"I came here for TMS and I was very happy with my experience... I definitely recommend Palo Alto TMS."
Breakthrough Depression Treatment on the Peninsula
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy offers hope when other treatments haven't worked. FDA-approved, non-invasive, and with minimal side effects. Serving Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City.
What is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression.
Non-Invasive
No surgery or anesthesia required
Unlike other treatments, TMS therapy is completely non-invasive and doesn't require any surgical procedures. You remain awake and alert during the entire treatment.
FDA-Approved
Safe and effective treatment
TMS has been FDA-approved since 2008 for the treatment of depression and has shown significant results in clinical studies and real-world applications.
Minimal Side Effects
Gentle on your system
Unlike medications, TMS therapy has minimal side effects. Most patients report only mild discomfort during treatment, which typically subsides after the first few sessions.
Powered by MagVenture Technology
At our clinic in Menlo Park, we use the state-of-the-art FDA-cleared MagVenture MagStim R30 TMS system to provide the most effective and comfortable treatment experience possible.
Precision Targeting
The MagVenture system allows for targeting of brain regions associated with depression, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Comfortable Treatment Experience
Designed with patient comfort in mind, the system features a comfortable treatment chair, open local environment and quiet operation during sessions.
FDA-Cleared Technology
MagVenture TMS Therapy™ is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of depression in patients who have not benefited from prior antidepressant medication.
The MagVenture TMS coil delivers precise magnetic pulses to targeted brain regions
Benefits of TMS for Depression
TMS therapy offers numerous advantages for those struggling with depression, especially when other treatments haven't provided relief.
High Success Rate
Many patients experience significant improvement in depression symptoms, even when medications have failed.
No Systemic Side Effects
Unlike antidepressants, TMS doesn't cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or other systemic side effects.
Long-lasting Results
Many patients maintain improvement for months or even years after completing a TMS treatment course.
No Downtime
You can drive yourself to and from appointments and return to normal activities immediately after each session.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans now cover TMS therapy for depression, making it an accessible treatment option.
Personalized Treatment
Each TMS treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and adjusted throughout your course of therapy.
Our TMS Treatment Process
At our Menlo Park clinic, we provide a comprehensive, supportive approach to TMS therapy.
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with our TMS specialists. We'll review your medical history, previous treatments, and current symptoms to determine if TMS is right for you.
- Review of medical history
- Discussion of depression symptoms
- Evaluation of previous treatments
- Insurance verification assistance
Comprehensive Assessment
Before beginning treatment, we conduct a thorough assessment to create your personalized TMS treatment plan and establish baseline measurements to track your progress.
- Depression severity assessment
- Personalized treatment mapping
- Motor threshold determination
- Treatment goals discussion
Self-Assessment Tools
These standard screening tools can help you assess your symptoms before your consultation. Complete the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety to better understand your current mental health status.
TMS Treatment Course
A typical TMS course consists of 5 sessions per week for 4-6 weeks. Each session lasts about 20-40 minutes, during which you can relax, read, or scroll on your favorite device.
- 20-40 minute sessions
- Comfortable treatment environment
- Regular progress assessments
- Ongoing treatment adjustments as needed
Follow-up Care
After completing your initial treatment course, we provide ongoing support and maintenance sessions as needed to help maintain your improvement.
- Post-treatment assessment
- Maintenance session scheduling if needed
- Coordination with your other providers
- Long-term wellness planning
Our TMS Treatment Clinic Location
Convenient TMS therapy clinic location serving the San Francisco Peninsula. Visit us at our Menlo Park location for expert TMS treatment.
Menlo Park
Our primary TMS treatment center, conveniently located in the heart of Menlo Park, serving patients from across the San Francisco Peninsula.
640 Menlo Avenue, Suite 7, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(415) 735-4867
(415) 735-4TMS
Patient Success Stories
Hear from our patients who have experienced the life-changing benefits of TMS therapy.
"I underwent a course of TMS here and had great results. They were very accommodating of my fluctuating schedule, which made it possible to see them."
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about TMS therapy for depression.
Yes, many major insurance providers now cover TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Our staff will work with you to verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before beginning treatment. Currently Palo Alto TMS is In-Network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Carelon, Cigna, Evernorth, Magellan and Optum; Please check with us today. Learn more about insurance coverage →
Each TMS session typically lasts between 20-40 minutes. You'll be awake and alert during the entire procedure and can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Most patients describe TMS as causing a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp. Some mild discomfort may occur during the first few sessions, but this typically subsides as treatment progresses. Our team works to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
Results from TMS therapy can vary from patient to patient, but many experience noticeable improvements within the first few weeks of treatment. We will closely monitor your progress and work with you to achieve the best outcomes.