When traditional antidepressants or therapy have not brought the results you hoped for, it can be difficult to see a way forward. At Shanti TMS, we specialize in major depressive disorder treatment in Portland using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). This non-invasive, evidence-based treatment helps adults and adolescents find meaningful relief from depression.
TMS therapy targets areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, helping restore balance and improve emotional well-being without medication or surgery. Our clinical team uses advanced technology in a calm, professional environment where patients receive care that meets their specific needs.
Depression can make life feel smaller and less connected. Through TMS therapy, our goal is to help patients rebuild focus, motivation, and emotional strength, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.
What to Know About Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex but treatable condition that affects how individuals think, feel, and function in their daily lives. It can cause fatigue, loss of motivation, and feelings of emptiness or hopelessness. These challenges can make daily routines and relationships difficult to maintain.
Clinical research shows that depression involves disruptions in brain communication, especially in areas that regulate mood and decision-making. When these neural pathways become less active, individuals may experience ongoing sadness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Although antidepressants and therapy are often helpful, some people continue to struggle despite consistent care.
At Shanti TMS, we understand that depression is a medical condition that requires both compassion and clinical precision. Our approach helps patients identify their symptoms, understand the biology behind them, and receive the specialized treatment they need to heal effectively.
Recognizing the Signs of MDD
Recognizing symptoms early can lead to more effective treatment. Depression affects both emotional and physical health, often creating a cycle of low energy and hopelessness that can be difficult to break.
Common symptoms of MDD may include:
- Feeling persistently sad, empty, or emotionally numb
- Losing interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Experiencing noticeable changes in appetite or weight
- Having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping excessively
- Feeling low energy or fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Experiencing feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Struggling to concentrate, remember details, or make decisions
- Feeling irritable or restless
- Experiencing physical aches or pains without a clear cause
- Withdrawing from social interactions or relationships
If these symptoms continue for two weeks or longer and interfere with daily functioning, professional treatment may be necessary. Our team provides a detailed evaluation to determine whether TMS may be an effective option for relief.
How TMS Works
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain linked to mood regulation. By reactivating underactive neurons, TMS helps restore normal communication between brain regions and supports emotional balance.
Each session takes place in our Portland clinic under the supervision of trained clinicians. The process begins with precise mapping of the treatment area to ensure accurate targeting. Patients sit comfortably in a treatment chair while a magnetic coil is positioned gently against the scalp. The coil delivers brief, rhythmic pulses that are generally well tolerated.
Sessions last about 20 to 30 minutes and occur five days a week for several weeks, depending on individual treatment plans. Patients remain fully awake during therapy and can return to work, school, or daily activities immediately afterward.
Throughout the course of treatment, clinicians monitor progress and make data-based adjustments to optimize results. Many patients begin noticing gradual improvements in mood, concentration, and sleep patterns within the first few weeks. These changes continue to build as treatment progresses.
TMS therapy at our center provides a structured, supportive experience that emphasizes safety, comfort, and consistency. By working directly with the brain’s communication systems, TMS helps create sustainable improvements that can last well beyond the treatment period.
What to Know About Side Effects
TMS has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2008 for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. It has a strong record of safety and effectiveness. The treatment does not require anesthesia or sedation and involves no memory loss or recovery period.
Most patients tolerate TMS without difficulty. Mild scalp tenderness or a light tapping sensation during stimulation may occur, but usually resolves after a few sessions. Serious side effects, such as seizures, are extremely rare.
At Shanti TMS, patient safety is our highest priority. Each session is conducted by trained professionals who continuously monitor comfort and response. Treatment parameters are adjusted as needed to ensure a positive and secure experience for every patient.
The Shanti Difference
Selecting the right provider for major depressive disorder treatment in Portland can greatly influence recovery. We combine advanced technology with clinical expertise to create a focused and supportive treatment experience.
Our practice is dedicated exclusively to TMS therapy. This specialization allows us to maintain a high level of proficiency and stay current with the latest research and treatment techniques. Each care plan is customized based on the patient’s medical history, treatment response, and comfort level.
Our Portland clinic offers a calm, private environment where patients can focus on healing. From your first consultation to your last session, our team remains committed to transparency, trust, and respect. Patients receive professional care that aligns with their goals and supports long-term improvement.
Who TMS Can Help
If you are exploring major depressive disorder treatment in Portland, TMS therapy may be appropriate. It offers an effective alternative to traditional depression treatments. It is most often recommended for patients who meet one or more of the following criteria:
You may be a good candidate for TMS if you:
- Have been diagnosed with MDD
- Have not achieved sufficient relief from antidepressant medication or psychotherapy
- Experience unwanted or intolerable side effects from antidepressants
- Prefer a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option for depression
- Seek care supported by clinical research as an adult or adolescent
Before beginning treatment, our clinicians will:
- Review your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals in detail
- Explain each step of the TMS process to help you make an informed decision
- Confirm that TMS is both safe and appropriate for your specific needs
TMS may not be recommended if you:
- Have metallic implants or devices near the head or neck, such as cochlear implants or aneurysm clips
- Have a history of seizure disorders or other serious neurological conditions
- Have any medical contraindications that make magnetic stimulation unsafe
Safety screening is always performed before treatment begins. This process allows our team to design a plan that prioritizes both your comfort and clinical safety.
The Science Behind TMS
TMS works by stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in emotional regulation and executive function. In people with depression, this area tends to be less active. TMS reactivates it, improving communication with deeper mood-related brain circuits.
Extensive clinical research, including studies from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and a 2024 review in Neuropsychopharmacology, supports TMS as an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Many patients experience measurable improvement in mood, motivation, and concentration after completing a full course of therapy. Some achieve full remission.
At Shanti TMS, we apply these evidence-based protocols using modern equipment and individualized treatment mapping. Our focus on precision and scientific integrity ensures that patients receive care rooted in proven effectiveness.
Support After Treatment
Sustained recovery often requires continued care and collaboration. At our facility, we work closely with patients’ therapists, psychiatrists, and primary care providers to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to wellness.
After completing treatment, some patients may benefit from periodic maintenance TMS sessions to preserve progress. Our clinicians provide follow-up assessments and recommendations based on individual outcomes. We also encourage patients to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and ongoing therapy if helpful.
Our goal extends beyond symptom reduction. We aim to help each patient build a stable foundation for long-term emotional health through continued guidance, education, and support.
Access to Care
Most major insurance plans now cover TMS therapy for major depressive disorder. Our administrative staff assists patients in verifying coverage, managing authorizations, and clarifying out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
We believe that access to quality mental health care should not be limited by financial barriers. Our center works to make advanced, effective treatment options accessible and transparent for individuals and families in the Portland community.