cortex, promoting neuroplasticity and restoring healthy neural connections.

What’s the difference beteen Deep TMS and rTMS?

Cost: Both are usually covered by insurance, so your out-of-pocket cost is often similar. It depends more on your plan than the type of TMS.

Time: rTMS: ~20–40 minutes per session. Deep TMS: often shorter sessions, sometimes under 20 minutes

Effectiveness: rTMS reports efficacy rates of 50-60% Deep TMS reports 82% efficacy rates and 65% remission rates (nearly double the remission rate of rTMS). This is likely due to the deeper penetration Deep TMS can deliver. Studies show that Deep TMS stimulates a volume of 18cm compared to just 3 cm for standard rTMS.

Bottom line:
Cost is similar, Deep TMS is often faster, and may be more effective for treatment-resistant depression.

What does TMS therapy feel like during treatment?

During TMS therapy, you’ll sit comfortably in a treatment chair while a magnetic coil is positioned against your scalp near your left forehead. You’ll hear rhythmic clicking sounds and feel tapping sensations on your scalp as the magnetic pulses are delivered. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a woodpecker tapping or mild discomfort that typically decreases after the first few sessions. You remain fully awake and alert throughout the 37-minute session and can read, listen to music, or relax. There’s no anesthesia, sedation, or recovery time needed. Many patients find the sessions relaxing or use the time to engage in our StorySHIFT™ protocol.

Does insurance cover TMS therapy in Denver?

Most major insurance plans now cover TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Colorado Medicaid does not cover TMS. Coverage typically requires documentation of failed responses to at least two antidepressant medications at adequate doses and duration and psychotherapy. Our insurance team handles all prior authorization paperwork and appeals processes to maximize your coverage. TMS is considered a cost-effective treatment by insurance companies because it often eliminates the need for continued medication trials and reduces overall healthcare utilization. We also offer payment plans and financial assistance for any uncovered portions.

How long do TMS therapy results last?

TMS therapy results are typically long-lasting, with follow-up studies showing sustained benefits for 12+ months after completing treatment. A study published in Depression and Anxiety found that 68% of TMS responders maintained their improvement at 12-month follow-up. The durability of TMS results is attributed to neuroplasticity changes in the brain that persist beyond the treatment period. Some patients may benefit from periodic maintenance sessions (usually monthly) to sustain benefits long-term. Unlike medications that only work while being taken, TMS creates lasting changes in brain function that continue providing benefits. If depression symptoms do return, repeat TMS courses are often effective and may require fewer sessions.

Are there any side effects or risks with TMS therapy?

TMS therapy has an excellent safety profile with minimal side effects compared to antidepressants or other depression treatments. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort and occasional headaches, which typically diminish after the first few sessions and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Some patients experience minor facial muscle twitching during treatment, which is normal and harmless. The risk of seizure is extremely rare (less than 0.1% of patients) and typically only occurs in individuals with predisposing factors. Unlike medications, TMS doesn’t cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, cognitive problems, or systemic side effects. You can drive to and from appointments and return to all normal activities immediately after treatment.

Transform Your Life with TMS Therapy

If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants without success or struggled with intolerable medication side effects, TMS therapy offers new hope for recovery. This FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment has helped thousands of people reclaim their lives from treatment-resistant depression.

At Axis Integrated Mental Health, our experienced TMS psychiatrists provide personalized care using the latest technology and protocols. We understand the frustration of failed treatments and are committed to helping you achieve lasting recovery without the side effects of traditional medications.

Don’t let treatment-resistant depression define your future. TMS therapy can provide the breakthrough you’ve been seeking, offering real hope for sustained recovery and improved quality of life.

Ready to explore TMS therapy and reclaim your life from depression? Start your journey today.

Schedule your TMS consultation online at axismh.com/book-online or call our Denver office at (303) 321-4307 to speak with our TMS specialists about your treatment options and insurance coverage

What is Deep TMS Therapy?

How Does TMS Help with Depression?

How TMS Works: The Science Behind the Treatment