What to Do When Medications and Therapy Aren’t Enough
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.
Spravato (esketamine): a regulated, fast-acting option
How it works
Spravato is a nasal esketamine formulation that modulates glutamatergic signaling (NMDA receptor pathway) and can produce rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Because of safety risks (dissociation, sedation, blood pressure elevation), it is delivered in-clinic under a REMS program with post-dose monitoring.
Who it’s for
Patients who meet FDA-labeled criteria for treatment-resistant depression (typically after multiple failed antidepressant trials) require careful monitoring. Eligibility depends on clinical history and insurer criteria.
What the process looks like at a clinic
- Evaluation & documentation: psychiatric assessment and documentation of prior treatments to support prior authorization.
- Dosing visits: in-clinic dosing with at least 2 hours of observation after administration; vital signs and mental status are
- monitored until the patient is safe to leave.
- Follow-up: regular psychiatric follow-ups to assess response, side effects, and maintenance plans.
Why Spravato when meds fail
Spravato’s regulated, standardized dosing and FDA approval make it a clear option when conventional antidepressants fail, and a rapid response is desirable. Because it’s delivered under REMS, there is a well-defined safety and monitoring structure that many insurers recognize, which can improve the likelihood of coverage (though prior authorization is commonly required).
Pros/cons summary
- Pros: Rapid onset for many patients; FDA-approved pathway and standardized safety procedures.
- Cons: Must be administered and monitored in a clinic (time burden), dissociation and BP changes are possible, and insurance coverage requires documentation/PA.
Ketamine: flexible, rapid, but usually off-label
How it works
Generic ketamine (racemic) acts on glutamate signaling and can produce rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects in many patients. It’s delivered in different forms (IV infusion is the most studied; IM and compounded intranasal/oral formulations are also used). Ketamine for depression is typically off-label, meaning the drug is not FDA-approved for depression specifically (unlike Spravato).
Who it’s for
Patients needing rapid symptom relief or those who have failed multiple conventional treatments. Because it is off-label, candidacy often requires careful informed consent and discussion of costs/coverage.
What a typical ketamine course looks like
- Screening & consent: medical review, substance-use screening, and informed consent for off-label use.
- Dosing: an acute series of infusions (for IV) over 1–2 weeks, followed by maintenance sessions as clinically indicated. Monitoring during and after dosing is routine to manage dissociation and blood-pressure changes.
- Integration: Many clinics recommend psychotherapy and functional support alongside ketamine to consolidate gains.
Why ketamine when meds fail
Ketamine’s speed of effect (sometimes hours to days) makes it an important option for crises or for patients who need quick symptom relief. However, the lack of standardized regulatory approval for depression means insurance coverage is inconsistent, and many patients pay out-of-pocket.
Pros/cons summary
- Pros: Rapid symptom relief for many, flexible administration routes.
- Cons: Off-label - variable insurance coverage; dissociation and transient BP changes; need for repeated maintenance and more research on long-term outcomes.
How Elevium chooses between these options
Decision factors we weigh
- Severity & urgency: suicidal ideation or severe impairment may favor rapid options (ketamine/Spravato under monitored conditions).
- Prior treatment history: number and adequacy of prior antidepressant/psychotherapy trials.
- Medical comorbidity & contraindications: seizure risk, cardiovascular issues, substance-use history, implants (for TMS).
- Logistics & preference: ability to attend daily TMS vs. preference for medication options; tolerance for clinic monitoring/time.
Insurance & cost: Spravato is often covered with prior authorization; ketamine is frequently self-pay; TMS coverage depends on the insurer and documentation. Elevium helps patients navigate benefits checks and prior authorizations.
Typical pathways
- TMS is often recommended when a patient has documented an inadequate response to medication and prefers a non-drug approach.
- Spravato is chosen when a patient meets labeled criteria and seeks a regulated, clinic-based rapid option.
- Ketamine may be offered when rapid relief is needed, and Spravato is not appropriate/available, with full discussion of cost and evidence.
Integration & ongoing care
Advanced treatments are rarely “one and done” — best outcomes come when these options are integrated with psychotherapy, medication management, and functional supports:
- Combine with psychotherapy: many patients do better when TMS/ketamine/Spravato are paired with ongoing evidence-based therapy to consolidate gains.
- Medication coordination: medication regimens may continue or be adjusted during/after advanced treatments. Elevium’s medication-management workflow supports close coordination.
- Maintenance planning: TMS maintenance schedules, Spravato maintenance dosing, or periodic ketamine sessions may be planned based on response.
Safety, monitoring, and practicalities
- TMS: requires pre-treatment screening for seizure risk and metal implants; most side effects are mild and transient.
- Spravato: administered under a REMS program with at least 2 hours of post-dose monitoring for dissociation/sedation and BP changes; prior authorization is routinely required.
- Ketamine: requires monitoring during infusion/dosing for dissociation and BP changes; because its use for depression is off-label, informed consent and careful follow-up are critical.
Insurance & cost realities
- TMS: many insurers cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression with prior authorization and proof of prior medication trials.
- Spravato: often covered when label criteria are met and REMS procedures are followed; still often requires PA.
- Ketamine: commonly considered investigational for depression by payers; many patients pay out-of-pocket.
Elevium helps by performing benefits checks, submitting prior authorizations, and estimating likely out-of-pocket costs.
How fast do these treatments work?
- TMS: many patients notice improvement after 2–4 weeks, with fuller benefit by the end of a standard course.
- Spravato: can act quickly (days to weeks) for many patients.
- Ketamine: often rapid, sometimes within hours to days. Response times vary.
Are these treatments safe?
All carry specific risks and require screening and monitoring. TMS has low systemic risk; Spravato and ketamine require clinic monitoring for dissociation and BP changes. Your clinician will review risks and monitoring plans.
Will insurance cover them?
Coverage varies: TMS and Spravato are frequently covered with prior authorization when criteria are met; ketamine for depression is usually off-label and often self-pay. Elevium performs pre-treatment benefit checks to clarify costs.
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Quick Answer: A TMS evaluation is the consultation that determines whether TMS is right for you before any treatment begins. At Elevium Health in Florham Park, New Jersey, it covers three things: a clinical assessment of your depression and treatment history, a medical safety screening for contraindications, and an insurance benefits check. It's not the treatment itself — it's the step that confirms you're a candidate, rules out safety risks, and sorts out coverage, so you can make the decision with the full picture in front of you. If you've been researching TMS, you've probably read plenty about what the sessions are like. The part that gets less attention is the evaluation - the step that actually decides whether you start. It matters more than people expect, because a thorough evaluation is what makes the rest of the process safe, personalized, and far less uncertain. Here's what a comprehensive TMS evaluation involves and why each part is there. Why the evaluation exists TMS isn't a first-line treatment , and it isn't right for everyone. The evaluation is how a clinician confirms three things before you commit time, money, or hope to a six-week course: Are you a candidate? TMS is used for treatment-resistant depression — typically when antidepressants haven't worked well enough or weren't tolerated. The evaluation confirms the diagnosis and treatment history that make TMS appropriate. Is it safe for you? A small number of conditions and implants make TMS unsafe. Screening for them protects you. What will it cost? Insurance coverage for TMS depends on meeting specific criteria. The evaluation is where that gets checked, before anything is scheduled. Skip any of these, and you risk starting a treatment you're not a fit for, weren't safe for, or didn't realize wouldn't be covered. That's why the evaluation is the step that turns a question into a confident decision. The clinical assessment This is the core of the visit. One of our psychiatrists builds a complete picture of your mental health and what's brought you here. Expect a real conversation rather than a checklist, covering: Your diagnosis and symptoms. When did things start, what does a difficult day look like, and how is depression affecting your daily life. Standardized depression rating scales are often used so progress can be measured objectively later. Your treatment history. Which antidepressants have you tried, at what doses, for how long, and why you stopped each? This matters clinically, and it matters for insurance - most carriers want documented evidence that medications were tried before they'll authorize TMS. Your goals. What "better" actually looks like for you. This shapes how treatment is planned and how progress is judged. The honesty of this conversation directly affects the quality of your plan, so it's worth coming prepared (more on that below).
Quick Answer: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey generally covers TMS and Spravato for treatment-resistant depression when medical necessity criteria are met, but does not cover ketamine infusions, which are considered off-label. Elevium Health is in-network with Horizon BCBS of New Jersey, and the billing team runs your benefits check and handles prior authorization before treatment is scheduled — so you'll know what's covered before you commit to anything. If you've reached out about TMS, Spravato, or ketamine and you're covered by Horizon, the next question is almost always the same: what will my plan actually pay for? This post covers where Horizon BCBS of New Jersey typically lands on each treatment, what prior authorization involves, and how Elevium handles the paperwork so you're not the one chasing approvals. First, two things that trip people up "In-network" and "covered" are not the same thing. Elevium being in-network with Horizon means the practice has a contracted relationship with the carrier. Whether a specific treatment is paid for is a separate question that depends on your individual plan and on meeting medical necessity criteria. A treatment can be a covered benefit and still require prior authorization before it starts. Plan details vary, even within Horizon. Horizon administers many plan types — commercial, employer-sponsored, and others — and the specifics (which treatments need authorization, how many medication trials count, what documentation is required) differ between them. Anything below is directional. We confirm the exact terms of your plan at the benefits check. Learn More: Insurance Coverage Does Horizon BCBS of New Jersey cover TMS? For TMS, Horizon generally follows a treatment-resistant depression framework. That typically means a documented diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), a history of antidepressant trials that didn't work well enough or weren't tolerated, and prior authorization before treatment begins. Horizon, like most carriers, also has specific criteria for what counts as an adequate medication trial — duration, dose, and adherence all factor in. TMS for depression is the most commonly covered use. Coverage for TMS for OCD is more variable and tends to require stronger documentation of symptom severity and prior treatment history. If OCD is the reason you're considering TMS, it's worth flagging specifically so we can check that part of your benefits carefully. Does Horizon BCBS of New Jersey cover Spravato? Spravato (esketamine) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and for major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation. Horizon generally covers it, but the prior authorization bar is usually higher than for TMS . Common requirements across plans include a documented MDD diagnosis, a history of failed antidepressant trials, and a concurrent oral antidepressant taken alongside Spravato - that last one is an FDA requirement, not just an insurance rule. Spravato also has to be delivered at a REMS-certified facility, which Elevium is, with a monitoring period after each dose. Where plans differ is in how many prior medication trials they require and how they handle continuation of treatment after the initial phase. Does Horizon BCBS of New Jersey cover ketamine? Generally, no. Ketamine infusion therapy is distinct from Spravato. While Spravato is an FDA-approved esketamine product, IV ketamine for depression is considered off-label, and Horizon — like most carriers — does not cover it. Ketamine at Elevium is a self-pay treatment. If insurance coverage is the deciding factor for you, Spravato is usually the better-covered esketamine option, and it's worth discussing which fits your situation before ruling anything out. You can also review treatment costs to understand the self-pay picture.
Quick Answer: TMS is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive depression treatment for adolescents aged 15 and older when antidepressants haven't worked well enough . For parents, the decision usually comes down to four things: whether your teen meets clinical criteria, how it fits with their current therapist or psychiatrist, what insurance will cover, and what a course actually looks like day-to-day. This guide walks through each. If you've tried the conventional route — therapy, medication, or both — and your teen still isn't where you'd hoped, TMS is one of the newer options available in New Jersey. At Elevium Health in Florham Park, this guide is for the homework stage, before any decisions get made. When TMS Becomes a Reasonable Option TMS isn't usually the first treatment a teen tries. It enters the conversation when standard approaches haven't been enough - typically after at least one antidepressant trial that didn't work well enough or caused side effects your teen couldn't tolerate. Common situations where families start looking at TMS: A teen has been on SSRIs for several months with limited improvement Side effects (weight changes, sexual side effects, emotional blunting) are making medication a non-starter Your teen is engaged in therapy, but depression is still interfering with school, sleep, or relationships You and their psychiatrist want a non-medication option to add to the plan For adolescents, FDA guidance is that TMS is used alongside antidepressant medication, not as a replacement. Who Qualifies The FDA cleared TMS for adolescent depression for ages 15 and older . Practically, eligibility at Elevium depends on: Age: 15 or older Diagnosis: Major depressive disorder, confirmed by a treating clinician Treatment history: Usually a documented trial of at least one antidepressant Continuity of care: An existing child and adolescent psychiatrist or therapist who stays involved Concurrent medication: Your teen on (or starting) antidepressant medication during the course Safety screening: No metal implants in the head or neck, no recent adverse TMS events; history of seizures is a relative contraindication We don't currently offer psychotherapy or medication management to adolescents at Elevium, so your teen will need an outside therapist or psychiatrist willing to coordinate with our clinical team. Worth confirming that with their current providers before booking.
Quick Answer: Your first medication management appointment at Elevium Health runs about 60 minutes. The psychiatrist takes a full history, reviews any medications you've tried, and discusses your symptoms and goals. Sometimes you'll leave with a prescription that day; sometimes the right move is to gather more information first. Either way, you'll know what's happening next before you walk out. If you've filled out the contact form for medication management, you're probably weighing whether to book the appointment. This post walks through exactly what happens at that first visit — what you'll be asked, what gets decided, and what to bring — so you can show up without the unknowns getting in the way. Before the Appointment A few things to sort out in the days before: Confirm insurance and paperwork. You'll get intake forms in advance. Filling them out properly saves time at the appointment — incomplete forms mean the psychiatrist spends the first part of the session asking questions you already had answers to. Pull together your medication history. This is the single most useful thing you can bring. A simple list of: Any psychiatric medications you've tried (even years ago) Doses, if you remember them How long you took each one Why you stopped (didn't work, side effects, ran out, switched doctors) If you're not sure, pharmacy records or your previous prescriber's notes are gold. Don't worry if it's incomplete — the psychiatrist will fill in the gaps in conversation. But the more you can bring, the faster you get to a treatment plan that fits. Note any current medications. Including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and anything from another prescriber. Drug interactions matter, and the psychiatrist needs the full picture. What Happens During the Appointment The first appointment is longer than follow-ups — usually around 60 minutes - because the psychiatrist is building a complete picture of your mental health, your medical history, and what you're hoping to get out of treatment. The conversation tends to cover: Your symptoms and what brought you in. When did things start? What does a bad day look like? What makes it better or worse? This isn't a checklist — it's a real conversation, and you don't need to have it perfectly articulated. Most people don't. Your psychiatric and medical history. Previous diagnoses, hospitalizations, therapy history, family history of mental health conditions, and any physical health conditions that could affect medication choice (thyroid issues, cardiac history, kidney or liver function, pregnancy plans). What you've tried. Medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, alternative approaches. The psychiatrist isn't judging — they're learning what's worked, what hasn't, and where to start. Your goals. What does "better" look like for you? Sometimes that's "I want to stop crying every morning." Sometimes it's "I want to be present with my kids again." There's no wrong answer; this shapes the treatment plan. Risk and safety. Standard questions about any thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These are routine — every psychiatrist asks them — and honest answers help the psychiatrist make safer choices. What Gets Decided That Day Three things usually happen by the end of the appointment: A working diagnosis or impression. This may match what you've been told before, or it may be different. The psychiatrist will explain what they're seeing and why. A starting plan. Often this is a prescription — either a new medication or an adjustment to what you're already on. Sometimes the plan is to gather more information first (lab work, records from a previous provider) before prescribing. Either approach is normal. A follow-up schedule. Most people are seen again within two to four weeks of starting or adjusting medication. This is a closer follow-up than you might be used to, and it's intentional - the early weeks are when adjustments matter most.
Quick Answer: Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare all cover TMS and Spravato for treatment-resistant depression when medical necessity criteria are met. Coverage for TMS for OCD is more variable . Each carrier has its own prior authorization process, and the specific requirements (number of failed medication trials, documentation needed, ongoing therapy criteria) shift over time. At Elevium Health, the billing team runs benefits checks and handles prior authorization before treatment starts, so you'll know what's covered before anything is scheduled. If you've filled out the contact form, the cost question is usually the next one on your mind. This post covers what to expect with the three carriers that come up most often — what's typically covered, what prior authorization involves, and how Elevium handles the back-and-forth so you don't have to. A Quick Note Before the Carrier Breakdown Two things to set expectations on: Carrier policies change . What Aetna covered six months ago isn't necessarily what they cover today. Specific criteria - how many medication trials count as "failed," what documentation a prior authorization needs, and whether maintenance sessions are covered — get updated quarterly across all three carriers. Anything below is directional. We confirm specifics with your plan at the benefits check. "In-network" and "covered" aren't the same thing. A treatment can be a covered benefit under your plan , but still requires prior authorization, and that authorization can be denied if the criteria aren't met. Coverage is the door; prior auth is the key. TMS Coverage Across the Three Carriers Aetna Aetna covers TMS for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. The typical pattern: you need a documented diagnosis of MDD, a history of failed antidepressant trials, and evidence that you're currently engaged in (or have tried) psychotherapy. Prior authorization is required before treatment starts. Aetna also has specific criteria for what counts as a "failed" trial — duration, dose, and adherence all matter. For TMS for OCD, Aetna coverage is a more variable plan-to-plan and may require additional documentation. Worth checking specifically when we run benefits. Cigna Cigna's TMS coverage follows a similar treatment-resistant depression framework: documented MDD diagnosis, failed medication trials, and prior authorization. Cigna has been one of the more straightforward carriers for adult TMS approvals when the criteria are clearly documented. For TMS for OCD, Cigna coverage exists but tends to require stronger documentation of symptom severity and prior treatment history. UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare covers TMS for treatment-resistant depression under similar criteria — documented diagnosis, failed antidepressant trials, prior authorization. UHC plans vary significantly between commercial, Optum-administered, and employer-specific variants, so coverage and the prior auth pathway can look different depending on which UHC plan you have. For TMS for OCD, UHC coverage varies meaningfully across plans. Some cover it under the same criteria as TMS for depression; others require additional review.
Quick Answer: Switching psychiatrists is straightforward when you handle four things in order: confirm your new practice has openings before you leave your current one, request your records, get a bridge plan for any active prescriptions, and book your first appointment with the new psychiatrist. The transition usually takes two to four weeks end-to-end, and there's no rule against doing it - your medical records and your care belong to you. If you're thinking about changing psychiatrists, you're not the only one. People switch for all kinds of reasons — moving, insurance changes, a stalled treatment plan, or just not feeling like the fit is right. This guide is for the practical "how do I actually do this" stage, after you've decided. Reasons People Switch (and Why None of Them Are a Problem) Worth naming because patients often feel awkward making the change: You've moved, or your insurance has changed. Practical and common. No conversation is needed beyond informing your current practice. Your treatment plan has stalled. You've been on similar medications for years, and you're not getting better. A fresh perspective is reasonable. You want access to treatments your current practice doesn't offer. TMS, Spravato , ketamine, or other interventional options aren't available everywhere. The fit isn't right. Communication style, scheduling, wait times, or just a sense that you're not being heard. This is a valid reason on its own. You want a second opinion that becomes permanent. Sometimes you go in for a one-off and decide to stay. You don't owe your current psychiatrist a detailed explanation. "I'm transferring my care" is a complete sentence. Before You Switch: Confirm the New Practice Has Capacity The most common mistake is leaving your current practice before confirming your new one can actually see you. Psychiatry waitlists in New Jersey can run weeks to months for adult patients, and longer for specific subspecialties. Before doing anything else: Call or contact the new practice Confirm they're accepting new patients Confirm they take your insurance (or that self-pay is workable) Get an estimated wait for the first appointment If the wait is long, don't tell your current practice yet. Stay with them until your new appointment is closer. Step 1: Request Your Medical Records Once your new appointment is booked, request your records from your current practice. This is your legal right under HIPAA - they have to provide them, and they can't withhold them over an unpaid bill, a disagreement, or anything else. What to request: Treatment notes (visit summaries from recent appointments) Medication history with dates, doses, and reasons for any changes Any psychiatric evaluations or assessments Lab results, if relevant Diagnosis history How to request: Ask your current practice's front desk for their records release form. Fill it out specifying that records should be sent directly to your new psychiatrist's office, with the new practice's name, address, and fax or secure email. Some practices charge a small fee for records ($10–25 is typical for an electronic copy). Records can take up to 30 days to arrive under federal rules, though most practices send them within a week. Follow up if you haven't heard back.
It's one of the first questions many patients ask once they've decided to pursue TMS or ketamine: Do I need to be in therapy at the same time? The short answer is no, it's not a requirement. TMS and ketamine are both effective as standalone treatments. But the longer answer is more interesting, and for many patients, more useful. What TMS and Ketamine Do, and What They Don't TMS and ketamine work at a neurological level. TMS uses electromagnetic pulses to modulate activity in targeted brain regions. Ketamine and Spravato act on the glutamate system, promoting neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections. Both can produce meaningful symptom relief, sometimes quickly. What they don't do is address the behavioural patterns, thought processes, and environmental factors that often sit alongside depression, OCD, anxiety, or trauma. They can lift the neurological weight of a depressive episode. They can't, on their own, help you understand why certain situations trigger you, or build the coping skills to manage them. That's what psychotherapy does.
If you're on Medicare and wondering whether your treatment is covered, the answer depends entirely on which treatment you're asking about. TMS and Spravato are both covered; ketamine infusions are not. Here's the full picture. A Quick Note on How Medicare Works Medicare is split into parts, and which part covers your treatment matters. Part A covers inpatient hospital care Part B covers outpatient services, doctor visits, procedures, and drugs that must be administered in a clinical setting Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a private plan that bundles Parts A and B, and must cover at a minimum everything Original Medicare covers Part D covers prescription drugs you take at home TMS and Spravato both fall under Part B, because they require in-clinic administration and supervision, they're billed as outpatient medical services, not prescriptions. That distinction matters for how you're billed and what you'll pay. If you have a Medigap (supplemental) policy, it may cover some or all of the 20% coinsurance that Part B leaves to you, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for both treatments. TMS and Medicare: Covered, With Conditions Medicare Part B covers TMS for severe major depressive disorder. The keyword is severe, Medicare's coverage criteria are specific, and not everyone with depression will qualify automatically. To be eligible, you generally need to: Have a confirmed diagnosis of severe MDD as defined by DSM-5 criteria Have tried at least one antidepressant that was either ineffective or intolerable Have a psychiatrist order the treatment following an in-person examination Notably, Medicare's threshold is lower than most commercial insurers - one failed antidepressant trial (or documented intolerance) is generally enough, whereas private plans often require two to four. What you'll pay: In 2026, Medicare Part B carries a $283 annual deductible. Once that's met, Medicare covers 80% of the approved amount for each session; you're responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare covers, though cost-sharing structures vary by plan. If you hold a Medigap (supplemental) policy, it may cover all or most of that 20%, bringing your out-of-pocket cost close to zero. What Medicare won't cover for TMS: OCD, despite TMS being FDA-approved for OCD, Medicare's local coverage determinations have found insufficient evidence to support coverage for that indication. TMS for anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions is also not covered . And certain contraindications, including magnetic implants within 30cm of the coil, or a history of seizures in some cases, will exclude you from coverage.
If you're considering Spravato and you've done any research, you've probably found a lot of clinical information about how it works in the brain. What's harder to find is a plain-language answer to the more immediate question: What is it actually like to sit through a session? Before You Arrive Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, meaning it's typically prescribed when at least two antidepressants haven't produced adequate relief. Before your first session, you'll have a consultation and medical screening to confirm you're a suitable candidate. There are some contraindications, so this step matters. A few practical things to sort before each appointment: You can't drive yourself home. Spravato can temporarily affect your perception and alertness, so you're required to have someone pick you up - or arrange another way home. This applies after every session, not just the first one. Don't eat a heavy meal beforehand. Nausea is a possible side effect, and arriving on an empty or light stomach helps. Your clinical team will give you specific guidance on this. Plan your day around it. Each appointment runs for at least two hours - the session itself plus the mandatory monitoring period afterwards. Don't schedule anything demanding immediately after.
ONE-D delivers a full TMS course in one supervised day at Elevium Health, NJ. Learn what it is, who it's for, and what to expect.
