The Complete Guide

What Is TMS Therapy in
Monticello, MN?

A clear, complete guide to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation — the non-drug, FDA-cleared therapy that treats depression at its source in the brain.

Book a Free Consultation How It Works
The Basics

Treating the Brain,
Not Just the Symptoms

TMS — Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation — is a non-invasive, non-drug therapy that uses focused magnetic pulses (similar to those used in an MRI) to stimulate the underactive nerve cells in the mood-regulating regions of the brain.

Depression is a biological condition. Rather than sending medication through your whole body, TMS works precisely where it's needed — gently "waking up" the brain circuits behind depression, with lasting effects.

Non-invasive — no surgery, no anesthesia, no sedation
Non-drug — none of the body-wide side effects of medication
FDA-cleared for depression, anxious depression, and OCD
TMS therapy targeting the brain regions that regulate mood
Magnetic, Not Medication
Precise, targeted stimulation
A patient comfortably receiving TMS therapy
The Science

How TMS Works

In depression, certain brain circuits that regulate mood become underactive. TMS delivers gentle, focused magnetic pulses to these areas, stimulating the neurons and encouraging them to fire again — like physical therapy for the brain.

Over a course of treatment, this repeated stimulation helps restore healthier connectivity and improves the brain's ability to regulate mood — an effect that often lasts well beyond the treatment itself.

01

Brain Mapping

We precisely locate your optimal treatment site using a personalized motor-threshold protocol.

02

Coil Placement

A magnetic coil is positioned comfortably over the left prefrontal cortex — the mood-regulating region.

03

Magnetic Pulses

Gentle, focused pulses stimulate underactive neurons, reactivating dormant connections.

04

Neural Rewiring

Repeated sessions restore healthier connectivity and lasting mood regulation.

A Different Approach

TMS vs. Medication

Both can help — they simply work differently. For many people, TMS succeeds where medication couldn't, and the two can even complement each other.

Neurostar® TMS

Targeted & Drug-Free

  • Works directly on the brain circuits behind depression
  • No systemic side effects — no weight gain, drowsiness, or sexual dysfunction
  • No daily pill to remember
  • Effects are often long-lasting
  • Non-invasive, outpatient, and no downtime
Antidepressant Medication

Systemic & Widely Used

  • Travels through the whole body to affect brain chemistry
  • Can cause side effects like weight gain, fatigue, or nausea
  • Requires consistent daily dosing
  • Often involves trial and error to find the right fit
  • Effective and the right choice for many — and can pair with TMS

TMS is not a replacement for medication in every case. We'll help you understand which approach — or combination — is right for you.

Is It Safe?

Safety & Side Effects

TMS is very well tolerated and has been used in millions of treatments. Because it doesn't circulate through the body like medication, it avoids the systemic side effects patients often worry about.

Most Common

Mild scalp discomfort or a light headache during the first week — which typically fades quickly.

No Systemic Effects

Unlike medication, no weight gain, drowsiness, nausea, or sexual side effects.

Rare Risks

Seizures are a very rare risk (well under 0.1%). TMS isn't suitable for those with non-removable metal implants in or near the head — we screen carefully for safety.

The NeuroStar TMS device used for safe, precise treatment
The Proof

Clinical Evidence & Research

TMS is backed by extensive research and millions of real-world treatments.

83%
Experienced measurable depression relief
62%
Achieved full remission of symptoms
8.5M+
Treatments performed to date
230K+
Patients treated with NeuroStar

Decades of Study

TMS has been researched for years and refined into today's precise, effective protocols.

FDA-Cleared

Cleared for major depression, anxious depression, OCD, and adolescent depression (15–21).

Real-World Results

Millions of treatments show meaningful, lasting relief for people with hard-to-treat depression.

Efficacy figures reflect patients completing a full course of NeuroStar treatment, as reported by NeuroStar clinical data. Individual results vary.

What to Expect

Treatment Schedule
& Timeline

Free Consultation

We review your history and goals to confirm TMS is right for you.

Brain Mapping (Session 1)

Your first visit personalizes the treatment to your brain.

Weeks 1–6: Daily Sessions

About 36 sessions total — roughly 5 days a week, each around 19 minutes.

Tapering Phase

Sessions gradually reduce over the final few weeks.

Lasting Relief

Because TMS changes brain function, results are often durable long after treatment.

The NeuroStar TMS treatment chair and equipment
Each Session
~19 minutes · fully awake · drive yourself home
Certified NeuroStar® Provider

Curious If TMS Could Help?

Start with a free, confidential 15-minute consultation — we'll answer every question.

Book Free Consultation Explore Neurostar® TMS
Your Next Step

Your Path Forward
Starts Here

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation to learn more about your treatment options. During this no-obligation consultation, we'll:

  • Listen to your unique experience
  • Explain how Neurostar® TMS might help your specific condition
  • Answer all your questions about treatment
  • Discuss practical matters like insurance and scheduling