TMS Treatment: A New Hope for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and More
If you’ve been struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or OCD—and nothing seems to help—it might be time to try something different. At Genesis Brain Institute, we offer TMS treatment (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), a non-invasive therapy that activates parts of your brain to help you feel like you again.
But what is TMS, how does it work, and is it right for you? This page will walk you through everything you need to know in plain language.
What Is TMS Treatment Used For?
TMS is FDA-approved for several mental health conditions, and it’s being studied for many more. Here’s a quick list:
TMS is commonly used for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- OCD
It’s also showing promise for:
- Cognitive fog
- Tinnitus
- Brain injury recovery
- Motivation issues
- Addiction
- Memory decline (in early research)
At Genesis Brain Institute, we also use TMS in combination with advanced brain scans and customized treatment plans. That helps us match the treatment to your specific brain patterns—not just your symptoms.
What Is TMS Treatment?
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, but don’t let the name intimidate you. At its core, TMS is a non-invasive therapy that uses gentle magnetic pulses to help your brain function the way it’s supposed to. Here’s what that means: in many mental health conditions—like depression, anxiety, and PTSD—certain areas of the brain become underactive. That’s not your fault. It’s just how the brain responds to stress, trauma, or chemical imbalances. TMS sends targeted magnetic pulses (kind of like an MRI, but much more focused) to these sluggish areas. The goal? To wake them up, improve communication between brain regions, and restore healthy activity patterns.
You’re fully awake during treatment. Nothing enters your body. There’s no medication involved. And best of all? Many people feel like themselves again after just a few weeks of sessions. It’s like jump-starting a car battery—but for your brain.
How Does TMS Work?
At Genesis Brain Institute, TMS isn’t guesswork—it’s guided science.
We use a specialized device that delivers focused magnetic pulses to very specific regions of your brain, all from outside your head. Nothing invasive. No sedation. No recovery time needed. You sit in a chair, and the device does the work.
But how does this actually help?
Let’s break it down:
Your brain is an electrical organ—it communicates using tiny electrical signals that travel between cells. When those signals slow down or get disrupted (like after trauma, prolonged stress, or chemical changes), it can lead to symptoms like depression, anxiety, brain fog, and more.
TMS works by sending repetitive magnetic pulses through your scalp into precise parts of the brain. These pulses create small electrical currents that “nudge” your neurons back into action, helping restore natural brain rhythms.
Based on your brain scan and symptoms, we may use TMS to:
- Stimulate underactive areas (common in depression, anxiety, and foggy thinking)
- Calm down overactive areas (often helpful for tinnitus or trauma-related reactivity)
How Does TMS Work?
We don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all protocol. At Genesis, we use qEEG brain mapping to pinpoint exactly where your brain is overactive or underactive—so we can target the right areas with precision.
The result? A smarter, more personalized treatment that meets your brain where it is—and helps it get where it needs to go.
How We Know If TMS Is Right for You
Here’s the truth: TMS isn’t for everyone.
We don’t guess—we test. At Genesis, we use a combination of:
qEEG Brain Mapping
(to spot abnormal activity in specific brain areas)
Symptom Assessments
(Like questionnaires and clinical interviews)
Expert Analysis
From our mental health team
We especially look for underactivity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—a region often linked with depression and low motivation. If we see that pattern, it’s a strong indicator that TMS could help.
What Does a TMS Session Feel Like?
You’ll sit comfortably in a chair. We place a special figure-8 coil on your head. You’ll feel tapping or pulsing on your scalp (some describe it like a woodpecker knocking gently). That’s it.
Each session:
- Takes about 20–30 minutes
- Requires no sedation or recovery time
- Lets you go right back to work, school, or your day
Most people need multiple sessions over several weeks, with booster treatments as needed.
How Fast Will You See Results?
For some people, the benefits of TMS treatment starts showing up in just a few sessions. Others may need a few weeks of consistent treatment to notice a shift. Every brain is different—but one thing we’ve learned is that consistency matters. One of the most exciting breakthroughs in the TMS world comes from Stanford University, where researchers developed a game-changing protocol called SAINT—short for Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy. Here’s what makes SAINT different:
Instead of spreading treatment sessions out over six weeks (like traditional TMS), SAINT delivers multiple high-dose sessions each day for five days straight. This intensive schedule uses advanced imaging to precisely target the brain areas involved in depression—especially the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in people struggling with mood and motivation. The results?
In clinical trials, more than 75% of patients saw rapid relief from depression symptoms, even when nothing else had worked before. At Genesis Brain Institute, we offer a modified accelerated TMS protocol inspired by SAINT, designed for those who need faster, more focused support—especially individuals facing severe depression or suicidal thoughts. This intensive approach is personalized to each patient’s needs and carefully monitored by our expert team. While it’s not the right fit for everyone, it can be a transformative option for those who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments.
While there’s no instant cure for depression, advancements like SAINT show just how powerful TMS therapy can be—especially when used with precision, intention, and the right medical support.
Is TMS Treatment a Permanent Fix?
TMS isn’t a miracle or a one-and-done cure. But it can offer long-term relief—especially with regular maintenance sessions.
Most people follow a plan like this:
1. Intensive initial phase
(4–6 weeks of regular sessions)
2. Follow-up booster sessions
(Monthly or as needed)
3. Ongoing brain health support
(Which we also help with)
Think of it like physical therapy for your brain. The more you train it, the better the brain functions.
Why Choose Genesis Brain Institute for TMS Treatment In Tampa?
You have options—but here’s what makes us different:
We Use qEEG Brain Mapping, Not Guesswork
Most clinics base TMS placement on a general map of the brain. At Genesis Brain Institute, we take a far more personalized approach. We use qEEG—a type of brain mapping that shows us exactly which areas of your brain are underactive, overactive, or need attention. But we don’t stop there.
Our brain therapy center is thorough and multi-layered in brain diagnostics. In addition to qEEG scans, we use cognitive testing, balance testing, pupil testing and in-depth interviews. This allows us to get a full picture of how your brain functions, so we can treat what’s actually going on—not just what it looks like on the surface.
We Have a Full Team Behind You
When you work with us, you’re not just getting a technician running a machine—you’re getting a team of diverse medical professionals working together to find the best treatment for you.
Our staff includes a pediatrician, neurologist, neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, mental health counselors, and more. This collaborative approach means we’re able to look at your situation from multiple angles and pull from a wide range of expertise. Whether you’re dealing with long-term depression, PTSD, anxiety, or cognitive decline, we build a personalized plan that aligns with your brain, your history, and your goals.
We Get Results When Others Couldn’t
Common Questions About TMS Treatment
Can I get TMS Treatment In Tampa if I'm out of State?
We are centrally located 2.3 miles from the Tampa International Airport, surrounded by convenient Hotels within walking distance to our location and work closely with these two hotels:
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Coverage for TMS treatment can vary widely depending on your specific plan and provider. Since everyone’s situation is different, we recommend giving us a call so we can talk through your options and help guide you in the right direction.
What are the side effects?
Most people only feel mild scalp discomfort or a light headache that goes away quickly. TMS doesn’t cause weight gain, memory loss, or drowsiness like many meds.
Can TMS cause seizures?
Nope. ECT uses electricity and requires anesthesia. TMS uses magnetic pulses, is much gentler, and you stay fully awake.
Ready to Try Something That Actually Works?
We know how frustrating it can be to try therapy after therapy and still feel stuck. If you’re feeling “off,” struggling with brain fog, or dealing with depression that won’t lift—TMS therapy might be the missing link.
We’re here to help you figure it out.
Take the next step.
Schedule a consultation or call us directly to ask your questions. There’s no pressure—just answers, clarity, and a chance to finally feel better.
You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck
At Genesis Brain Institute, we believe your brain is the gateway to your best life. With the right tools, treatment, and support—you can heal. You can grow. And yes, you can feel good again.