Starting a new treatment can feel overwhelming. To make it as clear and reassuring as possible, here is every step of your TMS journey at Neuralia — from your first question to life after treatment.
The first three steps get you assessed, referred and cleared for safe, personalised treatment.
Optional · free call
Got questions? Given we are talking about a treatment for your brain, that is perfectly understandable.
Use our online booking system to schedule a no-cost, introductory appointment with one of our experienced Neuralia TMS nurses.
This step is optional but recommended if you would like to know more about the practical aspects of TMS.
GP or psychiatrist
If you are considering TMS, the first step is to obtain a referral from a GP or psychiatrist using our TMS referral form.
If your GP is unfamiliar with TMS, you can provide them with our TMS GP information pack.
Safety first
Once your referral has been received, you will be reviewed by our TMS Nurse and TMS Psychiatrist.
We will contact you to perform a safety screening. In some cases, you may require an MRI scan if MRI-guided neuronavigation is deemed necessary.
Mapping calibrates TMS precisely to you, then sessions begin — with reviews built in along the way.
Usually once-off
Our TMS psychiatrist will conduct a review, ensure you are suitable for TMS, address any safety concerns and explain the treatment. They then carry out the usually once-off mapping session, during which we:
20 min · 3–5×/week · 7 weeks
Once you have your TMS prescription, you can begin your treatment sessions. These 20-minute sessions are conducted 3 to 5 times per week for 7 weeks. During sessions you may sit back and relax, chat to our TMS nurses or watch some Netflix.
Our experienced clinicians monitor your progress through validated clinical rating scales and daily clinical evaluations.
Sessions 15–20
It usually takes around 15 sessions for TMS to start working. For this reason, our Neuralia TMS clinicians conduct a Mid TMS review for all patients between sessions 15 and 20. If you have yet to improve, your TMS psychiatrist will speak to you about potentially adjusting your protocol.
Around session 30
Around session 30, your TMS psychiatrist will conduct the final TMS review.
During this session we will discuss your progress, outline a plan going forward and provide a summary letter to your GP describing what has been done.
Some patients benefit from follow-up TMS. There are two types of post-course treatment, and your team will recommend what is right for you.
May be raised in your final review if you have had a good response to TMS — especially where medication has not been effective. Maintenance TMS involves monthly sessions to reduce the likelihood of relapse and keep neuroplasticity ticking over. While not a requirement, it provides additional protection against relapse and increases the likelihood of long-lasting change.
May be recommended if you respond well to TMS but later begin to relapse. Medicare can cover a 15-session retreatment course (5 times a week for 3 weeks). Please call us if your mood begins to deteriorate and we will be happy to advise you on the next course of action.
Whether you are a patient or a doctor, our referrals page has everything you need to get started — or book a free, no-obligation call with our TMS team to talk it through first.
The information provided above is general in nature and not medical advice. Results from TMS may vary between patients, and outcomes are not guaranteed.