- Treatment
TMS Therapy — non-invasive brain stimulation for depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses precisely targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive brain regions linked to depression — with no medication, no sedation, and no downtime.
Why patients choose TMS
60%
Response rate in treatment-resistant depression
36
Sessions in a standard course
~20m
Average session length
FDA
Cleared since 2008
TMS is covered by most major insurers when clinical criteria for treatment-resistant depression are met. Hudson Mind handles all prior authorization.
- Board-certified psychiatrists
- Evidence-based protocols
- Personalized treatment plans
- 281 Broadway, New York City
- Insurance support available
- — What it is
What is TMS therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure using focused magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex — the brain region most associated with mood regulation.
Unlike antidepressants that affect the entire body through the bloodstream, TMS delivers targeted stimulation directly to the circuits involved in depression — reducing side effects while increasing effectiveness for treatment-resistant patients.
TMS requires no anesthesia, no sedation, and no recovery time. Patients sit in a comfortable chair, remain fully awake, and can drive home immediately after each session.
TMS is not ECT
TMS is frequently confused with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but they are fundamentally different. TMS does not induce seizures, does not require anesthesia, and carries no risk of memory loss. It is an outpatient procedure with a well-established safety profile spanning two decades.
How TMS stimulates the brain
1
Magnetic coil placement
a coil is positioned precisely over the left dorsolateral or dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, the mood-regulation centers typically underactive in depression and OCD, respectively
2
Magnetic pulse delivery
rapid pulses pass painlessly through the skull and induce small electrical currents in targeted neurons.
3
Neuronal activation
these currents stimulate underactive neurons, increasing prefrontal activity and its connections to deeper mood-regulating circuits.
4
Cumulative effect
repeated daily sessions over 4–6 weeks produce lasting changes in neural activity, recalibrating the brain's mood circuitry.
- How TMS stimulates the brain
1
Magnetic coil placement
a coil is positioned precisely over the left dorsolateral or dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, the mood-regulation centers typically underactive in depression and OCD, respectively
2
Magnetic pulse delivery
rapid pulses pass painlessly through the skull and induce small electrical currents in targeted neurons.
3
Neuronal activation
these currents stimulate underactive neurons, increasing prefrontal activity and its connections to deeper mood-regulating circuits.
4
Cumulative effect
repeated daily sessions over 4–6 weeks produce lasting changes in neural activity, recalibrating the brain's mood circuitry.
- — Who it helps
Conditions treated with TMS Therapy
TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and increasingly used for OCD, anxiety, and PTSD as evidence continues to expand.
01
Treatment-resistant depression
Failed two or more antidepressant trials. TMS is the gold-standard FDA-cleared alternative for MDD.
02
Major depressive disorder
First-line advanced treatment for moderate-to-severe depression, especially for patients avoiding medication side effects.
03
OCD
Deep TMS (dTMS) is FDA-cleared for obsessive-compulsive disorder, targeting the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex.
04
Anxious depression
Depression with significant anxiety — a common combination that TMS addresses effectively.
05
Postpartum depression
A safe, medication-free option for postpartum depression, including for breastfeeding patients.
- — Signs you may benefit
Signs TMS Therapy may help you
If several of the following apply, you may be a strong candidate for TMS at Hudson Mind.
- Depression that hasn't responded to 2+ antidepressant medications
- Side effects from antidepressants that limit your ability to tolerate them
- Persistent low mood, anhedonia, or emotional flatness
- Difficulty with concentration, motivation, and daily functioning
- Preference for a non-medication treatment approach
- History of moderate-to-severe depressive episodes
- Depression during pregnancy or the postpartum period
- Depression with significant anxiety
- Prior partial response to antidepressants — some improvement, not remission
- — Our protocol
How Hudson Mind delivers TMS Therapy
Our TMS protocol follows FDA-cleared parameters refined by real-world clinical outcomes. Every course is supervised and adjusted by a board-certified psychiatrist.
01
Psychiatric evaluation & TMS candidacy
A 45-60 minute evaluation confirms your diagnosis, reviews treatment history, and screens for TMS contraindications such as metal implants near the head.
- Initial step
02
Motor threshold calibration
On your first treatment day, we measure your motor threshold — the minimum intensity needed to produce a small finger twitch — to individualize your treatment parameters.
- Session 1
03
Daily TMS sessions (36 sessions)
36 sessions over 6–9 weeks, 5 days per week. Each session lasts 20–40 minutes. You remain fully awake and can drive yourself home afterward.
- FDA cleared
04
Mid-course evaluation
Around session 18, your psychiatrist reviews progress, adjusts parameters if needed, and discusses the second half of treatment with you.
- Week 4
05
Completion review & maintenance plan
After your final session, your clinician assesses your full response and designs an ongoing care plan. Results often continue improving after treatment ends.
- Ongoing
- — The Experience
What to expect during TMS sessions
Here's what a typical TMS day at Hudson Mind looks like — from arrival to walking out.
1
Arriving for your session
No special preparation required. Wear comfortable clothing. Sessions are typically scheduled at the same time each day to fit around your life.
2
Setup
A technician positions the TMS coil precisely over the region being targeted. This takes a few minutes and becomes quicker with each visit as your positioning is recorded.
3
The treatment
You'll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp as pulses are delivered. Sessions last 20–40 minutes. Most patients read, listen to music, or simply rest.
4
After the session
No recovery period. You can drive, work, or carry on with your day immediately. Some patients feel mild scalp tenderness in the first week — this resolves quickly.
4
When results begin
Most patients begin noticing mood improvement around weeks 2–4. Full results are often seen 2–4 weeks after completing the course. Hudson Mind monitors your progress throughout.
Not sure if TMS treatment is right for you?
Our team will walk you through your options and help you take the next step — no pressure, no commitment required.
Treatments offered
5
TMS FDA approved
2008
Ketamine in clinical use
50+ yrs
"TMS changes lives in a way that feels almost too simple — you sit in a chair for 30 minutes, and over weeks, the clouds begin to lift. For patients who have tried everything, that is everything. "
Hudson Mind Team
- — Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Book a free 15-minute discovery call with our care team.
Ready to see if TMS is covered for you?
Our team will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you take the next step — with no pressure.
Is TMS therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. TMS for major depressive disorder is covered by most major insurance plans when criteria for treatment-resistant depression are met — typically two failed antidepressant trials. Hudson Mind handles all verification and prior authorization.
Does TMS therapy hurt?
Most patients describe a tapping or mild knocking sensation on the scalp. Some discomfort in the first few sessions diminishes quickly. Headache is the most common side effect and usually resolves after the first week.
How long do TMS results last?
Many patients maintain their response for 6–12 months or more. Some require a maintenance course to sustain results. Hudson Mind monitors your progress and recommends maintenance proactively.
Can I take antidepressants during TMS?
Yes. Most patients can continue taking antidepressants while undergoing TMS, and TMS is often used alongside medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Continue taking your medications as prescribed unless your provider recommends a change, and let your Hudson Mind provider know about all medications you are taking.
What is deep TMS (dTMS)?
How is TMS different from ECT?
TMS is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, does not induce seizures, and carries no risk of memory loss. ECT is reserved for severe cases. TMS has a far more favorable side-effect profile and is done entirely as an outpatient.
- — Related Care
Explore more at Hudson Mind
TMS is often part of a broader treatment plan. Explore other interventions we offer.
Treatment
Ketamine Therapy
Rapid-acting IV infusions for treatment-resistant depression — a faster-onset alternative or complement to TMS.
Treatment
Spravato®
FDA-approved ansal spray esketamine. Insurance-covered for qualifying diagnoses.
Treatment
SGB (Stellate Ganglion Block)
A nerve block targeting the sympathetic nervous system. Used for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms.
Start your path to lasting relief
Schedule a free discovery call with a member of the Hudson Mind intake team to discuss whether TMS therapy is the right next step for you.
