Services / TMS Evaluation
Treatment-Resistant Depression

TMS Therapy Eligibility Evaluation

Find out if TMS or SAINT TMS is right for you. A board-certified psychiatrist will review your history, confirm your eligibility, handle prior authorization documentation, and connect you with an accredited TMS center - all via telehealth.

78.6%

SAINT TMS Remission Rate

30%

Don't Respond to Antidepressants

FDA

Cleared Since 2008

All 50

States Served via Telehealth

What Is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Explained

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for major depressive disorder. It uses magnetic pulses - similar to an MRI - to stimulate underactive areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.

Unlike antidepressants that affect brain chemistry systemically, TMS targets specific brain circuits directly. There are no systemic side effects, no sedation, and no drug interactions. Patients sit in a chair, remain fully awake, and can drive themselves home.

Standard TMS: 36 sessions over 6-9 weeks, typically 20-40 minutes each.
SAINT TMS: 10 sessions per day for 5 days - full protocol in one week, with 78.6% remission in clinical trials.

Read our complete SAINT TMS guide →

Non-invasive

No surgery, no anesthesia, no downtime. Patients drive themselves to and from sessions.

No systemic side effects

Unlike antidepressants, TMS doesn't cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or sedation.

Works when medications don't

Approved for patients who have tried at least one antidepressant without adequate relief.

Insurance covered

Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, UHC and most major plans cover TMS therapy.

Long-lasting results

Clinical studies show durable remission lasting 12+ months after a course of TMS.

Eligibility

Who Qualifies for TMS Therapy?

TMS is not for everyone - but if you've struggled with depression and medications haven't worked well, you may be a strong candidate.

You likely qualify if...

  • +Diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • +Tried 1+ antidepressant without adequate relief
  • +18 years of age or older
  • +No metal implants in or near your head
  • +Covered by Medicare or most major commercial insurance
  • +Willing to commit to the treatment schedule

TMS may not be right if...

  • -You have a cochlear implant or certain brain stimulators
  • -History of seizure disorder or epilepsy
  • -Active psychosis or bipolar disorder (mania phase)
  • -Pregnant (consult your OB)
  • -Metal plates, screws, or stents in the skull

Not sure? That's exactly what the evaluation is for. Our psychiatrist will review your full history.

The Process

What Happens at Your TMS Evaluation

01

Book Your Evaluation

Request a TMS evaluation online. We schedule most patients within 3-5 business days. Insurance is verified before your appointment.

02

60-Min Video Appointment

A board-certified psychiatrist reviews your full depression history, medications tried, symptoms, and medical background via secure video.

03

Eligibility Determination

Your psychiatrist documents TMS candidacy, completes prior authorization letters for your insurance, and provides clinical notes for the TMS center.

04

Warm Referral to TMS Center

We connect you with an accredited TMS center near you and remain your prescribing psychiatrist throughout and after TMS treatment.

Comparison

Standard TMS vs. SAINT TMS

Your psychiatrist will recommend the protocol best suited to your case.

Standard TMS

Traditional protocol, widely available

Duration6-9 weeks
Sessions36 sessions total
Session length20-40 min each
Remission rate~50-60%
InsuranceWidely covered
AvailabilityMost TMS centers
Breakthrough Protocol

SAINT TMS

Stanford accelerated protocol

Duration5 days
Sessions50 sessions total
Session length10 sessions/day x 10 min
Remission rate78.6%
InsuranceMedicare + growing
AvailabilitySelect TMS centers
Cost & Coverage

Insurance Coverage for TMS

TMS Evaluation

Covered by insurance

Billed as a standard psychiatric evaluation. Most insurance plans cover it fully or with a standard copay.

Standard TMS Course

$0-$300 typical copay

Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, UHC, Humana and most major plans cover TMS after 2+ failed antidepressants. Total cost without insurance: ~$6,000-$12,000.

SAINT TMS Course

Medicare: ~$19,703

Medicare now covers SAINT TMS (billing code 90870). Commercial insurance coverage is expanding rapidly. Ask our psychiatrist about your specific plan.

We verify your TMS insurance benefits before your evaluation so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises.

TMS Evaluation: Frequently Asked Questions

TMS is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not responded to at least one antidepressant. Most insurance plans require 2-4 failed medication trials for coverage. Our psychiatrist will review your full history during the evaluation to confirm eligibility.
A 60-minute video appointment with a board-certified psychiatrist who reviews your depression history, medications tried, current symptoms, and medical background. You'll receive a clinical determination of TMS candidacy, prior authorization letter for your insurance, and a warm referral to an accredited TMS center near you.
The TMS evaluation is billed as a standard psychiatric evaluation, which is covered by most major insurance plans including Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Your out-of-pocket cost is typically your standard specialist copay. We verify your benefits before the appointment.
SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) is an accelerated TMS protocol that compresses the full treatment into 5 days instead of 6-9 weeks. Stanford's clinical trial showed 78.6% remission versus 13% for sham treatment. Medicare now covers SAINT TMS at approximately $19,703 per course. Commercial insurance coverage is expanding.
We provide the TMS eligibility evaluation, prior authorization support, and clinical documentation via telehealth. TMS treatment itself requires specialized in-person equipment at a TMS center. We provide a warm referral to an accredited TMS center near you and remain your psychiatrist for ongoing medication management before, during, and after TMS.
Most patients are scheduled within 3-5 business days. Same-week appointments are often available. We understand that treatment-resistant depression can't wait.
Yes. The entire evaluation is conducted via secure HIPAA-compliant video from your home. You must be located in a state where Inner Peace Mind Care has a licensed psychiatrist at the time of your appointment.

Ready to Find Out If TMS Is Right for You?

Same-week evaluations available. Insurance verified before your appointment. Board-certified psychiatrists in all 50 states.

Request Your TMS Evaluation