TMS Therapy

At Cambridge Biotherapies, we provide empirically-validated treatments for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and a wide range of disorders (including bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder). One of these proven treatments includes Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy.

TMS therapy is the advanced solution for persistent anxiety, depression, and more. By utilizing precise magnetic pulses, our therapists can target the areas of the brain causing symptoms, and with multiple treatments, our patients show marked improvements.

In addition to our standard TMS therapy, we also offer a new protocol called Theta Burst Stimulation. Theta Burst Stimulation requires only 3 to 6 minutes per treatment and may be even more effective than standard TMS protocols.

For TMS treatment in the Boston area, look no further than Cambridge Biotherapies; we provide consultations both for patients and clinicians in our comfortable and private clinic setting, and we are ready to help you explore all aspects of TMS treatment.

When it comes to depression and anxiety, sometimes traditional treatment methods just aren’t effective.

 For patients who have not benefited from one or more antidepressant trails, or for patients seeking a non-invasive option, there’s TMS. TMS is an FDA-cleared treatment that is safe and effective for depression, anxiety, and many other mental health ailments. It is highly effective and is delivered entirely through magnetic pulses, ensuring that you steer clear of the traditional side effects of antidepressant and antianxiety medications. If you’re looking for mental health options in Boston, TMS just might be the solution.

One of the strengths of TMS therapy is its versatility. For patients suffering from depression, our TMS therapists will use targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain. Meanwhile, for those suffering from anxiety, these very same magnetic pulses can inhibit areas prone to overactivity.

In addition to standard TMS services in Boston, we also offer a new empirically-validated protocol called Theta Burst Stimulation. Recent research has demonstrated that Theta Burst Stimulation may be even more effective than standard TMS, and as an added bonus, it takes only three to six minutes per treatment (as opposed to the average 20 minutes for TMS).

In numerous studies, TMS has been proven to be more effective than medication for the treatment of depression in patients who have not responded to one or more antidepressants. Additionally, ongoing research is demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of TMS in a number of other areas. These areas include obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression during and following pregnancy, post-traumatic stress disorder, and certain kinds of chronic pain.

Remission rates are variable, but a course of TMS therapy for depression can keep patients symptom-free for a year or more.

Because it uses magnetic pulses, TMS is largely free of side effects (in much the same way that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is free of side effects). Due to this low-risk profile, TMS is an excellent treatment choice for patients who cannot tolerate the risks or side effects of antidepressants or other biological treatments, such as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).

Unlike some medications, TMS has no adverse effects on alertness or any aspect of cognitive functioning. In fact, there is evidence that TMS enhances certain aspects of cognitive functioning, including short-term memory.

The most common side effect of treatment is discomfort at or near the treatment site. Other reported side effects have included eye, tooth, and facial pain, muscle twitch, and skin discomfort. There is a rare risk of seizure.

Cambridge TMS will work with patients and clinicians to obtain insurance reimbursement for treatment.

Many health insurance policies in Massachusetts including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Health New England, Tufts Health Plan, Aetna, United Behavioral Health, and Medicare cover TMS.

Cambridge TMS will either submit insurance claims on behalf of our patients or guide them through the submission process if they prefer to deal directly with their own insurance companies.

We are open to working with patients who would benefit from TMS, but are either unable to afford the treatment or do not have adequate insurance coverage. Please contact us for more information about our sliding scale fee.