How Often Do You Need Maintenance TMS Treatments?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment designed to help individuals manage depression, especially when medications and traditional therapies haven’t worked. Many patients experience significant relief during their initial round of treatment, but what happens after that? You might wonder whether you’ll need maintenance TMS treatments and how often they should be scheduled.

Here’s what you need to know about maintaining the benefits of TMS over the long term.

Understanding the Initial Course of TMS Therapy

TMS therapy typically starts with a primary treatment phase that includes:

• 5 sessions per week
• Over the course of 4 to 6 weeks
• A total of 30–36 sessions

Most patients begin to feel improvement in symptoms during or shortly after this period. For some, this leads to long-term relief. But for others, periodic maintenance sessions can help extend the benefits and prevent relapse.

What Are Maintenance TMS Treatments?

Maintenance TMS refers to additional sessions scheduled after the initial course to help maintain symptom relief and support long-term mental health. These sessions are not always required, but they can be helpful for patients who:

• Notice a return of symptoms after the initial course
• Want to stay ahead of seasonal or stress-related depressive episodes
• Have experienced recurrent or chronic depression in the past

The purpose of maintenance TMS is to re-stimulate the targeted brain regions before symptoms become overwhelming again.

How Often Are Maintenance Treatments Needed?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often maintenance sessions are needed. It varies based on:

• Your response to the initial course
• Your mental health history
• Your current lifestyle and stress levels

Some patients do well with a monthly session, while others may benefit from:

• A booster cycle every 3–6 months
• 1 session every few weeks during high-stress periods
• A short re-treatment course if symptoms significantly return

Important Note: Maintenance TMS Is Not Covered by Insurance

It is essential to note that maintenance TMS treatments are not covered by insurance. These are out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for patients, as maintenance treatments are considered a supplemental part of the initial therapy.

Insurance typically covers repeat acute series (the 36 treatments that make up the acute phase) if the patient has shown at least 50% improvement from the first round and the improvement has been sustained for some time. Maintenance sessions, however, remain a cash-pay service and are not covered under most insurance plans.

How Do You Know If You Need Maintenance TMS?

Signs that it may be time to schedule maintenance sessions include:

• A noticeable dip in mood, energy, or motivation
• Increased anxiety, irritability, or insomnia
• Trouble concentrating or returning to old negative thinking patterns

If you start recognizing any of these signs, don’t wait—early intervention with maintenance TMS can prevent a full relapse.

Conclusion: Stay on Track with TMS Solutions

At TMS Solutions, we work closely with you to monitor your progress and determine the best maintenance schedule for your individual needs. Whether you need occasional booster sessions or a more structured plan, we’re here to help you maintain the mental clarity and emotional balance you gained during your initial treatment.

If you’re wondering whether maintenance TMS is right for you, contact our team today. Let’s create a plan to keep you feeling strong, confident, and in control of your mental health.