TMS Therapy Near Me: Your Complete Guide to TMS in New Jersey

Ritesha Krishnappa • December 18, 2025

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?


TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain (most commonly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for depression). Pulses are delivered with a coil placed on the scalp; treatment is done while awake and does not require anesthesia.


  • Variants:
  • Standard rTMS: sessions ~30–45 minutes.
  • iTBS (intermittent theta burst stimulation): accelerated protocol with much shorter sessions (often 3–10 minutes) that can produce similar clinical results in many patients.


Safety & Side Effects:


The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache, which typically resolve. Serious events (seizures) are rare when patients are properly screened and protocols followed.


Who is a candidate for TMS?


TMS is typically considered when:


  • A patient has major depressive disorder that has not responded adequately to multiple antidepressant trials or therapy.
  • Medication side effects are intolerable, or the patient prefers a non-drug option.
  • The patient can attend frequent sessions and has no contraindications (e.g., certain metal implants near the head, unshielded intracranial hardware, or an active condition that raises seizure risk).
  • For teens: certain devices have adolescent indications — candidacy is determined by device labeling and clinician judgment.


Typical pre-treatment evaluation includes: psychiatric assessment, medical history, medication review, seizure risk evaluation, and review for metal implants. A baseline symptom scale (PHQ-9, etc.) is often used to track progress.


What to expect during treatment (timeline & session flow)


Evaluation & prep


  • Initial consult / intake (60–90 minutes): psychiatric history, prior treatments, informed consent, and screening.
  • Motor threshold titration: first appointments set the stimulation intensity based on each patient’s motor threshold (a quick calibration).


Treatment course


  • Frequency: Most standard protocols are 5 sessions per week (Mon–Fri).
  • Duration: Typical acute course is 4–6 weeks (totaling ~20–30 sessions). Some protocols extend to 6 weeks or include additional sessions for partial responders.
  • Session length: Traditional rTMS sessions 20–45 minutes; iTBS sessions about 3–10 minutes.
  • Maintenance: Some patients have periodic maintenance TMS (weekly or monthly) if symptoms recur.


During a session


  • You’ll sit comfortably. The technician positions the coil and runs the protocol. You’re awake and alert and can read, use your phone, or relax. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after (unlike treatments that require post-procedure monitoring or sedation).
A man with glasses and a beard is wearing a blue suit and smiling.

Is TMS Right For Me?

Not sure where to begin? Take a short quiz here

Take the Quiz →

Expected results & outcomes



  • When patients improve: Some patients report improvement within 2–4 weeks; others require a full course before meaningful change.


  • Clinical outcomes: Studies have shown that many patients experience significant symptom reduction and improved functioning after completing a full course. Response and remission rates vary by population, past treatment history, and the protocol used. Your clinician will review expected response rates for the chosen protocol and track progress with standardized measures.


  • Durability: Responses can be durable, but some patients benefit from maintenance sessions or adjunctive therapies (therapy, meds).


TMS vs Spravato vs Medication: a practical comparison

Feature TMS Spravato (esketamine) Typical oral medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)
Mechanism Magnetic stimulation of brain circuits NMDA-receptor modulator (esketamine) Monoamine modulation (serotonin, norepinephrine)
FDA status for depression FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder (various devices/protocols) FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (REMS program) FDA-approved agents for depression
Setting Outpatient clinic; awake In-clinic dosing + 2+ hour observation (REMS) Outpatient, pharmacy dispensed
Session time 3–45 min (daily sessions) Single dosing session + ≥2 hours monitoring Daily at home
Onset of action Often weeks (some improvement in 2–4 weeks) Often rapid (days to weeks) Usually weeks (4–8 weeks to full effect)
Common side effects Headache, scalp discomfort; rare seizure Dissociation, sedation, BP rise; must monitor GI upset, sexual side effects, sleep changes
Insurance landscape Many insurers cover for treatment-resistant depression with prior auth Often covered with prior auth if criteria met; REMS adds documentation Usually covered; generics lower cost
Driving/return to activities Usually immediate Patients cannot drive post-dose until cleared No restrictions except side-effects


Which to choose?


  • TMS is appealing when a non-systemic, non-sedating option is preferred, when meds haven’t worked, or when patients cannot tolerate systemic side effects.
  • Spravato may be preferred for rapid relief (e.g., severe suicidal ideation in a monitored setting) or when previous trials make esketamine a good option.
  • Oral meds remain first-line for many patients due to ease and low cost, but may be ineffective or poorly tolerated for some.


In many cases, these options are complementary, and clinicians may combine treatments (e.g., TMS with medication) to achieve the best outcome.


Insurance, cost & coverage in New Jersey


TMS coverage:

Many insurers cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression when prior authorization and documentation of failed medication trials are provided. Coverage policies vary by carrier. Ask your plan about specific criteria (number of failed antidepressant trials, documentation requirements)


Spravato coverage:

Frequently covered for labeled indications, but requires prior authorization and REMS-compliant administration; patient responsibility depends on plan.



Out-of-pocket options:

When coverage is denied (particularly for off-label ketamine), clinics offer self-pay pricing or financing.



What Elevium can do:

Assist with benefits checks, submit prior authorizations, provide itemized cost estimates, and advise on in-network clinic options in NJ.


Safety & contraindications


General screening includes:


  • Metal implants in or near the head (some implants are disqualifying).
  • History of seizure or conditions that lower seizure threshold.
  • Certain medications may increase seizure risk.
  • Pregnancy: TMS is non-systemic and sometimes considered, but discuss risks/benefits with your clinician.


Side effects & what to watch for:


Headaches, scalp discomfort, fatigue. Emergency signs like seizures are rare but require immediate attention.

  • Can I drive after TMS?

    Yes — most patients return to normal activities immediately after standard TMS sessions.

  • How many TMS sessions will I need?

    A typical acute course is 20–30 sessions over 4–6 weeks; your clinician will tailor this.

  • Will insurance cover TMS in New Jersey?

    Many plans cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression with prior authorization; check with your insurer and Elevium for a benefits check.

  • Is TMS painful?

    It can cause tapping sensations and occasional headaches, generally well tolerated and manageable.

  • Can TMS be used with antidepressant medications?

    Yes - TMS is commonly used alongside medications and psychotherapy.

Share Article

Take the Doubt Out of TMS

Wondering if TMS is right for you? Take our quick quiz to get a personalized answer. No pressure, no commitment.

Take the Quiz →
A cell phone with a screen that says is tms right for me
Woman seated at a desk, facing a person out of frame, holding a pen and paper in an office setting.
By Ritesha Krishnappa December 30, 2025
Quick takeaway Yes - TMS can be an effective option for some people with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). In particular, deep TMS (dTMS) has received FDA clearance for OCD and is provided using specific, evidence-based protocols. At Elevium, TMS for OCD is offered as part of an integrated care plan that pairs neuromodulation with therapy, medication management, and careful clinical oversight. How TMS treats OCD - the basic idea TMS uses focused magnetic fields to change activity in brain circuits involved in mood and compulsive thinking. For OCD, clinicians target the networks thought to underlie obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Deep TMS (dTMS) uses a specialized coil to reach deeper brain structures implicated in OCD and is the modality that has been FDA-cleared for this indication. Clinical protocols are standardized so clinicians can safely and reliably deliver therapeutic stimulation. FDA approvals & what they mean The FDA has cleared specific dTMS systems for the treatment of OCD , which means there is a regulatory basis and controlled clinical evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness for eligible patients. FDA clearance also helps establish standardized treatment protocols and safety monitoring that clinics follow. Typical protocols & what a course looks like Intake & screening: A full psychiatric and medical evaluation is performed to confirm the OCD diagnosis, review prior treatments (therapies and medications), and screen for contraindications (for example, certain implants or seizure risk). Treatment schedule: OCD TMS protocols are typically delivered as a course of daily sessions over multiple weeks. The length of each session and the total number of visits depend on the specific dTMS protocol used and the patient’s clinical response. Monitoring & follow-up: Symptoms are tracked with standardized scales; clinicians adjust the plan and recommend complementary therapies (e.g., ERP — exposure and response prevention) as needed. Elevium’s guidance emphasizes standardized protocols and close outcome tracking to optimize results. Success rates & evidence (what research and clinic experience show) Clinical trials and real-world clinic reports show that many patients with OCD experience meaningful symptom reductions after a full course of dTMS, and some achieve remission. Outcomes vary by individual factors (severity, duration of illness, prior treatment response). Elevium’s TMS for OCD materials summarize published evidence and emphasize honest, individualized expectations during the consent process.
Hand holding a few white pills against a neutral background.
By Ritesha Krishnappa December 29, 2025
Quick overview When evidence-based talk therapy and medication management don’t bring sufficient relief, Elevium offers advanced, clinically proven options that can help many people regain function and hope: TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) — a non-invasive, FDA-cleared brain-stimulation therapy for depression and certain other conditions. Spravato (esketamine) — an FDA-approved, rapidly acting medication for treatment-resistant depression given in-clinic under a REMS safety program. Ketamine (IV/IM/compounded intranasal/oral) — an off-label but increasingly used rapid-acting option with a different regulatory and coverage profile than Spravato. Each has different mechanisms, logistics, evidence levels, and cost/coverage patterns. Below, we explain how they work, who they help, what to expect, and how Elevium integrates them into personalized care. First step: careful re-evaluation Before recommending an advanced therapy, Elevium begins with a comprehensive reassessment: review of diagnosis, co-occurring conditions ( anxiety, PTSD, bipolar spectrum, substance use ), medication history, prior psychotherapy responses, safety (including suicidal risk), medical history, and relevant labs or imaging. This ensures that the chosen option is medically appropriate and that reversible contributors (such as sleep, thyroid, substance, and medication interactions) have been addressed. Elevium’s medication-management and intake workflows emphasize this structured evaluation and shared decision-making. TMS: how it helps when meds/therapy aren’t enough How it works TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation (commonly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). It is a non-invasive procedure performed while the patient is awake. Evidence shows TMS can significantly reduce depressive symptoms in many patients who have not responded to multiple medication trials. Who it’s for People with treatment-resistant depression (failed adequate trials of antidepressants) or those who can’t tolerate medication side effects. Selected patients with OCD or other indications, when supported by the device/protocol and clinical judgment. (Device-specific approvals and local practice guide candidacy.) What the course looks like Intake & screening: psychiatric evaluation, medical history, and motor-threshold titration. Typical course: daily sessions (usually 5×/week) for ~4–6 weeks (about 20–30 sessions). Some accelerated protocols (e.g., iTBS) use much shorter sessions. During sessions, patients are awake, can read or relax, and usually resume normal activities afterward. Side effects are most commonly scalp discomfort or headache; seizures are rare with proper screening. Why does it help when meds fail TMS offers a non-systemic approach that targets neural circuits directly rather than changing neurotransmitter levels systemically. That means patients who did not respond to medication trials sometimes respond to TMS. Pros/cons summary Pros: FDA-cleared, few systemic side effects, durable responses for many. Cons: Time commitment (daily visits), potential for scalp pain/headache, insurance often requires prior authorization and documentation of prior treatment failures.
By Ritesha Krishnappa December 22, 2025
At Elevium, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to mental health care. Every treatment has strengths, limitations, and a best-fit patient. Below is a clear, patient-friendly comparison to help readers weigh their options and see how Elevium integrates treatments into individualized plans. At a glance - Quick Comparison Table
By Ritesha Krishnappa December 18, 2025
Quick overview Medication management at Elevium is a collaborative, medical approach to treating mood, anxiety, and related conditions. It’s not just “getting a prescription” - it’s an ongoing process of assessment, careful medication selection, safety monitoring, and coordination with therapy and other supports. Elevium’s medication management workflow is designed to be evidence-informed, patient-centered, and transparent about costs and logistics.
By Ritesha Krishnappa December 18, 2025
Quick answer If you’re a parent looking at TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) or Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) for a teen with depression, the biggest takeaway is this: TMS has FDA-cleared options for some adolescents (ages 15–21) as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder, depending on the specific TMS system and clinical scenario. Spravato is not established for pediatric patients (safety/effectiveness in people under 18 hasn’t been established in labeling). Spravato also requires in-clinic administration and at least 2 hours of monitoring each session due to risks like sedation/dissociation and respiratory depression. Below is a parent-friendly guide: eligibility, safety data, FAQs, and what options a clinic like Elevium may offer for younger patients. What are these treatments? TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) TMS uses a magnetic coil placed on the scalp to stimulate brain circuits involved in mood regulation. It’s non-invasive, done awake, and doesn’t require anesthesia. In youth research, the most common side effects are typically headache and scalp discomfort, and serious adverse events are uncommon when safety guidelines are followed. Spravato (Esketamine) Spravato is a controlled substance nasal spray administered under supervision in a certified healthcare setting with monitoring because of risks like sedation/dissociation and respiratory depression. It is not dispensed for home use. Spravato. For pediatric use, labeling states that the safety/effectiveness has not been established. Eligibility: Who might be a candidate? TMS eligibility (typical teen considerations) A teen may be considered when: Depression is moderate to severe and significantly impairing. Symptoms haven’t improved enough with evidence-based first-line care (therapy and/or medication), or there’s a reason meds aren’t a good fit. The teen can attend frequent sessions and cooperate with treatment. No contraindications (for example, certain metal implants near the head). Important age note: Some TMS devices now have FDA-cleared indications for adolescents 15–21 as adjunct treatment for MDD. Spravato eligibility for teens In practice, most reputable programs treat Spravato as an adult-focused option because pediatric safety/effectiveness is not established in the labeling. If a clinic considers ketamine/esketamine-type therapies for youth at all, it’s usually in highly specialized contexts with careful risk/benefit review and parent/guardian involvement.
By Ritesha Krishnappa December 15, 2025
Quick answer  Spravato (esketamine) - more likely to be covered by insurance for treatment-resistant depression or certain labeled indications because it is FDA-approved for those uses and provided under a REMS (safety) program. Coverage usually requires prior authorization and is commonly billed through the medical benefit (clinic/office administration), though specifics vary by insurer. Ketamine (racemic or other formulations) given for depression (IV, IM, oral, compounded intranasal) is generally off-label for psychiatric indications. Most commercial and government payers treat ketamine for depression as experimental/ investigational and do not routinely cover it, so patients commonly pay out-of-pocket. Exceptions can occur on a case-by-case basis. Below is a patient-friendly but practical breakdown to help you understand the differences, benefits, and when each option might be preferred. How insurers think about these two treatments 1. FDA approval & labeling (big insurer signal) Spravato (esketamine): FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression (and for depressive symptoms in certain cases). Because it’s approved and regulated (REMS), payers have a clear precedent for coverage policies — though they still typically require documentation of prior treatment attempts and a prior authorization. Ketamine (IV/IM/oral/compounded intranasal): Ketamine as an anesthetic is FDA-approved, but not specifically approved for depression except for esketamine. Using ketamine for depression is off-label, so most insurers label it “investigational” and don’t cover it routinely. 2. Delivery setting & billing pathway Spravato: Administered in a certified clinic with monitoring (because of REMS). Charges are generally billed under the medical benefit (clinic visit/drug administration/observation). In some systems, parts may route through the pharmacy/medical split — check your plan. Ketamine: Often given via IV infusion in outpatient infusion clinics/medical offices. Since this use is off-label, some insurers will not cover the drug or the infusion visit; even when they do, coverage is inconsistent. Ketamine given for anesthesia (unrelated uses) is covered in its approved context, but that does not imply coverage for depression treatment. 3. Evidence & guidelines Spravato has randomized trials, an FDA label, and published REMS safety requirements — this strengthens the case for insurer coverage. Ketamine has growing evidence showing rapid antidepressant effects but lacks a universal regulatory approval for depression (outside esketamine), so guidelines and payer policies are uneven. Benefits of each treatment (clinical perspective) Spravato (esketamine) Standardized, FDA-approved formulation and dose. REMS program requires safe administration and monitoring, which some insurers view positively. Good evidence for treatment-resistant depression and a clear pathway for prior authorization. Administered under supervision with structured follow-up — easier to document for insurers. Ketamine (IV/IM/oral/compounded) Flexible routes of administration (IV, IM, oral, intranasal) — IV infusions may produce rapid effects. Often faster & flexible protocols in experienced clinics (some patients respond when other treatments fail). Potentially lower direct drug cost (depending on formulation), but overall cost can still be high because of clinic fees and repeat sessions. Clinical experience: Many providers and clinics report beneficial outcomes, particularly for acute suicidal ideation or rapid symptom relief; however, standardization and long-term data vary.
By Ritesha Krishnappa November 11, 2025
For many patients, Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) represents a lifeline when traditional antidepressants fall short. However, no treatment is without risk, and you may have stumbled upon online stories that read “Spravato ruined my life.” In this article, we’ll explore: Why some patients have negative experiences Common and rare side effects of Spravato How to minimize risks When to seek help What makes treatment at Elevium different
By Ritesha Krishnappa November 4, 2025
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is FDA-approved and widely considered a safe, effective treatment for depression, OCD, and other mood disorders. But, as with any therapy, individual experiences vary - and online, you may have come across forums or articles claiming “TMS made me worse.” At Elevium , we believe in open, honest communication about both the benefits and the potential challenges of treatment. In this article, we’ll cover: Why some patients report negative experiences The most common side effects How Elevium minimizes risk and enhances outcomes What to do if symptoms worsen How to make an informed, confident decision about TMS
By Ritesha Krishnappa October 23, 2025
When to Expect Results and Side Effects from Spravato
By Ritesha Krishnappa October 22, 2025
How Much Does Spravato Cost?  Understanding Pricing, Insurance, and Treatment Options
A cell phone with a screen that says find your treatment fit

Take the Guesswork Out of Treatment

Answer a few quick questions to discover which treatment best fits your needs.

Take the Quiz →