TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. During the TMS therapy procedure, most people feel a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp. Sessions last 20 to 40 minutes, require no sedation, and allow you to return to daily activities immediately afterward.
Starting a new treatment can feel uncertain. You may have questions about what to expect, whether it will be uncomfortable, or whether it will actually work. Those concerns are completely valid. This guide walks you through the TMS therapy procedure step by step, so you can move forward with confidence.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to activate nerve cells in areas of the brain linked to mood regulation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared TMS therapy for major depressive disorder in 2008. Since then, its use has expanded to include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and smoking cessation. Working with a behavioral health specialist, TMS therapy is often recommended when antidepressants have not produced adequate results.
No surgery. No anesthesia. No recovery room.
What Happens During the TMS Therapy Procedure?
Before Your First Session
Your first visit to a mental health clinic in Brooklyn will begin with a thorough evaluation. A behavioral health specialist will review your medical history, measure your motor threshold (the level of stimulation your brain responds to), and position the treatment coil precisely on your scalp.
This calibration step matters. It ensures that each subsequent session delivers the right level of stimulation for your brain.
During Each Treatment Session
Once treatment begins, you will hear a series of clicking sounds and feel a rhythmic tapping sensation on your scalp. Some people describe it as a woodpecker-like knocking. Others say it feels like a light, repetitive pressure.
A few things to know:
- Sensation: Mild to moderate tapping or knocking at the treatment site
- Sounds: A consistent clicking noise throughout the session
- Facial response: Slight facial twitching or jaw movement, which is normal
- Duration: Sessions typically run between 20 and 40 minutes
- Comfort level: Most people tolerate TMS therapy well and do not require any pain medication
You remain fully awake throughout. Many patients read, listen to music, or simply rest during treatment.
After Each Session
When the session ends, you can drive yourself home and return to work, errands, or other daily activities right away. There is no sedation and no recovery period. Most people complete a full course of TMS therapy over four to six weeks, attending five sessions per week.
Common Side Effects to Know
TMS therapy is generally well tolerated, but some side effects do occur. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare.
The most common include:
- Headache, usually mild and short-lived after early sessions
- Scalp discomfort or sensitivity at the treatment site
- Facial twitching or jaw movement during stimulation
These effects typically decrease as your brain adjusts to treatment. Serious side effects are rare. A behavioral health specialist will monitor your progress throughout and address any concerns as they arise.
What Results Can You Expect From TMS Therapy?
Results vary from person to person, but many patients begin noticing improvements in mood, energy, and motivation within two to four weeks of starting treatment. Anxiety often decreases alongside depressive symptoms.
By the end of a full course of TMS therapy, some patients experience significant symptom relief. Others achieve full remission. Your treatment team will track your progress regularly and adjust the plan if needed.
You are not expected to feel better overnight. Healing takes time, and that is okay.
Taking the Next Step
Deciding to try TMS therapy is a meaningful step toward feeling better. You do not have to navigate it alone. Our behavioral health team is here to guide you through every stage of the TMS therapy procedure, from your first consultation to your final session. Reach out today by calling +1-718-367-2555 or visiting 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 to speak with a specialist and find out whether TMS therapy is right for you.
