TMS

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technology is similar to an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine, using pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate areas in your brain that are responsible for regulating mood. TMS reprograms your brain with repetitive pulses that continue to work long after your treatment is complete.

How does TMS therapy work?

When you undergo TMS, you visit Americas TMS Center five days a week for around six weeks. Each session lasts for about 20 minutes, and you can carry on with your day as usual after the session, including driving and going back to work or school.

All you need to do is lay back and relax in the treatment chair while your provider applies the repeated magnetic pulses. These pulses target the area of your brain where, for example, depression typically develops following a decrease in activity that causes a chemical imbalance. TMS activates nerve cells in these areas to bring you relief from the distressing and disabling effects of your condition.

Is TMS Like ECT?

TMS has few similarities to ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). While ECT does trigger underactive areas of your brain as TMS does, you need to have anesthesia to undergo ECT, and the treatment can have serious side effects, including memory loss and personality changes.

TMS therapy, in contrast, is entirely noninvasive, requires no downtime, and there’s minimal risk of side effects. All you might feel during or after TMS treatment is a mild headache that usually fades away before too long.

What conditions can TMS treat?

TMS has FDA approval for treating depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s also showing great promise in clinical trials and gets positive feedback from patients as a treatment for a wide range of other mental health conditions. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) uses TMS to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it could also help with chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

TMS treatment is a highly effective option for people who have clinical depression. It’s particularly useful for people who have treatment-resistant depression when initial therapies such as medication and psychotherapy aren’t helping. Current research shows that around one-third of patients who undergo TMS therapy for depression recover fully from their condition.

TMS quite literally changes lives and could give you hope even when you’ve exhausted all other available treatment options. Find out more about TMS and how it could help you by calling Americas TMS Center today or book an appointment using the online tool.

Q&A TMS for Tricare

Does TRICARE cover TMS therapy?

Yes. Before the initial evaluation, our billing manager will verify your TRICARE coverage requirements and determine whether you qualify for TMS therapy coverage. Our team will assist with the prior authorization process, communicate with TRICARE on your behalf, and handle the process to make treatment as smooth as possible.

TMS Therapy for Active Duty, Veterans, and Military Families

We accept TRICARE for TMS therapy and handle prior authorization for you.

Mental Health Treatment Near Camp Pendleton

If you are a service member, veteran, or military family member near Camp Pendleton struggling with depression or other mental health challenges, support is within reach. Americas TMS Center in Irvine offers advanced, evidence-based treatment using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

TMS therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved option designed for individuals whose depression has not improved with medication, providing a safe and effective path toward recovery without the need for drugs or downtime.

Why Military Members Choose TMS Therapy

Depression and stress can affect many service members due to the demands of military life. TMS therapy offers several advantages:

• Non-medication treatment option
• No anesthesia required
• Minimal side effects
• Outpatient treatment sessions
• FDA-approved

Many patients begin to notice improvement within several weeks of treatment.

TMS Treatment Process

1. Step 1 – Insurance verification
2. Step 2 – Initial psychiatric evaluation
3. Step 3 – Authorization with TRICARE
4. Step 4 – TMS treatment sessions (5 days per week for 4–6 weeks)
5. Step 5 – Follow-up care and progress monitoring

Each session typically lasts 20–30 minutes, and patients can return to work or daily activities afterward.

Serving Camp Pendleton and Southern California

Our Irvine clinic is conveniently located for military members and families from:

• Camp Pendleton
• Oceanside
• Irvine
• Orange County
• Southern California

Many of our patients are active duty service members and veterans seeking advanced depression treatment.

Confidential Mental Health Care

We understand that many service members and military families are concerned about privacy when seeking mental health care. Our clinic provides confidential outpatient psychiatric services in a professional and supportive environment. Our goal is to help patients safely and effectively improve their mental health and quality of life.

• Strict confidentiality and privacy protection
• Receive treatment while remaining on active duty
• No command notification required
• No duty restrictions required for care

Schedule a Consultation

If you are a TRICARE patient interested in TMS therapy, we welcome you to contact our office to learn more. Our team can help verify your TRICARE benefits and determine whether TMS therapy may be appropriate for you. Call us today or request an appointment online to begin your consultation.