Is TMS Right for Me?
An honest look at who transcranial magnetic stimulation helps, and who it doesn't.
On this page
Is TMS Right For You?
Not sure if TMS is the answer for you? Take our quick screening quiz to learn more about your suitability and treatment options.
Takes 3 minutes
Before you begin
All content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…had little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…felt down, depressed, or hopeless?
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…had trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?
Did you know?
TMS produces no systemic side effects — nothing enters the bloodstream, so the weight changes, sleep disruption, and sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressants don’t apply. There’s no anaesthesia and no cognitive impairment. Most people maintain their normal routine throughout the course.
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…felt tired or had little energy?
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…had a poor appetite or overeaten?
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…felt bad about yourself, that you’re a failure or that you’ve let yourself or your family down?
Did you know?
Most major insurance plans cover TMS treatment. We verify your benefits and handle prior authorisations, so there are no surprise bills and no guesswork.
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…had trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television?
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…been moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite: being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual?
Over the last few weeks, how often have you…
…had thoughts of death or of hurting yourself?
Your score is out of 27.
Based on your responses today, it's unlikely you are suffering from depression. Most people experience feelings of anxiety or sadness during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short period of time, however, if you don't see any improvement or you have any concerns about your health or mood you can schedule a call with a professional. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.
Your score is out of 27.
The results of your quiz indicate that you may be experiencing a mild amount of depressive symptoms. Symptoms of mild depression may manifest themselves as feelings of sadness, possibly as a response to a difficult event or situation. Talk to a professional today to find out if you could be a possible candidate for TMS Treatment. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.
Your score is out of 27.
The results of your quiz indicate that you may be experiencing a moderate amount of depressive symptoms. Symptoms of moderate depression may manifest themselves as feelings of deep sadness, possibly as a response to a difficult event or situation. Talk to a professional today to find out if you could be a possible candidate for TMS Treatment. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.
Your score is out of 27.
The results of your quiz indicate that you may be experiencing a moderate to severe amount of depressive symptoms. Symptoms of major depression may manifest themselves as feelings of deep sadness, possibly as a response to a difficult event or situation. Talk to a professional today to find out if you could be a possible candidate for TMS Treatment. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.
Your score is out of 27.
The results of your quiz indicate that you may be experiencing a substantial amount of depressive symptoms, possibly as a response to a difficult event or situation. Talk to a professional today to find out if you could be a possible candidate for TMS Treatment. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.
The short answer
Is TMS right for you?
TMS is usually worth considering if you have depression and you don't have a history of seizures or metal in or near your head. Everything past that is a conversation rather than a checklist - which is exactly what the free call is for.
Suitability
Who TMS tends to help
- You'd prefer not to take medication.
- Medication helps, but not enough.
- You get side effects from medication that are difficult to live with.
- You'd rather not take something every day.
- You want treatment with no recovery time, so you can drive yourself home.
- Whether you have a history of seizures.
- Whether you have metal implants in or near your head.
- Whether you're likely to respond to treatment and tolerate it well.
No prior authorization required, and no waiting list to start. TMS isn't right for everyone. We check all of this before anything is booked, and if it isn't the right treatment for you, we'll say so.

The common question
“Do I have to have failed medication first?”
You don't need to have failed medication to benefit from TMS for depression. TMS is FDA-approved for depression and OCD in adults who haven't improved on antidepressants, so insurance will often only pay for it once you've tried an antidepressant or two without enough relief. If you're not planning to use insurance, TMS can still be an effective option for depression.
Either way, you don't need to have tried everything, and you can stay on the medication you're taking now. If you're not sure whether you'd qualify, that's a quick answer on your call.
Keep reading
Where to go next
About Us
The two board-certified psychiatrists behind Confluence, and what physician-led care actually means.
Pricing Guide
Course prices, what's included, and where insurance stands.
How TMS works
The non-drug option - magnetic pulses, no medication, no downtime.
The honest way to find out
A short conversation settles it. On a free 10-minute call, a psychiatrist talks through what you've tried and whether TMS is worth pursuing for you, with no obligation to book anything.








