Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Find Freedom from Depression

For many individuals with depression, therapy and medication are effective treatments, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. For others, though, depression can be more severe – it may not respond to medication and might even require multiday hospitalizations to ensure the patient’s safety if suicidal thoughts become overwhelming.

A new treatment offers hope for patients with severe depression. Ozark Center is the first and only in the region to utilize NeuroStar® transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, a proven and effective non-drug, non-invasive treatment for patients with major depression who have not seen success with at least one antidepressant medication.

TMS uses a highly targeted, pulsed magnetic field, similar to what is produced by an MRI machine. This stimulates nerves in the part of the brain thought to control mood, making long-term remission from severe depression possible.

With TMS therapy, you:

• Receive outpatient treatment right in your provider’s office
• Recline comfortably and can remain awake during treatment
• Return to normal activities, including driving, right away
• Experience no negative effects on sleep or memory

The procedure takes 19 – 40 minutes and only requires you to lie in a chair and stay awake as a small magnetic coil is placed on your head. A full course of treatment generally involves five sessions per week for four to six weeks, with up to three weeks of tapering sessions after that.

TMS therapy is covered by most insurances, including Medicare, and is recommended by American Psychological Association. TMS is FDA-approved for individuals 21 years of age or older.

For more information, call 417.347.7816.