Article
TMS Therapy for Depression: A New Option at Lott Behavioral Health
When you’re living with depression, even small tasks can feel heavy. Getting out of bed, answering a message, or being present with family may take more energy than you have. If you’ve tried treatment and still don’t feel like yourself, it can be difficult to imagine what comes next.
About this treatment option
There are additional options worth discussing. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain circuits involved in mood regulation. It may help people whose depression has not improved enough with antidepressant medication.
Lott Behavioral Health is now offering TMS therapy for depression at our Lisle office, near Naperville. Here’s what to know about the treatment, the research behind it, and how to explore whether it may be right for you.
What is TMS therapy, and how does it work?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. During treatment, a coil rests against your scalp and delivers repeated magnetic pulses. These pulses create small electrical currents that stimulate nerve cells in targeted brain regions. When pulses are delivered repeatedly, the treatment is often called repetitive TMS, or rTMS.
Depression involves complex brain networks. TMS for depression commonly targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region connected with mood regulation and cognitive control. Repeated stimulation aims to influence activity within these connected circuits.
TMS does not involve surgery or anesthesia. You remain awake during treatment. The National Institute of Mental Health’s guide to brain stimulation therapies explains its role in treating depression when medications have been ineffective or difficult to tolerate.
Does TMS work for depression? What the research shows
TMS is supported by clinical trials and ongoing research. The first TMS device received FDA clearance for depression in 2008. Clearance applies to specific devices, patient populations, and treatment protocols.
Evidence supports TMS as a depression treatment
An updated expert consensus review, published in Clinical Neurophysiology, evaluated research and clinical developments through April 2024. Endorsed by the National Network of Depression Centers, Clinical TMS Society, and International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, it concluded that substantial evidence continues to support TMS safety and effectiveness for depression.
Researchers are studying more efficient treatment approaches
The THREE-D randomized trial in The Lancet compared standard high-frequency rTMS with a shorter approach called intermittent theta-burst stimulation in adults with treatment-resistant depression. The shorter approach met the trial’s criteria for being no less effective at reducing depression symptoms. This illustrates how research is refining treatment delivery; it does not mean every clinic offers every protocol.
New research is exploring depression with anxiety
A 2026 randomized trial in Molecular Psychiatry compared two stimulation targets in people with both depression and significant anxiety. Among 36 participants analyzed, both targets produced similar depression improvement, while the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex target produced greater anxiety improvement. The small trial had no placebo treatment group, so larger studies are needed.
This is promising research into matching treatment to symptom patterns. It does not establish that the newer target is best for everyone or that this research protocol is offered at Lott.
Research results describe groups, not a guarantee for an individual. Some people improve substantially, some reach remission, and others need a different approach. Your team should explain what outcomes are realistic for your situation.
What are the benefits of TMS treatment?
For someone weighing depression treatment options, several features may make TMS appealing.
A treatment that does not add another antidepressant
TMS itself is a nonmedication treatment. It may be worth discussing if antidepressants have provided limited relief or side effects have made them difficult to continue. It can also be part of a broader treatment plan that includes medication and psychotherapy; do not stop prescribed medication on your own.
No surgery, sedation, or anesthesia
TMS is delivered in an outpatient setting while you are awake. You do not need a surgical procedure or anesthesia recovery. For many people, that makes the experience feel more manageable.
A different side-effect profile
Because TMS does not deliver a medication throughout the body, it generally avoids medication-related effects such as weight gain and sexual side effects. It still has its own risks, including scalp discomfort and headache, which should be discussed before treatment.
Usually compatible with everyday activities
People can generally drive and resume usual activities after a session. Regular appointments still require planning around work, transportation, and family responsibilities, but there is typically no post-sedation downtime.
You can read more about the treatment experience in MagVenture’s patient information.
Who may be a candidate for TMS?
TMS may be considered for adults with major depressive disorder who have not experienced enough benefit from antidepressant medication. Difficulty tolerating medication is another reason to ask about an evaluation.
You do not need to decide on your own whether your depression is “treatment resistant.” Bring your questions, medication history, and concerns to a qualified provider. A consultation can help clarify your diagnosis and options.
Safety screening matters. Tell the provider about implanted devices or metal near your head, seizure history, all medications and supplements, and any history of mania or bipolar disorder. These details help determine whether TMS is appropriate and how treatment should be planned. Review MagVenture’s safety information and discuss your history with your provider.
What is a TMS appointment like?
At Lott, the process begins with a screening phone call and a psychiatric evaluation. If TMS is recommended, the team reviews its risks, benefits, and treatment plan with you.
The first treatment visit includes determining coil placement and measuring your motor threshold—the stimulation level used to guide dosing. During sessions, you sit in a chair and hear clicking or tapping sounds while feeling tapping on your scalp. Hearing protection is used during treatment.
Standard sessions at Lott generally take 15–40 minutes, depending on the protocol. A typical course involves five visits each week for about six weeks, followed by a taper. Your schedule may differ based on your clinical needs and recommended protocol.
Progress is assessed over the course of treatment. Ask how symptoms will be tracked and what the next steps would be if improvement is limited or symptoms return.
What are the risks and limitations of TMS?
Common side effects include scalp discomfort, headache, and temporary facial or scalp muscle twitching. Seizures are a rare but serious risk. Your provider will review your individual risk factors and explain what to report during treatment.
TMS also requires a commitment to repeated visits, and it does not work for everyone. Follow-up care remains important after an initial course. It is not a substitute for emergency psychiatric care.
TMS therapy in Lisle, near Naperville
Lott Behavioral Health now offers TMS using the MagVenture MagPro R30 system. Our Lisle location is convenient for people exploring depression treatment near Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, and other western Chicago suburbs.
An evaluation is an opportunity to understand your options—not a commitment to start treatment. You can ask about the recommended protocol, appointment schedule, expected benefits, risks, and insurance requirements.
If you’re searching for “TMS therapy near me” because your depression treatment hasn’t been enough, we invite you to learn about TMS at Lott Behavioral Health.
Call (630) 730-5506 or request a visit to discuss whether TMS may be right for you.
Find us at 2300 Cabot Drive, Suite 455, Lisle, IL 60532.
Frequently asked questions about TMS for depression
Is TMS the same as ECT?
No. TMS uses magnetic pulses and does not require anesthesia or intentionally induce a seizure. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a different procedure performed under anesthesia that induces a controlled seizure. A clinician can explain which approach fits a person’s clinical needs.
Does TMS hurt?
You may feel tapping or discomfort where the coil rests. Some people experience headaches. Tell your treatment team if sensations are uncomfortable so they can assess and address them.
Will insurance cover TMS?
Many plans cover TMS for depression when their medical-necessity criteria are met. Requirements, prior authorization, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs vary. Ask Lott’s team to review benefits and anticipated costs before you begin.
Can I receive TMS at home or through telehealth?
Lott’s TMS sessions take place in person at the office. The treatment requires specialized equipment and trained staff.