TMS Therapy in Virginia Beach That Changes Lives. Coming soon to Miami!
If you've been feeling heavy and anxious due to the weight of depression, and antidepressants haven't helped, then you know how hard it can be to stay hopeful about finding a solution. Depression and anxiety aren't caused by lack of motivation, nor do they always respond to medication. For many, they require an additional form of therapy, one that can help restore balance and energy to their lives.
Dr. JP Psychiatry and Obesity Medicine offers FDA-cleared Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), administered by board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Johnsy Pradhan, MD. She has completed a visiting fellowship in TMS at the world-renowned Duke University. Dr. JP is also fellowship trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and offers TMS consultations for adolescents seeking TMS treatments. TMS is FDA-cleared for adolescents over age 15 with treatment-resistant depression.
Science-Backed Solution
Using a precisely calibrated magnetic pulse, TMS therapy targets the brain regions associated with mood regulation. Unlike many traditional treatments like ECT or Ketamine, TMS does not involve anesthesia and does not interrupt daily routines, including driving. This makes it ideal for individuals who may have had unwanted side effects from various antidepressants or have simply not received the level of relief they deserve.
A Leader in On-Site TMS Treatment
Using a precisely calibrated magnetic pulse, TMS therapy targets the brain regions associated with mood regulation. Unlike many traditional treatments like ECT or Ketamine, TMS does not involve anesthesia and does not interrupt daily routines, including driving. This makes it ideal for individuals who may have had unwanted side effects from various antidepressants or have simply not received the level of relief they deserve.
Is TMS Worth It?
Studies have shown that TMS therapy is effective for treating major depressive disorder in 50% to 60% of patients. What sets TMS apart is that it targets the source of the problem by stimulating neural activity in the prefrontal cortex. There are very limited side effects, no withdrawal symptoms, and most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after receiving TMS therapy.
While there may be some natural apprehension regarding the process, Dr. JP explains everything clearly and honestly. Some patients may perceive a slight tapping or minor scalp tenderness during/after treatment. However, most find both sensations completely tolerable, and they typically disappear rapidly.
How Does TMS Therapy Function?
During each session, the patient sits comfortably while a small, specialized coil is placed upon the scalp just above the left eyebrow. The coil emits focused magnetic pulses to stimulate activity within the left prefrontal cortex.
Typical sessions last 20 to 40 minutes. Treatment may include multiple sessions per week for several consecutive weeks. Dr. JP Psychiatry also offers the most advanced state-of-the-art TMS treatment with Theta pulses, making the treatment only 3 minutes. Furthermore, treatments are also offered on weekends to avoid any gaps in sessions for optimal prognosis. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific needs, under the close supervision of Dr. JP. Sessions and timeframes are discussed well in advance, catering to your needs, tolerance, and psychiatric evaluation. She also monitors each patients' progress throughout treatments and adjusts the program accordingly.
Patient Experiences
Patients who complete TMS therapy at Dr. JP Psychiatry frequently describe a shift in their overall state of mind and emotions, a "lifting" of the weight that past treatments could never quite alleviate. Some say that TMS was the first treatment that allowed them to start experiencing moments similar to those they experienced before suffering from depression.
Dr. JP takes care to ensure that every patient knows what to expect at each step along the way so there are no surprises, only positive experiences and measurable progress.
TMS Therapy Cost
Dr. JP Psychiatry is a self-pay private practice. Costs associated with TMS therapy will depend on the specific treatment plan prescribed for your individual needs. Costs are based on the number of sessions necessary to treat your specific issue(s) and whether Theta bursts are incorporated. Dr. JP provides transparent pricing information before starting any treatment so that you can plan with certainty.
This practice is private pay and doesn’t accept any insurance Some insurance companies provide limited out-of-network coverage for TMS therapy. Please get in touch with your insurance company to confirm your policy. Dr. JP can provide superbills to submit to your insurance.
FAQ: TMS Therapy in Virginia Beach and Coming Soon to Miami
What Is TMS Therapy Used for?
TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for use in treatment-resistant cases of major depressive disorder. Additionally, TMS has recently become cleared for use in obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression with anxiety-related disorders, and smoking cessation.
During your initial consultation for TMS therapy in Virginia with Dr. JP, she will evaluate your case and determine whether TMS would be beneficial.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for TMS Therapy?
Ideal candidates for TMS are adult patients diagnosed with depression and/or related diagnoses who have failed to experience sufficient relief using 2+ antidepressants or who cannot tolerate the side effects of medications or have failed other interventional options.
Before recommending TMS therapy, Dr. Pradhan thoroughly evaluates each patient medically and psychologically.
Is There Anyone Who Is Not a Good Candidate for TMS?
Yes, TMS may not be suitable for:
Pregnant patients
Patients with non-removable metallic objects in or near the head, excluding the mouth
Patients with implanted devices that are activated or controlled by physiologic signals - like pacemakers, deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, cochlear implants, and cardioverter defibrillators
Patients with a history of seizure, epilepsy, stroke, brain mass, or significant head injury
Patients with neurologic diseases, concurrent medications, or secondary conditions known
How Long Will I Need to Be in Treatment Before Seeing Results?
Most patients start to see meaningful improvement in their mood between weeks two and four of treatment. A standard course of treatment typically includes five days of daily sessions per week for four to six weeks, meaning most patients will complete at least 20-36 sessions. At Dr. JP Psychiatry, we offer treatments on weekends, making TMS accessibility easier with no lapse in sessions, leading to a better prognosis.
Throughout your treatment plan, Dr. JP will continually monitor your progress and adjust it as needed.
What Are the Downsides of TMS Therapy?
Although generally well tolerated by most patients, there are several factors to consider. Perhaps the biggest downside of TMS is that it requires a consistent time commitment for several consecutive weeks to obtain optimal results. However, at Dr. JP Psychiatry, you can get treatment every day, including weekends, and a 3-minute Theta burst, making the overall treatment time shorter and faster.
Dr. JP will discuss everything openly with you during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about whether to pursue further treatment with us.
Will My Insurance Cover TMS Therapy in Virginia Beach or Miami?
Insurance coverage can vary greatly among providers and plans, but most large insurance carriers do provide coverage for TMS when you meet certain requirements (such as documented failure using antidepressants previously).
Since Dr. JP Psychiatry is a self-pay practice, you will be responsible for paying all fees at the time services are rendered; however, some insurance plans may provide out-of-network reimbursement for some of those expenses. Our staff can assist you in obtaining super bills that you can submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.
Schedule Your TMS Consultation
If you have been suffering from depression that has not been relieved through medication or other interventional psychiatric treatments, TMS therapy may represent a pivotal moment in regaining control of your life. At Dr. JP Psychiatry, we have the clinical knowledge, training, compassion, and resources to help.