Safe, Noninvasive Relief at Camelback Recovery
If you’ve struggled to find lasting relief from depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) could be the next step forward. At Camelback Recovery in Phoenix, Arizona, we offer FDA-approved TMS for depression for individuals who haven’t responded well to antidepressant medications or traditional therapy.
This advanced, noninvasive treatment uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate areas of the brain linked to mood and emotional regulation helping restore balance and lift depressive symptoms. Many insurance providers now recognize TMS as a proven therapy for treatment-resistant depression, making it more accessible than ever.
If you’re interested in learning whether TMS therapy is right for you, call Camelback Recovery in Phoenix today at 602-466-9880. Our team can verify your insurance benefits and help you begin your path toward healing.
What You’ll Learn on This Page
- How TMS works and what makes it effective for depression
- What to expect during treatment sessions
- Cost and insurance coverage information
- Typical results and success rates
Understanding TMS Therapy for Depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a cutting-edge, medication-free approach to depression treatment. Using magnetic pulses, TMS activates underperforming areas of the brain particularly the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate mood, motivation, and emotional stability.
Unlike medications that affect the entire body, TMS directly targets specific neural pathways. Sessions are noninvasive, pain-free for most patients, and require no downtime so you can resume your day immediately after treatment.
TMS has shown significant benefits for people with treatment-resistant depression, meaning those who haven’t experienced sufficient improvement with multiple antidepressant trials.
How TMS Therapy Works
During each session, a specialized TMS device delivers focused magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region often underactive in individuals with major depressive disorder. These pulses encourage the formation of new neural connections and help reestablish normal communication between brain regions involved in mood control.
Over time, this process helps “retrain” the brain, leading to meaningful improvements in mood, focus, and overall well-being. Many patients experience lasting relief after completing a full treatment series.
TMS Compared to Other Depression Treatments
- Medication-free: TMS works without introducing chemicals into the body, avoiding side effects like weight changes, fatigue, or brain fog.
- Noninvasive: Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS requires no anesthesia and causes no memory loss.
- Minimal side effects: The most common sensations are mild scalp discomfort or tapping during sessions.
With TMS, patients can drive themselves to and from appointments and maintain normal routines throughout treatment.
Insurance Coverage and Cost
At Camelback Recovery, we work with most major insurance providers in Arizona. Many plans cover TMS for patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression once medical necessity has been established.
Our staff assists with pre-authorization and insurance verification so you understand your coverage before starting. Without insurance, sessions typically range from $300 to $500 each, though actual out-of-pocket costs vary depending on your plan and deductible.
Your TMS Treatment Journey
We customize every treatment plan based on your clinical history and specific symptoms to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Step-by-Step Process
Initial Consultation
Comprehensive evaluation to confirm eligibility for TMS and review previous treatments.
Mapping and Calibration
A technician determines the optimal target site and magnetic strength unique to your brain.
Treatment Sessions
Most patients complete 30–36 sessions over 6–8 weeks, with each lasting about 20–30 minutes.
Progress Tracking
Weekly check-ins monitor your mood and adjust treatment parameters as needed.
Most patients notice mood improvement within the first few weeks of treatment. National studies show that 50–60% of individuals experience a significant reduction in symptoms, and up to 40% achieve full remission.
Unlike medications that require ongoing use, the effects of TMS can last months or even years after treatment. Some patients may choose brief maintenance sessions later to sustain their progress.
Severe side effects such as seizures—are extremely rare and occur in less than 0.1% of cases. Patients with metal implants or a history of seizures are screened during the consultation phase to ensure safety.
Many patients notice improvements in mood and energy after two to four weeks of consistent sessions. Full benefits usually develop by the end of the six- to eight-week treatment course, and some patients continue to feel better long after treatment is complete.
Most patients find TMS therapy comfortable and easy to tolerate. You may feel a light tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment, but this usually fades as you get used to the sessions. Any mild headaches that occur are temporary and typically resolve on their own.
Yes. Most patients continue their prescribed medications during TMS treatment. Your provider at Camelback Recovery will coordinate care to ensure the safest and most effective approach for your mental health needs.
A standard course includes around 30 to 36 sessions, usually completed five days per week over six to eight weeks. Some patients may benefit from maintenance sessions in the future to help sustain long-term results.
Yes, most major insurance providers—including Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield—cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression when medical-necessity criteria are met. Our admissions team can verify your coverage and handle pre-authorization before treatment begins.
You’ll sit comfortably in a treatment chair while a small magnetic coil is placed against your scalp. The coil delivers gentle magnetic pulses to target mood-regulating brain regions. Sessions last about 20 to 30 minutes, and you can immediately resume work, errands, or daily activities afterward.
Yes. Many patients experience long-term relief from depression symptoms after completing a full course of TMS. Some maintain improvement for months or years, while others may benefit from periodic maintenance sessions.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’re in the Phoenix area and searching for an effective, noninvasive treatment for depression, TMS for depression at Camelback Recovery could be your solution.
Our caring team is here to help you rediscover stability, clarity, and hope. Contact us today to verify your insurance coverage and begin your personalized treatment journey.
Call 602-466-9880 to schedule a consultation.
Serving patients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMS for Depression
TMS works by delivering focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain—particularly the prefrontal cortex—that are underactive in people with depression. This stimulation helps rebalance brain activity, improving mood, focus, and overall well-being.
TMS is ideal for adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who haven’t found success with antidepressant medications or therapy alone. It’s especially effective for those with treatment-resistant depression who want a noninvasive, drug-free alternative.
