TMS

TMS and antidepressants both treat depression effectively, but they work differently, suit different people, and are not in competition with each other.

Antidepressants modulate the chemicals between your nerve cells – a daily intervention that depends on continued dosing. TMS stimulates the nerves themselves, building new connections over a course of treatment. These different mechanisms mean the two options suit different situations, and in some cases your doctor may recommend both at the same time.

This page helps you understand how each treatment works, what the evidence shows, how side effects compare, and – most importantly – which pathway may be the better fit for where you are right now.

TMS vs. Antidepressants at a Glance

The table below compares the two treatments across the factors that matter most to people making this decision.

Both approaches can work together. A clinician may coordinate both when their combined effects suit the person’s needs.

How Antidepressants Work

Antidepressants belong to what clinicians sometimes call Psychiatry 2.0 – treatments that work by modulating the chemicals between nerve cells. The brain contains approximately 100 billion nerve cells, and antidepressants adjust the neurotransmitters (primarily serotonin) that pass between them. Their effects develop through continued daily dosing, with symptom improvement typically emerging over several weeks.

Medication classes and how they work

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduce serotonin reuptake, leaving more serotonin available between neighbouring nerve cells. Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) affect both messenger systems, extending their influence across related mood pathways. Your prescriber selects the most appropriate class after reviewing your symptoms, health history, and any previous medication responses.

Why antidepressants take time to work

Changes in chemical availability happen soon after dosing begins, but symptom improvement depends on slower adaptations across receptors and connected neural networks – which is why it can take several weeks to feel a difference.

Daily dosing maintains the prescribed exposure as the brain adjusts over several weeks. Regular reviews help the prescriber assess benefit and comfort before maintaining the dose or making a supervised adjustment.

Why response to antidepressants varies between people

Depression presents varied symptom patterns, and individual health history influences how you respond to prescribed medication. Metabolism affects how quickly your body processes a medicine and how long its effects remain active. You may benefit from the first prescription or find a better fit after trying a different class or dose. Side effects can guide later decisions. If you and your doctor decide to reduce or stop a medication, every taper should be doctor-supervised – stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Where antidepressants fall short

Antidepressants have helped many people, and they remain an important part of depression care. But the STAR*D trial – the largest study of treatment-resistant depression ever conducted – showed that response rates fall significantly with each additional medication tried: approximately 40% at the first trial, 25% at the second, and 16.8% at the third.

For a significant proportion of people, medications either don’t work adequately or produce side effects – particularly sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting – that make continued treatment difficult.

This doesn’t mean medication should be avoided. It means TMS exists as an evidence-based option for people who haven’t found adequate relief.

How TMS Works Differently

TMS represents a different generation of treatment – what some clinicians describe as Psychiatry 3.0. Rather than adjusting the chemicals between nerve cells, TMS uses targeted magnetic energy and stimulates the nerve cells themselves. Each magnetic pulse creates a brief electrical current within selected areas of the prefrontal cortex – the brain region linked with mood regulation. Repeated sessions over a course of treatment encourage the brain to build new neural connections, a process called neuroplasticity.

How TMS delivers stimulation

A clinician places a magnetic coil against your scalp near the prefrontal cortex. The changing magnetic field passes through the skull and induces a small electrical current within the cortical tissue beneath the coil. Clinicians can use the stimulation pattern to increase or reduce activity, depending on the protocol and treatment target.

The mapping session

Your first appointment includes a mapping session, which gives the clinician a measurable way to personalise stimulation intensity before treatment begins. The clinician applies a pulse over the motor cortex until it produces visible movement in your thumb or fingers. This motor threshold is then used to calibrate your treatment intensity – ensuring stimulation is matched to your individual neurology.

How neuroplasticity produces lasting results

By activating the same targeted pathways tens of thousands of times across a course, TMS encourages the brain to strengthen and build new neural connections. Neuroplasticity describes the brain’s capacity to reorganise and grow more connections.

This structural change – rather than a chemical one – is why a single course of TMS can produce results that often last well beyond the treatment period, unlike daily medication that depends on continued dosing.

What a TMS course involves

You remain awake in a reclining chair as the coil delivers pulses during each scheduled session. Sessions at Neuralia last approximately 20 minutes, followed by an immediate return to normal daily activities – no anaesthesia, no recovery time, and no need to arrange transport.

An initial course involves 35 sessions, scheduled three to five times per week. The full course spans approximately four to seven weeks. Neuralia offers extended clinic hours – before and after standard business hours – to accommodate people who work full-time.

What the Evidence Shows

The STAR*D trial and Neuralia’s TMS response figure are not a direct head-to-head comparison – their populations and study contexts differ. Understanding both sets of figures clearly is more useful than treating them as opposing scores.

STAR*D tracked outcomes across successive medication steps, examining what happens when people with major depressive disorder try one antidepressant after another. Neuralia’s approximately 60–65% response figure reflects a population receiving TMS – typically after previous treatments. A response means a clinically meaningful reduction in measured depression symptoms; remission means symptoms fall below the clinical threshold entirely.

• First medication trial: Approximately 40% of STAR*D participants responded at the first treatment level.
• Second medication trial: Response fell to approximately 25% after the first medication failed.
• Third medication trial: Response fell further, to approximately 16.8%, after a second medication failed.
• TMS response: Neuralia cites an approximately 60–65% response rate as a conservative estimate.
• Population context: STAR*D examined sequenced medications in a treatment-resistant population – the same population Medicare covers TMS for.
• What this means for you: These figures support informed conversations with your doctor, but your individual care history and current symptoms guide the treatment decision that applies to you.

Side Effects Compared

Both treatments have known side effects – and both are manageable. The key difference is that antidepressant side effects are systemic (affecting the whole body through chemical circulation), while TMS side effects are localised and temporary. Neither should be overstated; many people tolerate both treatments well.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

The most suitable pathway depends on your treatment history and current situation – not on a universal ranking. Your doctor is the right person to help you work through this decision, but the following framework gives you a starting point.

• If you are new to depression treatment: Your doctor will typically consider antidepressant medication as the first step, depending on your symptoms and medical history. This is the established clinical pathway, and medication helps many people significantly.
• If you have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate relief: TMS may offer another evidence-based pathway. Medicare covers TMS specifically for this situation – Treatment-Resistant Depression is defined as failure to respond to at least two antidepressant trials.
• If medication side effects are affecting your quality of life: A drug-sparing approach may suit your situation when systemic effects – particularly sexual dysfunction or emotional blunting – are influencing your daily comfort.
• If you want to combine both treatments: TMS and antidepressants may form part of the same treatment plan. A psychiatrist may continue your existing prescription during TMS treatment, allowing chemical modulation and neural stimulation to work alongside each other.
• If daily routine is a factor: You take medication at home on a daily schedule. TMS requires clinic attendance three to five times per week across four to seven weeks. Neuralia’s extended clinic hours are designed to accommodate people who work full-time.

Every medication decision – including stopping, reducing, or changing – is made with your doctor.

Does Medicare Cover TMS?

TMS was listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule in November 2021, specifically for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). This was a landmark moment for Australian mental health care – TMS previously cost approximately $8,000 out-of-pocket.

To be eligible for a Medicare-funded TMS course, you generally need to:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have a diagnosis of a major depressive episode
• Have completed adequate trials of at least two different antidepressant classes, each at a therapeutic dose for at least three weeks
• Have not previously received rTMS treatment in a public or private setting
• Meet the remaining clinical and adherence criteria, including psychological therapy where clinically appropriate

An initial Medicare course covers up to 35 sessions.

In March 2023, Neuralia TMS became Australia’s first multi-site TMS-specific service to offer a no-gap Medicare option – meaning eligible patients pay nothing out of pocket. Australia now has among the highest levels of TMS access in the world.

The right starting point is an individual assessment. A clinician at Neuralia can review your depression history, previous medication responses, and treatment goals and confirm whether TMS is clinically appropriate and whether you meet Medicare eligibility criteria.

Book a free initial consultation here or call (08) 6230 3996 (WA) or (03) 9122 5246 (VIC). A clinical assessment at Neuralia will confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria and explain the referral pathway that applies to your situation.

FAQs on TMS vs. Antidepressants

What are the most common TMS therapy side effects?

The most commonly reported side effects are temporary scalp discomfort (affecting about 1 in 10 patients) and occasional mild headache. The treating team can reposition the coil to relieve discomfort, and Panadol is usually effective for headaches.

Seizure is extremely rare, approximately 1 in 50,000–60,000 sessions in patients without risk factors. TMS is not suitable for people with epilepsy, a seizure history, or ferrous metal implants in the head or neck.

Does Medicare cover TMS for depression?

Yes, for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Medicare covers an initial course of up to 35 sessions for eligible adults who have not responded adequately to at least two antidepressant trials. Neuralia offers a no-gap option for eligible patients. A clinical assessment will confirm whether you qualify.

Can TMS and antidepressants be used together?

Yes. The two treatments work through different mechanisms, and a psychiatrist may continue an existing prescription during a TMS course. Combining approaches is an individual clinical decision made with your doctor.

Is medication the best treatment for ADHD?

Stimulant medication remains a first-line, evidence-based ADHD treatment, though the right choice depends on individual needs, age, and symptom profile. TMS protocols for ADHD are an emerging research area. Neuralia does not currently offer ADHD stimulation as an established service. Speak with your prescribing doctor.

Back to Top: TMS vs. Antidepressants: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Australia’s veteran community extends far beyond those currently in uniform. The 2021 Census counted 581,139 current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, meaning one in 20 Australian households included someone with Defence service.

By June 2025, more than 355,000 veterans and family members had accessed Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) support, highlighting the scale of care required during and after service. For veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), understanding available treatments and funding pathways can make the first step more manageable.

This guide explains PTSD treatment for veterans, where transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may fit within a broader care plan and how DVA eligibility, referrals, and funding should be confirmed before treatment begins.

PTSD and Australian Veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after experiencing or witnessing trauma, with symptoms affecting sleep, concentration, emotional regulation, relationships, and a person’s sense of safety. Although each veteran’s experience differs, PTSD symptoms commonly involve:

• Reliving traumatic experiences through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks.
• Avoiding people, places, activities, or conversations associated with the trauma.
• Feeling emotionally disconnected from relationships, activities, or surroundings.
• Remaining highly alert to threats or reacting strongly to unexpected sounds and movements.
• Experiencing disrupted sleep, irritability, poor concentration, or difficulty regulating emotions.

Military service can involve repeated exposure to dangerous, distressing, or morally challenging situations, followed by the practical and emotional demands of returning to civilian life. PTSD may also occur alongside depression, anxiety, chronic pain, harmful alcohol use, or sleep disorders, which can influence the treatment approach.

It’s estimated that between 5% and 20% of veterans may develop PTSD during their lifetime. PTSD, depression, and alcohol dependence have also been identified among the mental health concerns affecting Australian veterans. Effective PTSD treatment for veterans begins with an individual assessment rather than assumptions based solely on a person’s service history.

What are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for PTSD may combine psychological therapy, medication, practical support, lifestyle measures, and neuromodulation. This is according to the veteran’s symptoms, health history, and previous responses to care. TMS should be considered within this broader treatment picture rather than presented as a replacement for psychological therapy or medication.

Psychological therapy

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy helps veterans examine how traumatic experiences have influenced their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Treatment may incorporate prolonged exposure, which supports the gradual processing of trauma-related memories and situations within a structured therapeutic environment.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while a person processes distressing memories. These trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapies, including exposure-based approaches and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, are among the evidence-based treatments used for veterans with PTSD.

Medication

Medication may help manage depression, anxiety, disturbed sleep, intrusive thoughts, or persistent hyperarousal when prescribed as part of an individual treatment plan.

Antidepressants have helped many patients, although responses vary, and some people receive limited benefit or experience effects such as sexual dysfunction or emotional blunting. A psychiatrist can talk through the PTSD medication options that may suit a veteran’s situation.

Neuralia TMS takes a drug-sparing rather than anti-medication approach. This means TMS may reduce reliance on medication for some suitable patients without dismissing its place in mental healthcare. Veterans should discuss every medication decision with their doctor and should never stop prescribed treatment without clinical guidance.

Lifestyle and coordinated support

Regular sleep, physical activity, balanced nutrition, and supportive relationships can strengthen a clinical treatment plan without replacing professional care. Veterans may also require support for chronic pain, substance use, relationship strain, or other conditions that interact with PTSD symptoms.

A coordinated approach allows the veteran’s GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, and other treating providers to address different parts of the clinical picture. Treatment can then respond to changes in symptoms and stay connected to the person’s physical health, relationships, and existing care, rather than treating PTSD in isolation.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Within this broader model, TMS for veterans offers a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that can complement therapy, medication, and wellness measures. A psychiatrist must determine whether TMS is appropriate for the veteran’s clinical presentation and how it should be coordinated with their existing care.

Unlike medication, which circulates throughout the body, TMS delivers magnetic stimulation to specific brain regions. This targeted approach may appeal to veterans who have received limited relief from previous treatments or experienced difficult medication side effects.

How TMS Works for PTSD

TMS uses controlled magnetic pulses to stimulate selected brain regions without surgery, sedation, or anaesthesia. During treatment, a clinician places a magnetic coil on the scalp and delivers repeated pulses according to a protocol tailored to the condition and treatment.

How magnetic stimulation affects brain activity

PTSD can affect brain networks involved in threat detection, memory, emotional regulation, and stress responses. By influencing activity within selected parts of these networks, TMS aims to support neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections over time.

rTMS vs. dTMS for Veterans

TMS is delivered using one of two coil types, and the choice depends on the individual’s symptoms, history, and clinical goals. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) uses a figure-8 coil to deliver focused stimulation to cortical areas about 1.5 to 2cm beneath the skull, targeting superficial brain regions linked to mood and coping, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. It is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, migraines, and smoking cessation.

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) uses an H-coil design that reaches deeper, about 4 to 6cm, stimulating broader regions at once, including the anterior cingulate cortex and deeper prefrontal areas involved in emotion processing and stress regulation. That wider reach may be relevant for veterans whose symptoms involve deeper brain circuits tied to chronic stress patterns. dTMS is approved by the FDA for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What happens during the mapping session?

Treatment begins with a mapping session in which the clinician establishes the magnetic intensity required for the individual patient. Because clinicians cannot directly observe a single nerve firing beneath the skull, they use a motor response to calibrate the stimulation threshold.

The magnetic pulses elicit involuntary movement in the patient’s thumb or fingers, providing the clinician with a measurable response from which to calculate treatment intensity. This process allows the prescribed stimulation to reflect the patient’s individual brain response rather than applying the same setting to everyone.

What happens during TMS treatment?

Patients remain awake in a reclining chair while receiving treatment and can usually drive or return to ordinary activities afterwards. Appointments commonly last about 20 minutes, although the duration and number of sessions depend on the prescribed protocol.

Where a 35-session course applies, appointments ‌take place three to five times per week over four to seven weeks. This schedule requires an honest discussion about the time commitment before treatment begins.

Extended clinic hours before and after standard working hours help veterans attend regular sessions while managing employment, family responsibilities, and existing medical appointments.

Throughout treatment, the clinical team can communicate with the veteran’s existing healthcare providers when appropriate and authorised to do so. This collaborative approach helps align TMS with psychological therapy, prescribed medication, and other parts of the veteran’s care plan.

Does DVA Fund TMS?

DVA provides eligible veterans with funded healthcare through the Veteran Card system, although holding a card does not automatically authorise every treatment. Access depends on the card type, conditions covered, proposed service, provider participation, and any prior approval requirements.

Questions about DVA-funded TMS are common, but each requires an individual eligibility check. Veterans must establish what their card covers and whether DVA has approved the proposed TMS treatment before their first session.

What is a veteran card?

A Veteran Card records the healthcare and treatment support a person can access through DVA. Eligible veterans receive a physical card and can also view a digital version through MyService or add it to the myGov app.

Before receiving treatment, veterans should show their card to the healthcare provider and ask whether the provider accepts DVA payment arrangements. A provider may also request a referral, check the conditions recorded on the card, or seek prior approval from DVA.

DVA issues different cards according to a veteran’s eligibility and approved coverage:

Under NLHC, current and former full-time ADF members may qualify for funded mental health treatment. Eligibility may also extend to reservists with at least one day of continuous full-time service and certain reservists who participated in disaster relief, border protection, or a serious service-related training accident.

Gold Card holders are already eligible for mental health treatment, while White Card holders must have mental health coverage recorded on their card. Veterans can check their accepted conditions through MyService or request confirmation from DVA.

Does DVA cover TMS specifically for PTSD?

DVA doesn’t automatically fund TMS specifically for PTSD. Coverage must be confirmed individually based on the veteran’s diagnosed condition, Veteran Card coverage, clinical justification, and any prior financial approval requirements.

Current published DVA guidance establishes a TMS funding pathway for eligible Veteran Card holders with medication-resistant major depressive disorder. However, it does not confirm blanket funding for TMS used to treat PTSD. Because funding policies and approval procedures can change, veterans should confirm the current arrangements with DVA and the clinic before starting treatment.

To determine whether TMS is covered by DVA for an individual treatment plan, the veteran and clinic should confirm:

• Card coverage must include the condition being treated.
• Neuralia TMS must accept the Veteran Card for the proposed service.
• Prior financial approval may be required under the prescribed TMS protocol.
• Referral requirements may involve a GP, psychiatrist, or both.
• Clinical records may be needed to document the diagnosis and previous treatment.
• Session limits can differ between initial, continuation, and maintenance treatment.
• Written approval may be required before the first appointment.

The referral pathway, step by step

The referral process should establish clinical suitability and funding approval before a veteran commits to treatment. Because requirements may differ according to the condition, card type, and proposed protocol, veterans should complete each stage in sequence.

1. Discuss your symptoms with your GP. Explain how PTSD affects your daily life, describe previous psychological and medication treatments, and ask whether a specialist assessment for TMS may be appropriate.
2. Check your Veteran Card coverage. Confirm whether you hold a Gold Card or a White Card that includes mental health treatment, using your DVA records to verify the conditions covered.
3. Provide the clinic with your Veteran Card details and available treatment history so the team can explain its current process for veteran referrals and funding enquiries.
4. Confirm the funding pathway. Establish whether DVA will fund TMS for the condition being treated, whether prior financial approval applies, and what supporting clinical documents DVA requires.
5. Obtain the required referral. Ask your GP or treating specialist to provide the referral specified for the assessment and proposed DVA arrangement.
6. Attend an individual assessment. A psychiatrist will review your diagnosis, previous treatments, current medication, medical history, contraindications, and treatment goals before recommending TMS.
7. Review the proposed treatment plan. Before the first session, confirm the protocol, appointment frequency, expected time commitment, possible side effects, approved funding, and arrangements for communication with your healthcare providers.

What if You’re Not Eligible for DVA Funding?

If DVA funding isn’t available for your situation, you still have options for PTSD treatment and mental health care.

Consider private TMS treatment and payment options

Some clinics, including Neuralia TMS, offer private TMS treatment with flexible payment plans. Ask whether a shorter course of treatment is possible based on your symptoms and goals, or whether the clinic can stage treatment in blocks.

Investigate other veteran support pathways

Even without DVA funding for TMS specifically, you may still be eligible for other DVA-funded mental health support, such as counselling, group therapy, and different referral or care-coordination pathways. Contact DVA to review all your options.

Review your treatment plan with your psychiatrist

If TMS isn’t accessible right now, your psychiatrist can adjust your treatment plan to target what’s most disruptive. That might include changing medication type or dose, adding structured psychotherapy, or using a different approach such as EMDR or exposure therapy.

Focus on what moves symptoms first

When PTSD is active, progress often starts with stabilising sleep, reducing hyperarousal, and building stress tolerance. With the right support, you can still reduce PTSD symptoms and improve daily function, even if TMS isn’t available yet.

Safety, Side Effects, and Who TMS isn’t for

TMS has been used clinically for decades and does not require an operation, anaesthesia, or post-treatment recovery period. No long-term side effects have been identified to date, although short-term effects and rare complications remain possible and require appropriate screening. Possible TMS side effects include:

A seizure remains an extremely rare complication, but patients should still give the clinical team complete information about neurological conditions, medications, and any personal history of seizures. Screening allows the clinician to weigh individual risks before recommending treatment.

Who should not receive TMS?

People with epilepsy, a seizure history, or ferrous metal implants in the head or neck are generally unsuitable for TMS. Relevant implants may include certain aneurysm clips and cochlear implants.

Before recommending treatment, the psychiatrist will review neurological conditions, previous brain injuries, implanted devices, current medications, and recent health changes. Standard dental fillings, non-ferrous implants, and metal elsewhere in the body don’t automatically prevent treatment.

Veterans Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts

When suicidal thinking is linked to severe depression, TMS may help reduce symptom intensity over time by influencing brain circuits involved in impulse control and emotional regulation. TMS is not a crisis intervention, so active suicidal risk should always be treated as urgent and met with immediate support rather than scheduled treatment alone. With clinical monitoring, TMS can support steadier coping as part of a longer-term care plan.

Veterans With Depression: The Medicare Note

PTSD and depression are separate conditions, although veterans may experience both at the same time. Persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep, and feelings of hopelessness may indicate comorbid depression that requires its own assessment.

The evidence base for TMS is more established for major depressive disorder than for PTSD, and the stimulation protocols for the two conditions can differ. Because PTSD research is still developing, the psychiatrist selects the treatment target and protocol for the specific condition rather than assuming a depression protocol applies to PTSD, weighing the current evidence against the veteran’s symptoms, treatment history, and any co-occurring depression.

Medicare has listed TMS for treatment-resistant depression since November 2021, so where a veteran also meets those criteria, a no-out-of-pocket Medicare option may apply through Neuralia TMS. The table below sets out how the Medicare and DVA routes differ, and veterans weighing TMS against antidepressants can read more about veteran depression treatment.

Medication may remain appropriate before, during, or after TMS, while an individual veteran’s depression treatment plan may also incorporate psychological therapy and lifestyle measures.

How Medicare and DVA pathways differ:

How to Get Started

When you’re ready to begin, your GP is the starting point. The referral pathway above sets out each step, from confirming your Veteran Card coverage and DVA funding through to the referral and an individual assessment with a psychiatrist. The Neuralia TMS team can talk you through its current process for veteran referrals and funding enquiries at any stage.

Neuralia TMS operates as a multi-site network with six clinics across Western Australia and a Melbourne clinic in Victoria. Extended clinic hours help veterans attend regular treatment while managing work, family, and existing healthcare appointments.

For individual guidance, contact Neuralia TMS on (08) 6230 3996 in Western Australia or (03) 9122 5246 in Melbourne. The clinical team can work with your existing providers to develop a coordinated treatment plan.

TMS & PTSD Treatment For Veterans (DVA-Funded Care) FAQs

What information should veterans bring to a TMS assessment?

Veterans should bring their referral, Veteran Card details, current medication list, and information about previous PTSD or depression treatments. Reports from their GP, psychiatrist, or psychologist may help the assessing psychiatrist understand earlier diagnoses, treatment responses, and any side effects that affected care.

They should also disclose neurological conditions, implanted medical devices, and any personal or family history of seizures. Complete information supports an accurate suitability assessment and helps the clinical team coordinate treatment with existing providers.

Can treatment begin while a veteran waits for their White Card?

Veterans with approved NLHC mental health coverage may begin eligible care while waiting for their physical White Card. An acceptance letter may confirm coverage until the information appears on the digital card in MyService.

Treatment-specific requirements still apply, so NLHC approval doesn’t automatically authorise TMS for PTSD. Neuralia TMS must confirm the required documents and funding arrangements before booking treatment.

Can current ADF members access treatment through DVA?

Current full-time ADF members ‌receive healthcare through Defence arrangements. DVA may fund treatment during transition, through eligible NLHC arrangements or when DVA and Defence agree that DVA-provided care is appropriate. Eligible reservists may access DVA-funded treatment while serving. The applicable healthcare pathway should be confirmed before arranging an assessment.

Can a family member help arrange a TMS assessment?

With the veteran’s consent, a family member can help collect referral documents, organise appointments, and provide relevant information regarding changes in symptoms or daily functioning. They may also attend consultations when the veteran and clinical team agree that their involvement would support care.

What happens if a provider does not accept a Veteran Card?

Veteran Card coverage does not require every healthcare provider to accept DVA payment arrangements. Veterans should confirm the provider’s acceptance before beginning treatment, as choosing to proceed as a Medicare or private patient may leave them responsible for costs DVA doesn’t reimburse.

Can veterans use a Veteran Card for treatment outside Australia?

Veteran Cards ‌cover eligible treatment received within Australia rather than overseas care. Veterans planning travel or living outside Australia should confirm the rules applying to their circumstances before arranging treatment. A regular TMS schedule may also require several appointments each week, making location and attendance planning part of the suitability discussion.

Can TMS help if my PTSD symptoms come and go in cycles?

Yes, it may help. PTSD often fluctuates based on stress load, sleep, and exposure to triggers. TMS can support more stable regulation over time, which may reduce the intensity of cycles, even if symptoms don’t disappear overnight.

Will I need time off work during TMS treatment sessions?

Most veterans don’t need time off work for recovery after sessions. Appointments are frequent, so scheduling is the main challenge. Ask the clinic about session timing so treatment is best aligned with your routine.

What should I do if I feel worse during TMS?

Tell your treatment team immediately. Some people feel more activated early in treatment, especially if sleep is poor or stress is high. Your provider can adjust the protocol, review your stress management plan, and ensure you have support from family, a support group, or other social support in place.

Is TMS safe for veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

It depends on the type of injury, medical history, and current risk factors. A psychiatrist will screen for seizure risk, implanted metal, and neurological concerns before approving treatment. If you have a TBI history, bring your records so your clinician can make an informed decision.

Can veterans continue other treatments, like medication or therapy, while undergoing TMS?

Yes, many veterans continue medication and therapy during TMS. Your clinician will decide what’s safe and appropriate, especially if you’re adjusting antidepressant dosage or working through trauma therapy. The goal is a coordinated treatment plan, not competing approaches.

How long does it take before a veteran might notice improvements with TMS?

Some veterans notice changes within the first two weeks, while others need more time. Response can build gradually across the course of treatment, with improvements continuing after sessions end. Your clinician will track progress and adjust the plan based on your response.

Back to Top : TMS & PTSD Treatment for Veterans (DVA-Funded Care)

Depression ranks among Australia’s most pressing mental health challenges. Mental health costs the Australian economy up to $220 billion each year. Yet for many people living with depression, standard antidepressant medication fails to deliver lasting relief.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a clinically backed neuromodulation therapy for patients with depression who don’t respond to first-line treatments. Before committing time and money to a course of TMS, most people ask the same question: what are the real TMS success rates?

The answer depends on the evidence you look at. Older data on TMS for depression painted an incomplete picture, and response rates varied widely across studies. Research from 2020 to 2026 now offers a clearer, more current view of what TMS treatment can realistically achieve.

What “Success Rate” Means in TMS Research

TMS research maeasures success in two distinct ways: clinical response and remission. A response rate reflects a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, while a remission rate signals that symptoms have reduced to a minimal or near-absent level.

Some patients achieve a partial response, meaning measurable improvement that falls short of either threshold. Relapse tracking across follow-up periods adds another layer to how trials report outcomes.

Researchers measure these outcomes using standardised depression scales:

• MADRS (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale): rates depressive symptoms such as mood, tension, and sleep disturbance.
• HAM-D (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale): a clinician-administered scale measuring the severity of depressive symptoms.
• PHQ-9: a self-reported tool tracking symptoms of depression over time.

Differences in scale choice, success thresholds, and follow-up timeframes explain why published TMS success rates vary across studies.

Standard TMS for Non‑Resistant Major Depression

Major depressive disorder without a history of multiple failed antidepressant trials may respond differently to TMS than treatment-resistant cases do. Patients in this group have not exhausted first- or second-line medication options, so TMS treatment may appear earlier in their clinical decision pathway.

Understanding where TMS fits relative to standard antidepressant medication helps patients set realistic expectations before starting treatment. A large real-world registry of 5,010 patients receiving rTMS for major depression reported response rates between 58% and 83%.

Remission rates ranged between 28% and 62%, depending on the outcome scale used. Clinician-administered and self-report measures both fell within those ranges, highlighting how scale choice can shape the reported figures.

For patients who want to avoid systemic medication side effects, TMS therapy offers clinically meaningful improvement with a favourable tolerability profile in published studies.

TMS in Treatment‑Resistant Depression (TRD)

When two or more antidepressant medications fail to relieve symptoms of depression at adequate doses, clinicians classify the condition as treatment-resistant depression. Reaching that point is frustrating and often demoralising for patients who have spent months or years cycling through medications.

TMS treatment offers a clinically supported path forward that works differently from medication. Rather than altering brain chemistry systemically, TMS targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with focused magnetic fields.

Standard High-Frequency and Theta-Burst Protocols in TRD

The evidence on rTMS for treatment-resistant depression draws from controlled trials and large real-world registries of patients with major depressive disorder. One registry of 5,010 patients reported response rates ranging from 58% to 83%.

Accelerated and Connectivity‑Guided Protocols

Accelerated TMS protocols deliver multiple sessions per day over five consecutive days, compressing a standard TMS course into a fraction of the usual time. Connectivity-guided targeting uses fMRI to pinpoint each patient’s optimal stimulation site before treatment begins.

Together, these advances are producing some of the highest TMS success rates reported for treatment-resistant depression in recent clinical studies. A recent double-blind RCT of Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT) reported markedly higher one-month remission rates in patients with TRD compared to sham treatment.

An earlier RCT found high remission rates immediately after SNT and at one-month follow-ups in patients with treatment-resistant depression. These remission rates appear substantially higher than those typically reported for conventional rTMS protocols in randomised controlled trial settings.

TMS vs. Antidepressant Medications

Previous research suggests that for many people with major depression, antidepressant monotherapy yields around 50% response and just over 35% remission.

A 2024 retrospective case-control study in first-line major depressive disorder found no outcome differences between iTBS monotherapy and iTBS combined with antidepressant medication. Patients in the monotherapy group, as assessed by the MADRS, reported an 80% response rate and a 64% remission rate.

The group receiving iTBS combined with antidepressants produced a 74% response rate and a 58% remission rate, results that were not statistically different from the unmedicated group. Neither group recorded serious adverse events.

The 2006 STAR*D trial, the largest study of its kind, found that response rates for antidepressants dropped from around 40% on the first medication to approximately 25% on the second and 16.8% on the third. TMS response rates in real-world registries consistently outperform these figures for patients who have already cycled through medication.

For patients who cannot tolerate antidepressant side effects, these findings indicate that iTBS on its own may perform as well as iTBS combined with medication, although larger trials are still needed.

TMS As a Meaningful Option for Depression Treatment

Conventional depression treatments don’t work for everyone. Antidepressant medication leaves a significant portion of patients without adequate relief, and side effects push others to stop treatment before it has a chance to work.

For those patients, TMS offers a clinically supported, non-invasive alternative backed by a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence in major depressive disorder, including treatment-resistant cases. The TMS success rates reported in this article reflect real-world and controlled-trial data.

Across published studies, TMS response rates often reach 50% or more, with remission achievable for a meaningful proportion of patients who have already tried medication. As TMS protocols continue to advance, outcomes for more complex and treatment-resistant presentations appear to be improving in recent research.

Neuralia TMS provides repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to patients whose depression has not adequately improved with antidepressant medication. A thorough clinical assessment precedes every personalised TMS treatment plan, shaped around each patient’s history and current presentation.

Neuralia TMS reports an approximately 60 to 65% success rate for TMS therapy, a figure the clinic considers conservative based on clinical outcomes in practice. For eligible patients in Australia, TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression is covered under Medicare. Neuralia TMS offers a no out-of-pocket option for those who qualify.

Contact Neuralia TMS today to find out whether TMS therapy is the right next step for you.

Please note: TMS is not suitable for everyone. Patients with epilepsy or a history of seizures, or those with ferrous metal implants in the head or neck area, are not candidates for TMS. All patients undergo an individual assessment before treatment begins.

What is the Success Rate of TMS for Depression FAQs

How long does a typical course of TMS for depression take?

A standard course of TMS runs for four to six weeks, 3-5 times per week, totalling 35 sessions covered under Medicare, with a taper or review period following based on clinical response.

Can TMS be repeated if depression returns after initial success?

Patients who respond to TMS but experience a return of depressive symptoms may qualify for a second course of treatment. A clinician’s assessment determines whether a repeat or booster course suits the individual’s current presentation.

Is TMS effective for anxiety symptoms that occur alongside depression?

TMS is primarily studied and approved as a treatment for depression, specifically major depressive disorder. Some patients report a reduction in anxiety as depressive symptoms improve, though anxiety relief is not a guaranteed or primary outcome of TMS therapy.

Back to Top: What is the Success Rate of TMS for Depression?

Yes, Medicare covers rTMS for adults with a major depressive disorder episode that has not improved after adequate trials of antidepressant medication. Coverage depends on meeting strict eligibility criteria.

Since 1 November 2021, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has been listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, giving Australians a pathway to subsidised care. Around 14% of Australians are currently taking antidepressants, yet many do not respond to medication alone.

For eligible patients who meet the right criteria, Medicare can subsidise both the mapping appointment and subsequent rTMS sessions.

Medicare Eligibility Criteria for TMS

Medicare eligibility for rTMS is determined by a defined set of clinical, treatment-history, and provider conditions tied to MBS item 14216. Patients must meet every requirement before a rebate applies. A GP or psychiatrist referral starts the process.

Clinical Criteria You Must Meet

Each requirement must be formally assessed and recorded by a medical practitioner. Documentation showing that each clinical criterion is met is required before rTMS is considered clinically appropriate.

Without complete records, a claim under MBS item 14216 may not be supported. A GP or psychiatrist should compile the treatment history well before the rTMS assessment appointment.

To qualify:

• Patients must be at least 18 years old at the time of rTMS mapping under Item 14216.
• A current major depressive episode diagnosed under ICD-11 or DSM-5, with marked functional impairment lasting at least two weeks, must be confirmed.
• At least two different classes of antidepressants at a recommended therapeutic dose for a minimum of three weeks each must have been trialled without sufficient improvement.
• Each antidepressant dose must be titrated to the maximum tolerated therapeutic dose, where clinically appropriate.
• Psychological therapy must have been undertaken where this would reasonably be considered clinically appropriate.
• No prior history of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in any setting is permitted.

Please note: TMS is not suitable for patients with epilepsy or a history of seizures, or those with ferrous metal implants in the head or neck area. All patients are individually assessed for contraindications before treatment begins.

Referral and Provider Requirements

Item 14216 can only be claimed when delivered by a psychiatrist with verified rTMS training. Provider qualifications must meet standards endorsed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. A psychiatrist must maintain ongoing CPD in rTMS to retain eligibility to claim the item.

To qualify:

• Providers must accept a referral from a GP or another psychiatrist, unless an existing therapeutic relationship already exists with the rTMS psychiatrist providing Item 14216.
• For services performed personally by an rTMS-trained psychiatrist, the mapping and prescription component cannot be delegated.
• Training requirements endorsed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists must be met and ‌ongoing CPD in rTMS must be maintained.
• Providers must retain responsibility for prescribing the rTMS course delivered under related treatment items in the rTMS suite.
• Providers must certify in writing that hospital-based delivery is clinically required, as outpatient or consulting-room settings apply by default.

What is Not Covered by Medicare

Medicare rebates under Item 14216 do not apply in several clearly defined circumstances. Providers and patients should confirm eligibility before booking a mapping appointment.

The following circumstances fall outside Medicare coverage:

• Any patient with a history of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in public or private settings cannot claim Item 14216.
• A primary diagnosis other than a major depressive episode places the patient outside the item’s scope.
• Inadequate trialling of at least two different classes of antidepressants at therapeutic doses fails the medication history requirement.
• Adherence to antidepressant treatment must have been properly assessed, and medicines must not have been stopped before the minimum three-week duration.
• Psychological therapy must have been undertaken where reasonably considered appropriate, or the patient falls outside the item’s intended scope.
• Mapping performed by a clinician who has not met rTMS training and CPD obligations does not qualify for Item 14216 rebates.
• Stand-alone maintenance rTMS or courses delivered outside the initial and retreatment framework defined in the rTMS suite are not funded under Item 14216.

How Many TMS Sessions does Medicare Fund?

Medicare funds rTMS across four linked MBS items, covering both mapping and treatment delivery. The number of funded TMS sessions depends on whether a patient is completing an initial course or a retreatment course. Patients can check item details and co-claiming rules on the MBS online before their first appointment.

Medicare funds the following under the rTMS suite:

• Item 14216 covers prescription and treatment mapping for an initial course only, not the treatment sessions themselves.
• Delivery of the initial course falls under Item 14217, allowing up to 35 sessions, 3-5 times per week, for eligible patients.
• A retreatment course mapping and prescription is covered by Item 14219 when a patient has subsequently relapsed after responding to rTMS.
• Up to 15 maintenance sessions are funded under Item 14220 for the delivery of a retreatment course.
• On the same day an initial course begins, Items 14216 and 14217 may be billed together.
• Item 14219 can similarly be co-claimed with the first 14220 session when beginning a retreatment course.
• Both Items 14217 and 14220 may each be claimed more than once on the same day when multiple TMS sessions are clinically appropriate.

Step‑by‑step: How to Check if Your TMS Will Be Covered

Knowing whether rTMS is covered by Medicare comes down to preparation at two key appointments. Getting the right documentation from your GP and asking the right questions at your psychiatric assessment removes guesswork from the process.

Step 1: At Your GP Appointment

Ask your GP to document your major depressive episode, including how long it has lasted and the degree of functional impairment. Request a full list of every antidepressant you have trialled, covering the drug class and dose, and including duration.

Adherence to each medication and reasons for stopping must be recorded. Note any psychological therapies undertaken and ask your GP to record the clinical reasons if therapy was not pursued when it would typically be expected.

Step 2: At Your Psychiatric Assessment

Confirm with the clinic that the psychiatrist provides services under the rTMS item suite, including Item 14216. During the assessment, ask the psychiatrist to work through each Item 14216 criterion so you understand where you stand on diagnosis and treatment history. Ask the billing staff which MBS item numbers will appear on your Medicare statement.

Step 3: Confirm Your Costs

Check whether the mapping appointment will be billed as an outpatient or hospital service. An outpatient appointment attracts an 85% Medicare rebate, while a hospital service attracts a 75% rebate. Request a fee estimate for Item 14216 to calculate any out-of-pocket expenses before committing.

Next Steps if You Are Considering TMS

Moving forward with rTMS requires clear information from both your GP and psychiatrist. Understanding your Medicare options, treatment structure, and personal costs before starting puts you in a stronger position to make the right decision.

• Weigh clinical information from your GP and psychiatrist to determine whether rTMS under the Medicare item suite is appropriate at this stage.
• Clarify how an initial course and any retreatment course would be structured across Items 14216, 14217, 14219, and 14220 before committing.
• Ask your psychiatrist what clinical goals they expect from TMS treatment and how they will measure response or the need for retreatment.
• Discuss remaining medication or psychotherapy options to understand how rTMS fits alongside current treatments.
• Confirm whether mapping and TMS treatment will be bulk billed or charged above the schedule fee and how each option affects your costs.
• Based on clinical advice and Medicare eligibility, decide whether to proceed now or explore other funding options if the criteria are not met.

Neuralia TMS delivers repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for people whose symptoms have not adequately responded to antidepressant medication. Each person completes a detailed assessment followed by an individualised TMS treatment plan shaped by clinical history and current presentation.

As of March 2023, Neuralia TMS became Australia’s first multi-site TMS-specific service to offer a no out-of-pocket Medicare option for eligible patients. Treatment is coordinated alongside existing mental health support to maintain continuity throughout the programme.

Book a session with Neuralia TMS to discuss whether TMS therapy aligns with your current treatment goals.

FAQs on Is TMS Covered by Medicare Australia

Can I get rTMS in a public hospital without Item 14216?

Public hospitals may offer rTMS under state-funded or research programs. Access through those pathways is separate from Medicare rebates under Item 14216. All eligibility criteria still apply when claiming under Item 14216, regardless of the setting.

Does Private Health Insurance Help Pay for rTMS?

Private health insurance may cover some hospital and accommodation costs when rTMS is delivered as an inpatient service. Coverage rarely extends to the psychiatrist’s professional fees for rTMS sessions in a community setting. Checking directly with health insurance companies before starting treatment avoids unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

How do Doctors Decide When a Retreatment Course is Needed?

Clinicians typically consider retreatment when a patient previously responded to rTMS and has subsequently relapsed. A clear return of depressive symptoms, where other treatment adjustments have not produced satisfactory improvement, usually supports the case for retreatment. Your psychiatrist or GP makes the last call based on clinical presentation and treatment history.

Back to Top: Is TMS Covered by Medicare in Australia?

A complete course of TMS treatment usually runs from 4 to 6 weeks, with 3 to 5 sessions each week that take about 20 minutes each. The total duration of your TMS treatment can change as you progress through the course, depending on the specific condition being treated and your individual response.

Our experienced team can help you figure out if TMS treatment is the right choice for your needs. Contact Neuralia TMS today or give us a call at 08 6230 3996 to discuss your specific circumstances and learn more about the specific TMS treatment duration tailored to your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Complete treatment takes 4 to 6 weeks and most patients do 20 to 35 TMS sessions over that time (usually up to 5 per week).
• Neuralia TMS sessions last just 20 minutes, easy to fit into your daily routine without disrupting your work or family commitments.
• Nearly half of patients see and feel improvements within the first few weeks, though completing the full course is recommended for the best outcome.
• Two thirds of patients maintain their improvement for 6 to 12 months after treatment.

How Long Would Your TMS Session Be?

TMS sessions can last between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on the clinical protocol prescribed by your psychiatrist. There may be an extra 3 to 5 minute preparation period for some patients.

Standard repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sessions last 20 to 40 minutes, while advanced protocols like theta-burst stimulation can be completed in as little as 3 minutes per session. Deep TMS sessions usually take 20 minutes.

At Neuralia TMS, we’ve streamlined our treatment protocol to provide effective TMS therapy for most conditions in just 20 minutes per session, making it easier to fit TMS treatment into your daily routine.

Your First TMS Treatment Session

Your first treatment session will take slightly longer due to motor threshold mapping, which will take an extra 20 to 30 minutes. During this important step, our team precisely calibrates the TMS machine to your particular brain anatomy, making sure the magnetic field strength is optimised for your treatment success.

Once TMS mapping is done, you can generally move straight into your first full TMS session, making your first session around 40 to 50 minutes long.

Weekly recalibrations add just 5 to 10 minutes to ensure your TMS therapy remains effective throughout your course of treatment.

Full TMS Treatment Plan Duration

A standard course of TMS involves 4 to 6 weeks of daily treatments (weekdays), with the total number of sessions ranging from 20 to 35 treatments. The most common protocol involves 5 sessions per week for 6 weeks (totalling 30 TMS sessions) though this can vary quite a bit based on your individual response to treatment and the severity of your symptoms.

Some patients require fewer sessions for noticeable improvement, while extended protocols may go up to 36 to 41 sessions or more for complex cases of treatment-resistant depression.

Treatment Schedule and Flexibility

TMS therapy follows a Monday to Friday schedule, giving you weekends off to maintain work-life balance during your course of TMS treatment. At Neuralia TMS, we understand that life doesn’t stop for treatment. Whether you need to adjust around work commitments or family obligations, get in touch with our team to create a treatment plan that fits your life.

This structured approach to TMS treatment duration ensures you receive consistent magnetic field stimulation while your brain develops new neural pathways. The regular schedule helps maximise the benefits of TMS therapy and supports the neuroplastic changes that make this form of brain stimulation so effective for treating so many different things.

What Affects the Duration of Treatment?

How your brain responds to TMS can vary the effectiveness you experience and the total time needed to reach your therapeutic goals. Our treatment protocols are carefully customised with precise adjustments to deliver optimal outcomes for your unique circumstances.

Reason for Treatment

TMS effectively addresses various mental health conditions, with each requiring tailored approaches:

• Depression treatment, especially for people who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressant medications
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often benefits from specialised Deep TMS techniques
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) responds well to customised protocols
• Anxiety disorders can be addressed using modified treatment approaches
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or movement disorders from multiple sclerosis or stroke

Your specific diagnosis will determine both your session length and overall treatment timeline, which is why your psychiatrist creates a treatment plan that’s uniquely suited to your circumstances.

Severity of Symptoms

TMS therapy works by promoting neuroplasticity, helping your brain rebuild and strengthen neural connections to reduce symptoms. The intensity of your condition when starting treatment influences whether you’ll need additional sessions or if you can achieve results with a shorter course.

Those experiencing more severe treatment-resistant depression often benefit from extended treatment protocols, while others may see excellent results with standard approaches. Some patients may even be able to cut their treatment time short if they see results very soon.

However, the magnetic fields to stimulate neural pathways create gradual changes, giving your brain the time it needs to establish healthier patterns. Even if you begin feeling improvements early on, it’s recommended to complete your entire treatment course unless given permission by your practitioner to finish early.

Individual Patient Response

Your unique brain structure affects how quickly you respond to treatment, and your history with medications plays a role in determining your optimal treatment duration. Roughly half of TMS patients notice improvements in the first few weeks, but that means that half don’t see effects very quickly.

Repetitive TMS (rTMS) session counts adapt to your personal progress, with some people achieving significant improvement after just 20 treatments while others benefit from extended courses. Your response pattern helps our team determine if TMS is working effectively and whether we need to modify your treatment approach.

It’s important to know that some people experience temporary symptom increases during early TMS stages (a phenomenon we call the “TMS dip”) which is a normal part of the healing process. Moving through this adjustment period is essential for successful outcomes, and Neuralia TMS provides comprehensive support during this transition.

Treatment Protocol Variations

Your psychiatrist may feel that a particular protocol would suit your specific needs. These can vary widely in their duration, with some treatments needing only 3 minutes at a time, and others up to 50 minutes in one session.

Duration also varies by protocol. For example, the SAINT protocol concentrates treatment into one week, providing 10 iTBS sessions daily across five consecutive days.

Maintenance Treatment

Following your initial TMS course, ongoing maintenance therapy can help prevent symptoms from returning, especially in people with treatment-resistant depression who responded well to their primary treatment. Maintenance involves systematically reducing your session frequency to help preserve your improvements.

A common maintenance approach includes three weekly sessions for two weeks, then two sessions weekly for another two weeks, followed by weekly sessions for two months, then sessions every two weeks for eight months. Other options involve weekly, biweekly, or monthly scheduling.

Maintenance sessions run 20 to 25 minutes, similar to your initial treatment, and may include motor threshold recalibration to maintain their effectiveness. Some people receive clustered maintenance with 5 sessions across 2 days monthly, while others follow schedules with weekly sessions for 2 weeks, then biweekly for 2 months, then monthly.

Research demonstrates that maintenance more effectively prevents relapse than no follow-up treatment, with 36.2% of patients receiving maintenance averaging 16 additional sessions. Maintenance can work as a standalone approach without extra medications and also proves more effective than antidepressants alone for preventing relapse.

How Long Does It Take to Start Seeing Results from TMS?

You may notice initial benefits from TMS within your first few sessions, though big improvements often develop over several weeks. While early positive changes are encouraging, completing your full recommended treatment plan is the best way to see lasting results, even when you begin feeling better during the early stages.

Your TMS practitioner monitors your progress throughout treatment and may adjust your duration based on how you respond. Some people achieve their goals with fewer sessions, while others benefit from extended treatment protocols. This personalised approach ensures you receive optimal care tailored to your specific needs.

What Happens After TMS Treatment Ends?

Your journey with TMS doesn’t end when your sessions finish. The real transformation often unfolds in the months that follow as you experience lasting freedom from depression symptoms.

The benefits of TMS typically extend 6 to 12 months beyond your final session. Research shows that 62.5% of those who respond to TMS continue experiencing benefits at their one-year follow-up, while 45.1% of people who achieved complete remission remain symptom-free after 12 months.

TMS effects are often more long-lasting than traditional medication approaches because the neuroplastic changes create deeper, structural improvements in brain function.

How Long is TMS Treatment? FAQs

How effective is TMS treatment?

TMS has proven highly effective for treatment-resistant depression, with research showing that approximately 50 to 60% of patients experience notable improvement in their symptoms. About one-third of people who respond to TMS achieve complete remission, meaning their depression symptoms disappear entirely.

The effectiveness of TMS makes it a valuable treatment option for those who haven’t found relief through traditional antidepressants or talk therapy.

Does Medicare cover the full course of TMS treatment?

Since November 2021, Medicare has provided comprehensive coverage for TMS treatment but only for major depressive disorder, and only if certain strict conditions are met. TMS for other conditions is generally not covered.

To qualify for Medicare coverage, you need to be 18 years or older, have treatment-resistant depression that hasn’t responded to at least two different antidepressant trials, and get a referral from your GP or psychiatrist.

Your initial course receives coverage for up to 35 sessions, with an additional 15 maintenance sessions available if you need, giving you a total lifetime Medicare coverage of 50 sessions maximum.

There’s a 4-month waiting period required between treatment courses, and prescription and mapping sessions are separately billable.

At Neuralia TMS, we’re proud to offer $0 out-of-pocket costs for eligible Medicare patients, making this effective treatment option accessible to those who need it most.

What happens if you miss a TMS treatment session?

Missing occasional TMS sessions won’t compromise your treatment’s success. While the standard schedule of 5 sessions per week provides optimal results, research shows that 3 sessions per week is equally effective, although daily sessions may help you achieve faster symptom reduction.

Studies also show that you can have a gap of up to 14 days in treatment sessions without any damaging effects. That means you can easily travel, go on holiday, or take a short break if necessary.

At Neuralia TMS, we understand that life happens, and we work with you to ensure your treatment plan accommodates your circumstances while delivering the results you deserve. Contact us if you’d like to know more about our TMS options!

Back to Top: How Long is TMS Treatment?