Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment Thousand Oaks & Westlake Village CA

Q: What is TMS treatment, and how does it work for depression?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive therapy that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. These pulses help rebalance neural activity and can provide relief for individuals with depression who have not responded well to medication. Lotus Recovery offers TMS as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment approach.

Q: How long is a typical TMS treatment session, and how many sessions are needed?

A typical TMS session lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the treatment protocol. Most patients receive sessions five days per week for approximately four to six weeks. This consistent schedule is designed to provide gradual, safe, and effective improvement in depressive symptoms, though individual treatment plans may vary.

Q: Are there side effects associated with TMS therapy?

TMS therapy is generally well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and temporary. Common effects may include scalp discomfort, headache, tingling, or light-headedness shortly after treatment. These symptoms often lessen as treatment continues. Serious side effects are rare, and patients are closely monitored by trained clinicians to ensure safety and comfort.

Q: How quickly can patients expect to see improvement after TMS sessions?

Many patients begin to notice improvements after two to three weeks of TMS treatment, though response times vary. Some individuals experience earlier mood changes, while others require additional sessions. TMS works gradually by strengthening neural pathways over time, and progress is monitored throughout the course of treatment to optimize results.

Q: How is a treatment plan customized for each patient receiving TMS?

Customized TMS treatment plans begin with a thorough clinical assessment that reviews medical history, symptom severity, and previous treatment responses. Providers then identify targeted brain regions and determine appropriate stimulation intensity. Ongoing adjustments are made based on patient response, ensuring a personalized approach that maximizes safety, comfort, and therapeutic effectiveness.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a specialty treatment offered at Lotus Recovery.

This non-invasive procedure is typically used to treat severe depression in individuals who have not had success with other treatments. It can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with substance use, as depression is often a root cause of this. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to experience severe depression while withdrawing from drugs or alcohol, and TMS can be safely used to treat the symptoms. As part of our commitment to accessible care, our TMS treatment services in Thousand Oaks, CA, support individuals seeking effective, non-invasive support during recovery.

Lotus Recovery is always on the forefront of treatment options for mental health and substance use disorders, and we are proud to offer TMS as part of our services. We’ll be happy to explain this treatment in more detail so that you know what to expect. Here’s everything you need to know about TMS and how it can help you on your journey to healing. We also provide care to surrounding communities, including those seeking transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in Westlake Village, CA. This ensures individuals in recovery—whether from drug rehab or ongoing mental health challenges—receive comprehensive, noninvasive care.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

TMS uses a device that generates magnetic pulses. It is placed near the scalp above specific areas of the brain that are known to be involved in mood regulation and other functions. The magnetic pulses delivered by the device pass through the skull and into the brain without any discomfort. These pulses stimulate neurons in specific parts of the brain, increasing or decreasing neuronal activity. Our TMS treatment in Thousand Oaks, CA, works alongside holistic therapy addiction services, mental health outpatient therapy, and flexible evening therapy options. This noninvasive depression treatment is especially helpful for individuals seeking alternatives when traditional therapies have not provided relief.

High frequency TMS tends to stimulate neuronal activity, while low frequency TMS decreases it. When neurons in the brain increase or decrease, the levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) are adjusted, treating the symptoms of depression. With repeated TMS sessions, long-term changes in the brain can occur, establishing healthier patterns of brain activity.

Who are the Best Candidates for TMS?

At Lotus Recovery, each person is given an individualized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. Not everyone will benefit from TMS, however. Generally speaking, we recommend this treatment for those who:

Have been iagnosed with major depressive disorder
Are not seeing positive results from their medications
Cannot tolerate the effects of their medications
Have an illness that stops them from taking antidepressants
Experience depression symptoms that interfere with daily functioning

Some people are not candidates for TMS. These include individuals with implanted metallic devices or non-removable metallic objects in the head, those with implants controlled by physiological signals (pacemakers, vagus nerve stimulators, implantable cardioverter defibrillators) and those who are at a high risk for seizures. Clients who struggle with treatment-resistant depression often find that TMS for treatment-resistant depression offers a promising option when medications fall short.

Are There Any Side Effects From TMS?

We know that recovering from substance use and mental health conditions is tough, and the last thing we want to do is make you go through any more pain or discomfort than you have to! Fortunately, TMS is non-invasive, and its side effects are minimal. Possible symptoms include headaches, discomfort at the site of stimulation, lightheadedness and spasms. Our licensed TMS providers ensure safety and comfort throughout each session, offering supportive care alongside counseling and behavioral therapy options.

How Effective is TMS?

Roughly 50 to 60 percent of people who have tried and failed to receive positive effects from their medication have seen improvements with TMS. About one-third of these people experience full remission, meaning their symptoms went away permanently. However, TMS is still very new.

As more information emerges about TMS, Lotus Recovery will be the first to know! Our goal is to offer clients a wide range of treatment options so they can find what works for them. Some people have great success with TMS, while others find that alternative treatments work better. You won’t know unless you try, and Lotus Recovery gives all clients the option to add TMS to their treatment plans.

To learn more about this non-invasive, cutting edge treatment approach, contact Lotus Recovery today.

frequently asked question

What is TMS treatment, and how does it work for depression?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive therapy that utilizes focused magnetic pulses to stimulate those regions of the brain implicated in mood regulation. These pulses help rebalance neural activity and offer relief for individuals with depression who have not responded well to medications. Lotus Recovery provides this treatment as part of a comprehensive approach to mental health care.

How long is a typical TMS treatment session, and how many sessions are needed?

The length of a typical TMS session will vary from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the particular protocol used. Most patients receive treatment five days per week for roughly four to six weeks. This schedule often helps provide consistent stimulation for lasting improvement. Treatment plans may differ, but overall duration is designed to deliver safe, effective, and gradual relief from depressive symptoms.

Are there side effects associated with TMS therapy?

TMS is generally very safe, with the majority of side effects being mild and temporary. Other common symptoms reported include scalp discomfort, headache, tingling, or light-headedness immediately after a treatment. In most cases, these will reduce with the continuation of treatment. Severe side effects are rare, and each patient will be carefully monitored by the trained clinician throughout the process to guarantee comfort and safety.

How quickly can patients expect to see improvement after TMS sessions?

Most people notice small improvements after two weeks, sometimes three weeks, though this varies. While some notice mood shifts earlier, others take more sessions to observe them. TMS works gradually, strengthening new neural pathways over time. Lotus Recovery monitors progress closely to ensure optimal results and ongoing support throughout the treatment course.

How is a treatment plan customized for each patient receiving TMS?

Personalized TMS plans begin with a detailed clinical assessment, including medical history, symptom severity, and previous treatment response. Providers then map brain targets and determine the ideal stimulation intensity. Adjustments are made throughout the process based on how each patient responds. This individualized approach ensures the treatment aligns with unique needs, maximizing comfort, safety, and therapeutic effectiveness.