How Much Does TMS
Therapy Cost?

The cost of TMS therapy ranges from $150 to $300 per session without insurance. The price for a complete treatment course may vary significantly depending on the patient’s condition, specific protocol, insurance coverage, and other factors. Many TMS providers offer discounts for their procedures, which also impact costs. Insurance may cover 30-100% of these expenses. We recommend that patients take some time to explore the financial aspects of TMS therapy because it might help them save costs and receive excellent care.

How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost?

Table Of Contents

Factors Affecting TMS Therapy Cost

Number of Sessions Needed

The number of TMS sessions needed is crucial in determining overall therapy cost. The standard protocol for treating depression symptoms involves 36 procedures administered 5 days a week over 6-8 weeks. There are also accelerated protocols with intense therapy for only 5 days.

The exact number of sessions varies on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual’s condition and response to the treatment. Some patients show improvement early on and can discontinue therapy in under 30 visits. Others may require maintenance treatments beyond the typical 36 sessions if they have not achieved remission.

Most TMS providers determine pricing packages based on a certain number of visits, with additional sessions billed individually. Therefore, the ultimate cost correlates closely to the length of therapy.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is a crucial factor that can significantly decrease out-of-pocket expenses for TMS therapy. However, patients may require a referral from their primary care provider or psychiatrist to receive reimbursements for this treatment. Most major insurance companies cover TMS therapy for MDD, OCD, and short-term smoking cessation. They can reimburse 30-100% of the costs, making this treatment accessible and affordable. Patients can either check with their insurance provider or reach out to a TMS center to discuss insurance coverage options. Many TMS centers are well-versed in navigating insurance requirements and can help you through the process.

Type of TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation can be performed using different devices and treatment protocols. Each of them has its strengths and offers unique benefits for patients. There are three main types of TMS treatments:

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) - repetitively delivers multiple pulses to specific brain structures.
Theta burst stimulation (TBS) - mimics the brain's theta waves by delivering patterns of pulses. It can be intermittent (iTBS) and constant (cTBS).
Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) - penetrates deeper brain structures to improve symptoms.

Besides TMS type, providers choose specific treatment protocols to achieve the desired results. This selection can significantly impact the total costs. Here are the three most common options:

The standard rTMS protocol includes 36 sessions over 6-9 weeks. Treatment is provided for 20-40 minutes on weekdays. This comprehensive option requires many visits, so its costs may be relatively higher. Without insurance, prices can range from $6,000 to $12,000.
TBS therapy condenses treatment into 3-9-minute sessions delivered over a shorter period. Although intense, the smaller timeframe reduces overall costs and helps achieve remission faster. Patients can receive significant discounts on this treatment from their TMS providers. The total price of TBS therapy varies, so it is best to consult practitioners for accurate quotes.
Standard dTMS protocol follows a similar session schedule as rTMS over 6-9 weeks. However, it involves the use of a different coil and shorter treatments. For example, dTMS for OCD includes two-stage sessions, which begin with a brief exposure to the source of anxiety followed by an 18-minute dTMS procedure.

Provider

TMS provider is also a significant factor in the total costs. Patients can receive this treatment from the following healthcare professionals:

Psychiatrists
Neurologists
Physicians
Physician assistants
Nurse practitioners
Prescribing clinical psychologists (in certain jurisdictions)
Specially trained TMS practitioners
TMS technicians (under the supervision of medical doctors, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners)

Their experience levels and credentials are essential factors in determining TMS prices. Patients should schedule consultations to learn more about provider fees.

Location

Location can also significantly impact the financial aspects of TMS treatment. Practices based in major metropolitan areas with a high cost of living tend to charge more due to greater overhead expenses, such as rent, staff wages, and equipment. Providers in places with more competition for their services may be inclined to set lower prices for this treatment.

Those considering TMS should research options in their geographic area, as costs can vary widely even within the same state or region. TMS Therapy Near Me is an extensive directory with provider locations and ratings to help you select the most suitable option. Our database offers the best way to find TMS centers closest to you using our geographical search tool. You can compare providers and their offerings, such as insurance companies they accept and other treatments provided.

Mental Health Condition

The mental health condition being treated is one of the main factors to consider. TMS therapy is most commonly used to alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This treatment has also been explored for other conditions, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neurological disorders, and chronic pain.

TMS therapy is FDA-approved for treating MDD and OCD, as well as short-term smoking cessation. Therefore, insurance providers are more likely to cover part of the costs for people with these challenges. The only requirement is that they must have tried other treatments, like antidepressant medications or psychotherapy, without success. Insurance coverage can lower the out-of-pocket expenses for individuals with MDD and OCD. However, for other mental health disorders, like PTSD and anxiety, TMS may be considered off-label, meaning that it is not yet FDA-approved for these conditions or lacks robust scientific evidence. This can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses, as patients may need to cover the total cost of treatment.

Additionally, the patient’s mental health determines the duration and intensity of therapy. For instance, treatment-resistant depression might involve daily sessions over 6 weeks, while conditions like OCD may require more specialized or extended protocols. In any case, TMS can be very affordable depending on insurance coverage, and there is also sometimes an extremely high cost of NOT doing TMS, both monetarily and otherwise.

Thus, the type of mental health disorders is a significant factor in the treatment duration and financial aspects of TMS therapy. Conditions with well-supported research and FDA approval will likely have lower associated costs due to insurance backing. Off-label uses of TMS may result in higher expenses. Yet, they are still affordable and highly effective, providing a reliable way to address mental health challenges and improve quality of life.

Starting TMS Therapy

Patients can find a suitable TMS clinic using our extensive database.

They should contact the TMS provider to discuss their insurance plan, learn about the cost of therapy, and schedule a consultation.

The price will vary depending on insurance coverage and treatment duration.

Find the Best TMS in Your Area

As the premier directory of TMS facilities and specialists in the United States, TMS Therapy Near Me allows you to easily find experienced providers in your area. Our database includes detailed profiles on TMS clinics and health centers, including information on the doctors’ credentials, the services offered, patient reviews and testimonials, and insurance plans accepted. This wealth of information in one place can save you the time you would otherwise spend searching, analyzing, and comparing TMS providers. We make it quick and easy to discover the ideal TMS therapy solutions near you!

How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost?