Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive and effective FDA-approved treatment for patients suffering from depression who haven’t improved with antidepressants. Because SeattleNTC has been providing TMS for our patients since 2008, we are the most experienced and trusted provider in Washington state.

Why Choose TMS?
TMS provides hope for patients who have tried and failed two or more anti-depressants. In studies, about two-thirds of patients with treatment-resistant depression responded to TMS. TMS can also provide successful outcomes for OCD patients. Almost half of treatment-resistant OCD patients who have failed to find relief with other medications and psychotherapy see improvement of symptoms with TMS.
What can I expect with TMS?
TMS uses short pulses of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in parts of the brain involved with mood and anxiety. This stimulation adjusts communication between parts of the brain and leads to an increase in beneficial connections associated with brain health.
A TMS treatment session is a short outpatient procedure that usually lasts between 15-20 minutes. TMS does not involve any anesthesia. During treatment, patients can rest in the treatment chair, listen to music, watch videos or chat with our TMS Techs. After the procedure, patients can immediately return to a normal routine, including driving.
Can I bring my dog with me?
SeattleNTC loves dogs! You are welcome to bring your dog with you to treatment as long as you are able to provide them with ear protection as dogs have very sensitive ears. Please let us know if you would like assistance in finding a good option for dog ear protection.
Side Effects
Treatment with TMS causes very few side effects and is well tolerated by most of our patients. The most common side effects are mild headaches and scalp discomfort that usually occurs less frequently after the first week of treatment. That means:
- No systemic side effects
- No weight gain
- No sexual dysfunction
- No nausea
- No dry mouth
- No negative effects on concentration or memory
- No drug interactions
What is Deep TMS?
Deep TMS, or dTMS, is a subtype of TMS treatment that uses a different shaped coil with a broader area of effect. The efficacy of dTMS in placebo controlled trials has been similar to rTMS for depression. dTMS involves a helmet that is strapped to the patient’s head like a bicycle helmet.
There are several different coils which are referred to as dTMS. One coil is FDA approved for the treatment of depression, and another coil is FDA approved for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. SeattleNTC offers dTMS at our Seattle clinic using the BrainsWay device.
Does SNTC offer the SAINT protocol?
The SAINT protocol is an accelerated TMS protocol that uses MRI technology to target the treatment site. Instead of a standard TMS course, which is 1 treatment per day for about 6 weeks, 10 shorter treatments are administered per day for 5 days.
SeattleNTC can provide an accelerated TMS course similar to the SAINT protocol, which involves 6 to 10 theta burst treatments per day for 1 week. This protocol is off-label, meaning it is not FDA-cleared and may not be covered by insurance.

More Information About TMS
- TMS is an outpatient procedure performed in our office.
- TMS is non-invasive, meaning that is does not involve surgery.
- TMS does not require any anesthesia or sedation. Patients remain awake and alert during the treatment.
- TMS does not involve any medications.
- The typical initial treatment course consists of five treatments per week over a six-week period for an average of thirty total treatments, followed by a six-treatment taper. Each treatment session typically lasts between 15-20 minutes.
TMS TREATMENT
KETAMINE TREATMENTS
KETAMINE TREATMENTS
Now providing esketamine, IV ketamine, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
ECT TREATMENT
CLINICAL TRIALS
CLINICAL TRIALS
In addition to TMS, ECT, and ketamine treatments, we offer clinical trial options.
ADDITIONAL THERAPIES
TMS TREATMENT
ECT TREATMENT
KETAMINE TREATMENTS
KETAMINE TREATMENTS
Now providing esketamine, IV ketamine, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
CLINICAL TRIALS
CLINICAL TRIALS
In addition to TMS, ECT, and ketamine treatments, we offer clinical trial options.