Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy offers a clinically proven, non-invasive path forward for people who haven’t found lasting relief through medication or therapy. At Shanti TMS, TMS is not an add-on service. It is the sole focus of our practice, delivered under physician oversight at every single visit. Our team provides personalized care tailored to how each person responds. The concern could be depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or a substance use disorder. If you’re ready to explore a different approach, scheduling a TMS consultation is a straightforward first step.
For individuals living with treatment-resistant depression and other persistent mood disorders, TMS can offer real hope when traditional methods fall short. According to Harvard Health Publishing, 50% to 60% of people who haven’t responded to antidepressants experience meaningful symptom relief with TMS. About one-third achieve full remission, with symptoms disappearing entirely. Those numbers reflect what we see in practice as well.
TMS works by modulating brain circuitry rather than altering neurotransmitters throughout the body. Many patients experience improvement without the systemic side effects associated with psychiatric medications. For individuals who have felt stuck between ineffective medications and persistent symptoms, this targeted approach often represents a meaningful shift. The difference between managing symptoms and actually feeling better is what we work toward with every patient.
Our team provides personalized TMS therapy for people struggling with a range of conditions. Each condition listed below has its own dedicated page with more details on how TMS is applied and the research that supports it. Not sure whether your situation fits? Our physician can help clarify at your first appointment.
Depression is the most well-researched application of TMS, with FDA clearance for major depressive disorder. TMS is particularly effective for people with treatment-resistant depression and those who haven’t responded to antidepressants. For teens and young adults, adolescent depression responds well to age-appropriate TMS protocols built for developing brains. Both adults and adolescents are seen at our clinic.
Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and anxiety occurring alongside depression, respond to TMS through targeted stimulation of the prefrontal-limbic network. Chronic worry, rumination, and hyperarousal are all linked to dysregulation in these circuits. TMS works to calm overactivity and restore more balanced communication between brain regions. Many people with anxiety report improvements in sleep and daily functioning within the first few weeks.
TMS for OCD uses FDA-cleared protocols targeting the brain circuits involved in compulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts. Treatment modulates activity between the prefrontal cortex and deeper limbic structures, reducing the intensity and frequency of obsessive-compulsive cycles. For people who haven’t fully responded to SSRIs, adding TMS can significantly improve outcomes. Our physicians design each OCD protocol around the individual’s specific symptom pattern.
PTSD involves dysregulation in the brain’s fear and memory networks. TMS reaches those areas in ways medication and talk therapy often cannot. Research supports TMS as a meaningful option for trauma-related conditions, particularly for people who have tried other approaches without lasting improvement. At our clinic, PTSD treatment is coordinated with any existing therapy to maximize what both approaches can offer.
Substance use disorders often involve impaired impulse regulation rooted in prefrontal cortex dysfunction. TMS protocols for addiction aim at strengthening executive control networks, helping reduce cravings and supporting the stability needed for recovery. Many people dealing with addiction also carry co-occurring depression or anxiety, and TMS can address both at the same time.
Chronic pain and mental health are closely connected, and TMS can help with both. TMS can modulate pain perception by stimulating brain areas linked to physical pain and emotional distress. For conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines, this offers a treatment option that works on multiple levels. Many patients report improvements in both pain and mood over the course of treatment.
Our treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Your physician reviews your symptoms, treatment history, and overall health profile before any sessions begin. During treatment, a specialized magnetic coil is positioned gently against the scalp, typically over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In many individuals with depression, this brain region shows reduced activity and weaker communication with other emotional processing centers.
The device generates precise magnetic pulses that pass safely through the skull and stimulate neurons in the targeted region. The pulses create small electrical currents in the brain, encouraging neurons to fire and strengthening connections across mood-regulating pathways. Repeated stimulation over time promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to reorganize and form healthier patterns of communication. Emotional stability and improved cognitive function tend to follow as treatment progresses.
A typical protocol involves daily sessions 5 days per week for 4 to 6 weeks. Each session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes. Patients remain awake and seated comfortably throughout the procedure. TMS does not require anesthesia or medication, so most people return to work or daily activities immediately. By working directly on specific brain circuits, TMS therapy offers targeted relief without systemic side effects often linked to psychiatric medications.
Mental health struggles don’t discriminate by age. When conventional treatments like medications or talk therapy aren’t enough, the impact can be significant. At Shanti TMS, we believe every individual deserves access to advanced and effective care. Adults and adolescents both have dedicated programs here, designed around the specific ways each age group responds to treatment. Our programs are built with both in mind.
Teens today face a complex set of pressures, from social expectations and academic demands to the constant pull of digital life. For adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety, or mood dysregulation, TMS offers a safe, non-invasive alternative when medications aren’t effective or well-tolerated. Many families come to us after trying several options without much progress. TMS gives them something different to work with.
At Shanti TMS, our adolescent program provides age-appropriate care in a supportive, understanding environment. We work closely with families to ensure each young person feels seen, heard, and empowered throughout the process. TMS can help teens reclaim joy, focus, and confidence without relying on daily medications. Parents are kept informed and involved at every step.
Depression and anxiety often surface or resurface during adulthood, affecting relationships, parenting, careers, and physical health. Many adults have tried multiple medications or therapies without finding lasting relief. Some experience disruptive side effects, while others feel emotionally numb or stuck. The impact on daily life can be significant.
TMS in Portland offers a new way forward. With no medication, no downtime, and few side effects, it fits into a busy life without adding more to manage. Our adult-focused TMS therapy is tailored to each person’s specific needs and goals. Whether the concern is long-standing or newly emerging, we start from where you are.
TMS therapy is typically administered over the course of several weeks, with most clients completing treatment within four to six weeks. Sessions are scheduled five days a week, and each visit lasts approximately 20 to 40 minutes. The exact duration can vary depending on individual needs and how symptoms respond over time. While the commitment may seem intensive at first, many people find the process manageable and can return to their normal activities immediately after each session.
Noticeable improvements often begin to appear within the first few weeks, and in many cases, the positive effects of TMS continue well beyond the end of the treatment course. Some individuals may benefit from occasional maintenance sessions to sustain long-term results, but for many, TMS provides a powerful and lasting shift in mental well-being.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is widely regarded as a safe and well-tolerated treatment when delivered according to established clinical protocols. Because it is non-invasive and does not involve medication or sedation, the risk profile is significantly different from many traditional psychiatric interventions. Most patients remain fully alert during treatment and are able to resume normal activities immediately afterward.
The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or a tapping sensation at the treatment site during the first few sessions. This sensation typically diminishes as patients become accustomed to the stimulation and as clinicians adjust the treatment intensity for comfort. Some individuals may also experience a mild headache early in the course of therapy, which usually resolves quickly and rarely interferes with treatment.
Serious side effects are extremely rare when TMS is administered by trained clinicians following FDA-cleared protocols. At Shanti TMS, every treatment is delivered in a physician-led clinical environment with careful monitoring and individualized adjustments to ensure both safety and effectiveness. This emphasis on precision and oversight allows patients to pursue advanced brain-based care with confidence.
We understand that navigating insurance coverage can feel overwhelming. The good news is that many major insurance providers now recognize the effectiveness of TMS and provide coverage for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
At Shanti TMS, our team works closely with clients to:
We’re committed to making this life-changing therapy as accessible as possible and will walk you through each step of the insurance process with care and clarity.
When exploring transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in Portland, it’s important to understand how this treatment differs from traditional psychiatric interventions. TMS is designed to stimulate specific brain networks involved in mood regulation while leaving the rest of the body unaffected. This targeted approach allows many individuals to pursue effective treatment without the systemic side effects often associated with long-term medication use.
At Shanti TMS, our program combines advanced neurostimulation technology with physician-led oversight and individualized care. Key advantages of TMS treatment include
No surgery, anesthesia, or sedation required
Avoid unwanted side effects of psychiatric medications
The most common is mild scalp discomfort, which fades over time
Proven safe and effective for major depressive disorder
Backed by extensive research and ongoing clinical studies
No recovery time needed — resume normal life immediately after sessions
Whether you’re an adult navigating a long-term mental health challenge or a parent seeking answers for your teen, our TMS program offers a hopeful path forward.
At Shanti TMS, we’re more than just a TMS provider. We’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to walking beside you through every stage of care. We know how discouraging it feels when previous treatments haven’t worked, and how hard it is to try something new. You won’t navigate this process alone.
Every aspect of our clinic is designed to support your recovery. Advanced technology matters, and so does the environment you receive it in. Our space is calm, private, and centered around comfort and trust. From your first visit, the goal is for you to feel safe and heard.
Our practice is grounded in evidence-based care and personalized treatment plans. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation, and we take that seriously. Whether seeking care for yourself, a partner, or a teen, our team is here to listen, guide, and empower you. Every step forward matters, and we’re invested in each one.
Not all TMS practices are the same. Some clinics offer TMS as one of many services, with limited specialization and varying levels of physician involvement. A dedicated TMS provider brings a different level of focus, precision, and continuity to every aspect of care. The difference shows up in outcomes.
TMS therapy is all we do. Our team stays current with the latest research, protocols, and equipment because our entire clinical focus is on this one modality. Every visit includes on-site physician oversight, so treatment decisions are made by someone who knows your full history from the start. Adjustments happen in real time, not at a follow-up appointment weeks later.
Patients who choose a TMS-specific clinic benefit from consistent coil mapping, faster prior authorization support, and a care team experienced at every stage. A consultation at our clinic isn’t a quick intake appointment. It’s the beginning of a relationship built around your specific response to treatment and your long-term goals. We stay involved from the first session to the last.
You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again
If you’ve been struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder without lasting relief, it may be time to try something different. Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is a safe, proven option already helping many people reclaim their quality of life. Our Portland clinic offers physician-led TMS for adults and adolescents. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our adult and adolescent TMS programs.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
We get a lot of questions before people take the first step. Here are the ones that come up most often.
A standard TMS course runs 4 to 6 weeks, with sessions scheduled 5 days a week. Each session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes, and you can return to your normal routine right after.
Many major insurance plans cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression. Our team handles benefits verification, prior authorizations, and appeals, so you’re not navigating that process alone.
Most people feel a tapping or mild pressure sensation on the scalp during sessions. Any discomfort typically fades within the first few sessions as the team adjusts the settings for your comfort.
Yes. TMS protocols for addiction target prefrontal circuits involved in impulse control and craving. They can also run alongside treatment for co-occurring depression or anxiety, addressing both at the same time.
A clinic focused exclusively on TMS offers better protocol precision, equipment familiarity, and physician continuity than a general practice. At Shanti TMS, every treatment decision is made by a physician who knows your full history from day one.
