TMS for depression is typically delivered over weeks, and benefits may last for varying periods, with follow-up care helping manage relapse and ongoing support needs.
How Long Do TMS Results Last?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is usually given as a course of treatment rather than as a one-off appointment. For depression, a standard course often involves about 36 weekday sessions over six to nine weeks. Some people notice improvement during treatment, while others notice changes later in the course.
A common question after completing TMS is how long the benefit will last. There is no single answer. Some people continue to feel well for a long time after their course finishes. Others experience a gradual return of symptoms and may need further support, changes to their wider treatment plan, or another course of TMS.
TMS is commonly used alongside ongoing mental health care, rather than replacing it entirely. Follow-up care can help you and your clinician recognise changes early and decide what support is appropriate.
What “lasting results” can mean
The effects of TMS may be described in different ways. A person may have a response to treatment, meaning their symptoms have improved meaningfully. Another person may reach remission, meaning symptoms are minimal or no longer causing major day-to-day difficulty.
These terms do not guarantee that symptoms will never return. Depression can be a recurring condition, and relapse can happen after many forms of treatment, including medication, talking therapies and TMS.
It can be helpful to think of TMS as one part of a longer-term plan for managing depression. That plan may include:
- Regular reviews with a psychiatrist, GP or mental health prescriber
- Medication, where appropriate
- Psychological therapy or counselling
- Sleep, activity and routine support
- Help with alcohol, substance use, stress or physical health concerns where relevant
- A plan for recognising early signs of relapse
The aim of follow-up is not to assume that symptoms will return. It is to make sure there is a clear route back to care if they do.
Why results vary between people
The durability of TMS results can vary for many reasons. Depression itself is not the same for every person, and people begin treatment with different symptom patterns, histories and life circumstances.
Factors that may affect ongoing wellbeing include the severity and duration of depression, previous episodes, co-occurring anxiety or other mental health conditions, physical health, medication changes and stressful events. Continuing treatment and support after TMS may also be important for some people.
TMS received FDA clearance for major depressive disorder in 2008. In 2021, FDA clearance was expanded to include depression with comorbid anxiety. However, eligibility, treatment protocols and follow-up arrangements are individual clinical decisions.
Your TMS provider should be able to explain what they expect after the final session, when they want to review you, and who will manage your care once the initial course is complete.
Relapse: planning without assuming the worst
A relapse means that depressive symptoms return after a period of improvement. It may happen quickly, gradually or after a major change in circumstances. It does not mean that TMS failed, or that you have done anything wrong.
People sometimes notice early warning signs before symptoms become severe. These can differ from person to person, but may include:
- Sleeping much more or less than usual
- Loss of interest in everyday activities
- Increasing isolation from family, friends or work
- Lower energy or difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite or routine
- Rising anxiety, irritability or hopelessness
- Missing medication, therapy or follow-up appointments
Before finishing TMS, consider writing down your own early warning signs. Include practical steps you can take, such as contacting your prescriber, arranging a therapy appointment, asking someone close to check in, or speaking with the TMS clinic.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel unable to stay safe, seek urgent help straight away through emergency services or a crisis service.
Maintenance TMS: what it is
Maintenance TMS refers to treatment sessions given after the initial course, with the aim of supporting continued wellbeing or responding to early symptom changes. There is no single maintenance schedule that suits everyone.
Some people do not need maintenance sessions. Others may discuss occasional planned sessions with their clinician, while some may be offered a more structured follow-up approach. The timing, number and purpose of sessions should be based on your symptoms, history, response to the original course and the clinic’s clinical judgement.
It is reasonable to ask a clinic:
- Do you offer maintenance TMS after an initial course?
- How do you decide whether maintenance treatment is suitable?
- Will my psychiatrist or prescribing clinician be involved?
- What symptoms should prompt me to contact you?
- How are maintenance sessions arranged if I move, travel or change insurance?
- Are there separate authorisation requirements for follow-up treatment?
Do not assume that maintenance treatment will be automatically covered by insurance. Coverage and prior authorisation requirements can vary by plan and by the reason treatment is being requested.
Re-treatment after symptoms return
Re-treatment, sometimes called a repeat course, means returning for another series of TMS sessions after symptoms have returned. This is different from maintenance care, although the terms may sometimes be used loosely in conversation.
A repeat course may be considered when someone previously benefited from TMS and later experiences a clinically significant return of depression. Your clinician will normally review your current symptoms, wider treatment, safety and whether TMS remains appropriate.
The practical process may involve a new assessment and insurer review. If you are using insurance, ask early about documentation, referral requirements, network status and prior authorisation. In Utah, plans commonly seen by clinics include SelectHealth, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, University of Utah Health Plans, PEHP Health & Benefits, Cigna, Aetna, Utah Medicaid and Medicare. The fact that a clinic lists a carrier does not necessarily mean every plan or type of follow-up care is covered.
If you are considering re-treatment, it can help to keep records of your original TMS course, including the clinic, dates, treating clinician, medication list and any outcome measures used. This may make later discussions with a new provider or insurer more straightforward.
Building a follow-up plan before treatment ends
A useful follow-up plan is specific, realistic and shared with the people involved in your care. Ideally, discuss it during the final weeks of TMS rather than waiting until symptoms become difficult again.
Your plan might cover:
- Your next appointment with your psychiatrist, GP or mental health prescriber
- Whether medication will continue, change or be reviewed
- Therapy appointments and other ongoing support
- The symptoms that should prompt you to get in touch
- Who to contact during office hours and out of hours
- Whether maintenance TMS or re-treatment could be considered
- Insurance questions and possible costs before future sessions are booked
- Consent for communication between the TMS clinic and your other clinicians
It may also be useful to agree how progress will be monitored. This could involve a simple symptom diary, regular questionnaires used by your clinician, or a conversation about sleep, mood, functioning and anxiety at follow-up appointments.
TMS is generally well tolerated. Scalp discomfort and headache are among the more common side effects during treatment, while seizure is rare. If you are returning for maintenance or a repeat course, tell the clinic about any changes in medicines, health conditions or pregnancy status since your earlier treatment.
Finding follow-up care in Utah
Continuity can matter when arranging TMS follow-up. You may prefer to return to the clinic that delivered your first course, particularly if they know your treatment history. Others may need a clinic closer to home, work or family support.
TMS Therapy Utah lists 96 published clinics across the state. Directory listings include clinics in Layton, Salt Lake City, St. George, Lehi, Provo, West Jordan, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Draper, Sandy, Springville and Clearfield, among other locations.
When comparing options, ask whether the service provides initial TMS, maintenance sessions, repeat courses, medication management, or coordination with outside clinicians. Location is important, but it is also worth checking appointment availability, referral arrangements and whether the clinic can communicate with your existing mental health team.
Getting help in Utah
Use the TMS Therapy Utah clinic listings to find local providers, review the insurance guide before contacting a clinic, and visit the contact page if you need help using the directory.
This is educational information, not medical advice.
This page is informational and is not medical advice.