If you or someone you love has been living with depression that doesn’t respond to medication or therapy, you’re not alone. Nearly one-third of people with major depressive disorder experience what’s called treatment-resistant depression (TRD). But there’s new hope—Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is changing the way we treat depression, offering lasting relief without the side effects of medication.
At Pacific Pain & Wellness Group, we provide personalized, evidence-based TMS therapy at our Torrance clinic. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works—and what to expect if you’re considering it.
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the parts of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike medications that affect the whole body, TMS targets specific areas—most commonly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in people with depression.
Key Benefits of TMS:
- No medication required
- No systemic side effects
- No anesthesia or sedation
- Can be done in under 20 minutes per session
- Covered by most major insurance plans
How Does TMS Work?
TMS works by delivering repeated magnetic pulses to specific regions of the brain that are underactive in depression. These pulses stimulate neurons, encouraging the brain to rewire and regulate mood more effectively. Over time, this leads to improved emotional balance, cognitive clarity, and overall well-being.
Studies show that up to 70% of patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms, and many achieve full remission.
What to Expect: Your TMS Journey at Pacific Pain & Wellness
Step 1: Initial Evaluation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine if TMS is the right fit. We’ll review your mental health history, treatment experiences, and current symptoms. TMS is most often recommended for individuals with major depression who have not found relief from at least two different antidepressant medications.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
If you're a candidate, we’ll design a custom treatment plan based on your unique brain mapping, symptoms, and goals. A typical TMS treatment course involves:
- 5 sessions per week
- Over 4–6 weeks
- Each session lasting 15–30 minutes
You’ll remain fully awake and alert during treatment, and can return to work or drive immediately afterward.
Step 3: Your First TMS Session
During your first session, we’ll determine your motor threshold—a personalized setting that ensures the magnetic pulses are strong enough to be effective but still comfortable. You’ll feel a light tapping on your scalp and hear a clicking sound, but it’s not painful. Many patients describe it as mildly annoying at first, but easily tolerable after a few minutes.
Step 4: Progress Monitoring
Throughout your treatment, our team will monitor your progress closely. We use validated tools to track improvements in mood, sleep, energy, and anxiety. You’ll also have regular check-ins with your provider to make adjustments if needed.
How Long Do the Results Last?
One of the most promising aspects of TMS is its lasting impact. Many patients experience relief that continues for months or even years after treatment ends. For some, periodic “maintenance sessions” may be recommended to sustain results.
Why TMS Works: Rewiring the Brain—Without Medication
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which circulate through the entire body, TMS works by directly targeting the parts of the brain responsible for mood regulation—specifically, the prefrontal cortex. In people with depression, this area is often underactive, leading to symptoms like sadness, fatigue, lack of motivation, and impaired concentration.
TMS uses gentle, focused magnetic pulses to stimulate these regions and “wake up” the brain circuits involved in emotional processing. Over time, this repeated stimulation helps the brain form new, healthier neural pathways—a process known as neuroplasticity. Think of it as helping the brain relearn how to regulate mood naturally.
Because it works at the source of the dysfunction, TMS doesn’t just mask symptoms—it helps restore balance. Most patients begin to experience a noticeable lift in mood, clarity of thought, and emotional resilience within a few weeks.
Key reasons TMS is effective:
- It targets the brain directly—without affecting the whole body
- It stimulates lasting changes through neuroplasticity
- It offers relief for those who haven’t responded to medication or therapy
- It has minimal side effects and does not interfere with daily functioning
In clinical studies, TMS has been shown to improve symptoms in up to 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression. For many, it leads to full remission—offering hope where other treatments have failed.
Who Can Benefit from TMS?
TMS is approved for adults with major depressive disorder, particularly those who:
- Have not responded to antidepressants
- Cannot tolerate medication side effects
- Want a non-medication approach
- Are seeking sustainable, long-term relief
It is not appropriate for individuals with seizure disorders, metal implants in the head, or certain other neurological conditions.
Why Choose Pacific Pain & Wellness for TMS?
Our team at Pacific Pain & Wellness Group combines advanced psychiatric care with compassionate, whole-person support. We’ve helped hundreds of patients in the Torrance and South Bay community reclaim their lives through customized TMS therapy.
You’ll benefit from:
- Double board-certified leadership in psychiatry and pain medicine
- A warm, supportive environment that respects your story
- Insurance coordination and transparent pricing
- Same-week availability and streamlined care
Common Questions About TMS
Is TMS safe?
Yes. TMS is FDA-cleared and has an excellent safety profile, with minimal side effects—usually limited to mild scalp discomfort or headache.
Will I feel different right away?
Some patients notice changes within the first few sessions, but most see significant improvement by week 3–4.
Is it covered by insurance?
Yes, most major health insurance plans—including Medicare—cover TMS for depression with pre-authorization.
Ready to Find Relief?
You don’t have to keep struggling. If depression is interfering with your ability to work, connect, or enjoy life, TMS may be the breakthrough you've been waiting for. Let’s talk about whether it’s right for you.
Now accepting new patients in Torrance
Same-week appointments available
pacificpaingroup.com