Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain to treat depression, particularly when other treatments haven't been effective. Salience Health, which offers the treatment, has locations in Allen, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney and Plano, according to its website.
Dr. Moomaw spoke to Community Impact about how TMS works and what individuals seeking this treatment may need to know. Responses have been edited for length, clarity and style.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy and how does it work?
TMS Therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. At Salience Health, TMS is used to target the salience network—the part of the brain responsible for helping you filter what’s important and how you respond to stress, emotions, and daily life. By stimulating these pathways, TMS helps “wake up” areas of the brain that may not be working optimally in people struggling with depression and other major mood disorders. Over time, this can help restore healthier brain activity patterns. Many of our patients report improvements in symptoms like low mood, poor focus, sleep problems, or lack of motivation—helping them get back to feeling like themselves again.
How is it different from other treatments?
The biggest difference with TMS is that it targets the salience network directly—without the systemic side effects often seen with medication. It’s non-invasive, doesn’t require anesthesia, and patients are awake during treatment, which typically lasts about 10-15 minutes a day for 6 weeks. At Salience Health, TMS is part of a personalized, measurement-based treatment plan called the Collaborative Depression Care Program. This program looks at the whole picture of your health—not just your symptoms.
What symptoms does TMS help treat?
It’s most commonly used for depression and anxiety—especially when medications haven’t worked—but our patients have reported improvements in:
- Sleep problems
- Low energy
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
Who is a candidate for TMS?
We usually recommend TMS for people who have tried at least one antidepressant but the results were not what they were hoping for—or maybe the side effects were just too difficult to manage. It’s also a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to rely on medication long-term, or who’s looking for a treatment that addresses the root of the problem—which in many cases come down to brain function itself.
What does a typical course of treatment look like?
It’s pretty straightforward—most people come in five days a week for about 6 to 8 weeks. Each session lasts around 10 to 15 minutes. You’re awake the whole time, and you can drive yourself home right after—there’s no downtime. In fact, a lot of our patients schedule their sessions during their lunch break. At Salience, you’ll also have a dedicated Care Navigator working with you throughout your treatment — helping track your progress, set goals, and make sure everything stays really personalized to you. It’s a very structured process that is supportive and personalized—we don’t just want you going through the motions; we want you to feel like you’re making real progress.
What are common side effects of TMS?
The most common issue is a little scalp discomfort or a mild headache after treatment—especially in the first week or two while you’re adjusting. But there are no systemic side effects like weight gain or brain fog—that can be associated with medications.
Are there patients for whom TMS is not recommended?
Yes—there are some safety guidelines. For example, if someone has a history of seizures, or if they have metal implants in or near their head, like certain medical devices, TMS is not an option. That’s why we always do a thorough screening first to make sure it’s safe. There are many people struggling with depression or anxiety, especially when other treatments haven’t worked, it can be a life-changing option.
