If you’ve scheduled your first TMS therapy session, congratulations, you’re taking a significant step toward reclaiming your mental health. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a safe, non-invasive, and medication-free treatment option. As with any new experience, knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and ensure you’re fully prepared for your journey.
Before Your First Session: The Consultation
Before starting TMS, you’ll undergo a comprehensive consultation with a mental health provider to determine if TMS is the right fit. During this session, your medical history, symptoms, and past treatments will be reviewed. This is the time to ask questions about the procedure, share concerns, and understand your personalized treatment plan.
Once you’re cleared for treatment, the provider will schedule your first TMS session, typically five times per week for 4–6 weeks.
What to Do the Day Before and Day Of
There’s little preparation needed for TMS, but a few simple steps can help your first session go smoothly:
- Get a good night’s sleep the evening before
- Eat normally and stay hydrated on the day of treatment
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol before your appointment, as they can affect brain activity
- Wear comfortable clothing since you’ll be seated and relaxed during the session
There’s no need to fast, and you can take any prescribed medications unless told otherwise by your provider.
What Happens During the Session
When you arrive at the clinic, a technician or provider will guide you through the process. You’ll be seated in a reclining chair, and a coil device will be gently positioned against your scalp. This device delivers pulses of magnetic energy to the specific part of your brain responsible for mood regulation.
During treatment, you’ll hear clicking sounds and feel light tapping on your head. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild tapping or tingling, which becomes more comfortable as sessions progress. Each session lasts about 20–40 minutes, and you’ll be awake and alert the entire time.
After the Session: What to Expect
There’s no recovery time required, you can drive yourself home or return to work immediately after. Some patients report mild side effects such as:
- Scalp discomfort or mild headache
- Light fatigue
- Tingling at the treatment site
These symptoms are usually temporary and lessen after the first few sessions. As treatment continues, most patients notice gradual improvements in mood, energy, and overall outlook.
Support Throughout Your Journey
At TMS Solutions, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced team will monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and ensure your experience is as comfortable and effective as possible.
Ready to Begin?
Your first TMS session is the beginning of a new chapter in your mental wellness journey. With no downtime, minimal side effects, and a strong track record of success, TMS offers hope for those who haven’t found relief through medication or talk therapy alone.
Book your consultation at TMS Solutions and take the first step toward feeling better, starting today.