Treatment-resistant depression can leave you feeling overwhelmed and lost. It may be difficult to determine the next steps, especially since your proactive efforts have proven ineffective. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy has been proven effective at addressing the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, but being a specialized procedure, it may leave you wondering how to choose a TMS provider. While intimidating, learning who and what to ask can be the first step on your road to wellness, thanks to TMS therapy.
Asking the right questions is an essential step in choosing the best TMS provider for your needs.
Mental health is a serious and complicated matter. Knowing that your provider has the qualifications to help identify your symptoms and effectively administer the recommended treatment is important. TMS is a specialized treatment with special requirements to be able to administer it properly. A provider with extensive experience is more capable of optimizing treatment settings that match each individual’s needs.
As with all technology, the equipment used to most effectively administer TMS therapy continues to advance. New technology allows for more customizable treatment options and improved patient experiences. By asking your provider about the equipment, you can learn how up-to-date their practices are, as well as gain a better understanding of how your procedure will work.
You may also want to ask your provider about their scheduling options and how they tailor treatment to a patient’s needs.
Before undergoing TMS therapy to treat your depression, it is important to understand what the treatment process looks like and what to expect.
TMS therapy often sees the best results after weeks of treatment. This means it requires ongoing assessment to gauge if the treatment is effective in treating the symptoms of your treatment-resistant depression. Regular check-ins and modifications are necessary for optimizing the outcomes of your treatment.
As with any treatment option, assessing the financial aspect of the procedure is important. While your insurance may cover TMS therapy treatments, there may be limits. Many insurance providers require a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with drug-resistant tendencies in order to qualify for insurance coverage. Contact your insurance provider for a more detailed and specific breakdown of whether your TMS therapy qualifies for coverage.
Meeting with your provider for a consultation is an important step in the wellness process before starting any form of therapy. You want to be able to meet the people who will be helping you achieve your peak wellness. It is important that you feel comfortable with the TMS provider you choose and the environment you will be spending time in, and to make sure you feel heard by those who will be treating you. If you do not feel comfortable, or are not given the opportunity to learn about the environment you will be spending time in, it may be best to consider other options in your area.
If you choose The Holiner Psychiatric Group as your TMS provider, we will ensure you feel fully supported, from the beginning to the end of your TMS treatment.
Finding a safe, inviting, understanding environment is an integral aspect of improving your mental health. Learning how to choose a TMS provider that is right for you means putting yourself first. It also means taking the time to learn what matters to you as a patient. Our skilled team of compassionate providers will explain what to expect with TMS therapy so you can determine if our services will be the best fit for your needs.
Reach out today and start the process of healing now. You do not have to accept treatment-resistant depression as a part of your life—take action now and learn to enjoy life again.