Blackburn Clinical Services offers neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive, non-drug treatment for depression, through our partner, Helios. Treatment takes place at the Helios office, and our team coordinates it with your psychiatry and therapy at Blackburn. We serve patients across Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Culver City and West Los Angeles.
If you have tried medications or therapy without enough relief, TMS may offer another path. Neuronavigated TMS uses brain imaging to guide treatment precisely, and accelerated schedules can shorten treatment from several weeks to about a week.
What is TMS?
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses, delivered through a coil placed against the scalp, to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood. In depression, a region called the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is often less active. Repeated stimulation helps strengthen activity and connections in the brain networks that regulate mood.
TMS has been FDA cleared for major depressive disorder since 2008. No anesthesia or sedation is needed, you stay awake throughout, and most people return to normal activities right after each session.
What makes neuronavigated TMS different
- Precise targeting. Imaging and neuronavigation map your brain so the coil is aimed at the right spot for you, rather than relying on measurements from the outside of the head alone.
- Faster schedule. Standard TMS is usually given once a day, five days a week, for about six weeks. Accelerated protocols deliver several sessions a day, often completing treatment in about a week.
- Faster relief. Because treatment is condensed, many patients notice improvement sooner, which matters for people with severe symptoms.
- Fewer trips. A shorter course means less time away from work, school and family.
Who may benefit
- Adults with depression that has not responded well to antidepressant medication
- People who cannot tolerate medication side effects
- People who prefer a non-drug treatment option
- People whose symptoms are severe enough that faster relief is important
TMS is also FDA cleared for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and research is ongoing for other conditions such as PTSD. Your evaluation will determine whether TMS is a good fit.
What to expect
- Consultation and evaluation. A review of your history, symptoms and past treatments to confirm TMS is appropriate and safe for you.
- Mapping. Imaging and neuronavigation are used to locate your treatment target.
- Treatment sessions. Sessions take place at the Helios office. You sit in a comfortable chair while the coil delivers pulses. Most people feel a tapping or clicking on the scalp.
- Follow-up. We check on your progress after treatment and plan any next steps, including ongoing psychiatry or therapy.
Side effects and safety
TMS is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are headache and scalp discomfort at the treatment site, which usually ease as treatment goes on. Seizures are a rare but serious risk. TMS is not recommended for people with certain metal implants or devices in or near the head, so we screen carefully before treatment.
Part of your overall care
TMS works best as part of a full treatment plan. Helios delivers the treatment, and we coordinate it with psychiatry and medication management, therapy and family support.
Our clinicians
Our psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and licensed therapists coordinate care so medication, therapy and family support work as one plan. Meet our psychiatrists and therapists.
Frequently asked questions
Where does TMS treatment take place?
TMS is provided through our partner, Helios, at their office. Blackburn coordinates your referral and keeps TMS connected to your psychiatry and therapy.
Does TMS hurt?
Most people describe a tapping or clicking sensation on the scalp. Some feel mild discomfort or a headache, which usually improves over the course of treatment. No anesthesia is needed.
How long does neuronavigated TMS take?
Standard TMS usually runs about six weeks of daily weekday sessions. Accelerated, neuronavigated protocols deliver several sessions a day and can often be completed in about a week.
Is TMS FDA approved?
TMS has been FDA cleared to treat major depressive disorder since 2008, and accelerated, imaging-guided protocols have also received FDA clearance for depression. TMS is also cleared for OCD.
Can I keep taking my medication during TMS?
Many patients continue their current medications during TMS. Your care team will review your medications as part of the evaluation.
Who should not have TMS?
People with certain metal implants or devices in or near the head, or with some seizure risk factors, may not be candidates. We screen for this during your evaluation.
Get started
Call (888) 870 7405, email info@blackburnclinical.com or contact us to schedule an assessment. Blackburn Clinical Services serves Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Culver City and West Los Angeles.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.