TMS Therapy at Mentality BHC

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Most major insurance providers, including many we accept at Mentality BHC, cover TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Our billing team will work with you to verify your benefits and obtain necessary authorizations.

Most patients describe the sensation as a light tapping on the scalp. Because the Apollo system is designed for comfort, the experience is generally well-tolerated. It does not require anesthesia, and you remain fully awake and alert.

Unlike ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy), TMS does not involve sedation, does not cause seizures, and has no impact on memory or cognition. It is a modern, targeted alternative that allows you to maintain your normal daily routine.

TMS is typically recommended for adults (18+) who have not found sufficient relief from traditional treatments. You may be an ideal candidate for the Apollo TMS system if:

• You have "Treatment-Resistant Depression": This generally means you have tried at least two different antidepressant medications and one course of talk therapy without achieving full remission of your symptoms.
• Medication side effects are a barrier: If you cannot tolerate the side effects of oral antidepressants (such as weight gain or fatigue), TMS offers a non-systemic, drug-free alternative.
• You are seeking a non-invasive option: Unlike other advanced treatments, TMS does not require surgery, sedation, or downtime.

Because the Apollo TMS uses magnetic pulses, it is not suitable for everyone. You may not be eligible if:

• You have non-removable metal in or near your head (such as aneurysm clips, stents, or cochlear implants). Standard dental fillings and braces are perfectly fine.
• You have a history of seizures or a seizure disorder.
• You have an implanted medical device controlled by physiological signals, such as a pacemaker or a deep brain stimulator.

We understand that life happens. While the best results come from consistent, daily treatment, missing a single session will not "reset" your progress to zero. However, because TMS works through a process called neuroplasticity—where your brain literally rewires itself over several weeks—consistency is key.

• Occasional Absences: If you have an emergency or a planned conflict, we simply resume your treatment the following day. We will usually add the missed session to the end of your treatment series to ensure you receive the full number of pulses prescribed by Dr. Wethey.
  
• Extended Breaks: If you miss several days in a row (3 or more), it may slow down your progress. In these cases, our clinical team will re-evaluate your "motor threshold" (the settings on the Apollo machine) when you return to ensure the treatment is still calibrated perfectly for your safety and comfort.
  
• Our Policy: To help you stay on track, we work with you to find a consistent daily time slot that fits your schedule. If you know you have a conflict, we appreciate 24 hours' notice so we can offer that time to another patient.

Why Consistency Matters

Think of TMS like a physical workout for your brain. One missed day at the gym won't lose your muscle tone, but skipping a whole week makes it harder to reach your goals. The Apollo TMS system is designed to stimulate your brain's mood centers incrementally; keeping your appointments ensures that stimulation stays at an optimal level to help you find relief as quickly as possible.