When depression continues despite multiple medications or therapy, it can feel as if improvement is out of reach. For those facing this ongoing struggle, treatment resistant depression treatment in Portland offers a proven and medically guided alternative.
At Shanti TMS, we specialize in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. This FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment targets areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. Developed for both adults and adolescents, our program combines advanced technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care. Each treatment plan is customized to help patients achieve measurable progress and long-term relief.
When Depression Doesn’t Improve with Treatment
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a form of major depressive disorder that does not improve after trying at least two antidepressant medications at proper doses and durations. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about one-third of individuals living with depression experience this type of resistance. It can affect people of all ages and often leads to feelings of discouragement when traditional approaches bring little or no relief.
Depression can become resistant for several reasons. In some cases, unique brain chemistry or structure may make certain medications less effective. For others, co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain may interfere with progress. Environmental stressors, genetics, or side effects from medications can also contribute to ongoing symptoms and emotional instability.
At Shanti TMS, we view treatment resistance as an opportunity to take a new approach rather than a setback. By using TMS therapy to stimulate underactive regions of the brain, we help restore balanced communication in mood-regulating areas. This science-based treatment provides a new path to recovery when other methods have not worked, allowing patients to rediscover hope and stability.
How to Know If You’re Facing Treatment Resistance
It can be difficult to identify when depression has become resistant to standard treatments. Many people continue hoping that the next medication or therapy session will bring improvement. However, certain signs suggest it may be time to explore advanced options such as TMS therapy, available through our treatment resistant depression treatment in Portland.
Common signs of TRD include:
- Little or no improvement after trying several antidepressant medications
- Temporary improvement followed by a return of symptoms
- Persistent fatigue, emotional flatness, or low motivation
- Feelings of hopelessness despite ongoing care
- Sleep or appetite changes that do not resolve with treatment
- Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
Depression often occurs alongside other mental or physical health conditions, which can make recovery more complex. Individuals with TRD may also experience anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, or chronic pain conditions.
These co-occurring concerns can intensify symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of standard care. Recognizing these patterns early allows patients and providers to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address both emotional and biological factors.
Why Some Treatments Stop Working
Depression is influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors, and no single treatment works for everyone. Antidepressant medications are designed to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, but for some people, these adjustments are not sufficient. Genetic differences can make one person highly responsive to a medication while another experiences no benefit.
Furthermore, the side effects of antidepressants can make continued use difficult. Fatigue, cognitive dullness, or weight changes often cause people to stop treatment before it has time to work. Even when medications do help, many still experience low energy, poor concentration, or lack of motivation. Psychotherapy can provide valuable coping tools but may not fully address the biological elements of depression.
When progress seems to stop, patients often feel frustrated or assume that recovery is no longer possible. Fortunately, modern neuroscience provides new solutions. Treatment resistant depression treatment in Portland using TMS offers a targeted approach that directly stimulates the brain’s mood-regulating areas, helping restore normal activity and improve emotional well-being.
How TMS Therapy Helps Reset the Brain
TMS therapy combines neuroscience with practical application. It stimulates specific brain regions involved in mood regulation, offering an alternative for individuals who have not responded to medications or talk therapy.
The Mechanism of Action
TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to activate underactive areas of the brain associated with mood and motivation. The treatment targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area linked to emotional regulation. Over time, this stimulation strengthens neural communication, supporting improved brain function and mood stability.
The Treatment Process
Each session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes. Patients remain awake and comfortable while a clinician positions a magnetic coil on the scalp to deliver precise pulses. Sessions are typically scheduled five days per week for several weeks. Because TMS is non-invasive and medication-free, patients can resume regular activities immediately after each appointment.
Safety and Comfort
TMS is FDA-approved and known for its excellent safety record. During each session, patients may feel a light tapping on the scalp that usually lessens with time. Side effects are uncommon and mild, most often limited to brief scalp tenderness or slight fatigue. All treatments at Shanti TMS are supervised by trained clinicians who ensure comfort, safety, and accurate results at every visit.
The Clinical Effectiveness
Research shows that TMS is a highly effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Studies report that many patients experience significant improvement, and some achieve full remission after completing treatment. Most begin noticing positive changes within a few weeks, and results often last well beyond the final session.
TMS vs. Traditional Depression Treatments
Many people with TRD have tried multiple medications or considered electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) without lasting improvement. While those methods may help some individuals, they can involve side effects or recovery periods that make them challenging to maintain. At Shanti TMS, our treatment resistant depression treatment in Portland provides a modern, non-invasive alternative that targets the brain directly, without anesthesia or hospital visits.
Benefits of TMS include:
- No sedation or recovery time
- Minimal side effects, often limited to mild scalp discomfort
- No memory loss or confusion, unlike ECT
- Medication-free and non-invasive
- Supported by strong clinical research showing lasting results
For many patients, TMS represents a breakthrough in treatment. It is an evidence-based approach that restores balance without interrupting daily life. At our center, we are proud to offer this safe and effective therapy to help patients in Portland achieve meaningful, long-term relief.
Who Benefits Most from TMS
TMS therapy is developed for individuals whose depression has not improved with antidepressants or talk therapy. It is also ideal for those seeking a non-invasive, medication-free option that can be integrated easily into their daily routines. Candidates should be medically stable and able to attend regular sessions over several weeks.
At Shanti TMS, treatment is available for both adults and adolescents. Each patient begins with a thorough evaluation that includes a review of medical history, current medications, and previous treatments. This careful assessment allows our clinicians to create a personalized plan customized to each individual’s goals and needs.
In addition to depression, TMS can also help those living with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), addictions, or chronic pain conditions. These conditions often share overlapping brain pathways with depression, and TMS works by targeting those regions to reduce symptoms and support lasting emotional balance.
Insurance Coverage and Affordability
Access to care should never be a barrier to recovery. Many major insurance providers cover TMS therapy for treatment resistant depression treatment in Portland, Oregon, when specific criteria are met. Our administrative staff assists with verifying benefits, obtaining authorizations, and explaining any potential out-of-pocket costs.
For patients without full coverage, we offer flexible payment arrangements and assistance in exploring financing options. We work to ensure that every patient has access to effective treatment, regardless of financial situation.
Our team is committed to making mental health care accessible, transparent, and patient-focused. Whether insured or self-paying, every individual receives the same compassionate support and clinical excellence.
What Makes Shanti TMS Unique
At Shanti TMS, we combine clinical precision with empathy and collaboration. Our board-certified clinicians are trained in advanced TMS protocols to ensure accuracy and safety in every treatment. From consultation to follow-up, patients receive clear communication, education, and encouragement at every step.
We also coordinate care with psychiatrists, therapists, and primary care providers to create seamless treatment experiences. This collaborative approach supports better long-term outcomes and helps maintain stability after TMS therapy is complete.
Our Portland clinic serves patients from Beaverton, Tigard, and surrounding communities. The space is calm, welcoming, and designed to reduce stress. Every aspect of the patient experience reflects our commitment to comfort, respect, and hope.
Life After TMS: Staying Well Long-Term
Recovery from depression continues after treatment ends. Following TMS therapy, patients attend follow-up appointments to assess progress and discuss any ongoing needs. This ongoing evaluation ensures that results are sustained and any returning symptoms are addressed quickly.
Many individuals maintain improvements for months or years after completing TMS. For those who need continued support, maintenance sessions can be scheduled to reinforce positive brain activity and prevent relapse.
At our facility, care does not stop when treatment concludes. We remain available to provide education, monitoring, and emotional support, helping each patient move forward with clarity and renewed confidence.