When depression is affecting your daily life, waiting six weeks for relief can feel like too long. Accelerated TMS at Psychogenix in Carlsbad, CA delivers multiple TMS sessions per day over a shorter period, helping patients complete treatment in less time than a traditional course.
If you’ve tried medication without enough benefit and want a faster path forward, our team can help you find out whether accelerated TMS is an option. Schedule a consultation with Psychogenix today.
What Is Accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS is a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation that uses a compressed schedule. Instead of one short session each weekday for four to six weeks, patients receive several sessions per day over a few days. The treatment is non-invasive, does not require anesthesia, and allows you to stay awake throughout.
Accelerated protocols often use a patterned form of stimulation called theta burst, which delivers pulses in short, rapid bursts. Your provider will explain the specific approach recommended for you and what the research does and does not show.
Benefits of an Accelerated Schedule
- Shorter treatment timeline: Complete a course in days instead of weeks
- Less disruption to work and family: Fewer weeks of daily commuting
- Non-invasive: No surgery, sedation, or recovery period
- No systemic medication side effects: TMS targets specific brain regions rather than the entire body
- Personalized planning: Treatment is based on your evaluation and goals
Who Is Accelerated TMS For?
Accelerated TMS may be appropriate for adults who:
- Have been diagnosed with depression
- Have not responded well to one or more antidepressant medications
- Want to complete treatment more quickly
- Can set aside concentrated blocks of time for appointments
A full psychiatric evaluation and safety screening come first. TMS may not be suitable for patients with certain metal implants in or near the head or a history of seizures.
What to Expect
After your consultation, your care team creates a treatment schedule and maps the area of the brain to be stimulated. During each session, you’ll sit comfortably while a magnetic coil delivers pulses to your scalp. Sessions are structured with rest periods in between, and your team monitors how you’re feeling throughout the course.
Accelerated TMS Near Carlsbad
Psychogenix welcomes patients from Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, Vista, San Marcos, La Costa, and throughout San Diego County who are looking for advanced, convenient depression care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does accelerated TMS differ from standard TMS?
Standard TMS typically involves one session per day over several weeks. Accelerated TMS delivers multiple sessions per day over a shorter period so patients can finish treatment sooner.
How long does accelerated TMS take?
The length depends on the protocol your provider recommends. Accelerated treatment is generally completed over a matter of days rather than weeks. Your care team will outline the schedule during your consultation.
Is accelerated TMS safe?
TMS is a well-studied, non-invasive treatment and is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include scalp discomfort and headache. Rarely, TMS can cause seizures, which is why screening is essential.
Does accelerated TMS work as well as traditional TMS?
Research on accelerated protocols is ongoing and results vary by patient and protocol. Your provider can discuss the evidence and set realistic expectations based on your history.
Will I be able to drive and work after treatment?
Most patients are awake and alert after TMS and can return to normal activities, but your provider will advise you based on your schedule and how you feel.
Does insurance cover accelerated TMS?
Coverage depends on your plan and the protocol used. Contact Psychogenix and we’ll help you understand what to expect.
How do I know if I'm a candidate?
The first step is a psychiatric evaluation. Call Psychogenix in Carlsbad, CA to schedule yours.
