Understanding Whether TMS Is Right For Me


Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an alternative to traditional mental health treatments that are particularly effective in reducing symptoms that are difficult to treat (e.g. treatment-resistant depression). It uniquely uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate brain cells to restore healthy neural activity and provide symptom relief.


Selecting the mental health treatment for you should be a careful, considered process. There are many factors associated with the suitability of all therapies. Below are valuable questions to ask yourself while making your decision about what treatment pathway to pursue!

Understanding Whether TMS Is Right For Me


Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an alternative to traditional mental health treatments that are particularly effective in reducing symptoms that are difficult to treat (e.g. treatment-resistant depression). It uniquely uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate brain cells to restore healthy neural activity and provide symptom relief.


Selecting the mental health treatment for you should be a careful, considered process. There are many factors associated with the suitability of all therapies. Below are valuable questions to ask yourself while making your decision about what treatment pathway to pursue!

Do I have a mental health condition for which TMS is recommended?

TMS is backed by a large body of evidence, facilitating its FDA approval. However, for adults, it is only FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), meaning it is limited as a second-line treatment.


TMS can be used as an ‘off-label’ treatment for other symptom profiles or mental health conditions, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and more. There is ongoing research that supports the use of TMS as an effective treatment for a variety of symptoms, however, since it is not FDA-approved for these conditions, the insurance coverage may be limited or non-existent.

  • TMS for Adolescents

    TMS treatment delivered by the TMS system we use - Neurostar - has exclusively been FDA-approved for adolescents above 15 years as an adjunct therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD), meaning they are not required to have tried 2 types of antidepressants. 


Would I like to avoid the intolerable side effects of medication?

Pharmacotherapy is a first-line treatment for many - you may have even already tried it! There are many classes of drugs with their unique mechanisms of action, and individual drugs within each drug type, with a different set of possible side effects. Adverse effects can be a significant obstacle to achieving therapy goals. They may range from inducing drowsiness to affecting appetite to increasing suicidality. As such, you may like to prevent the occurrence of side effects. TMS as a non-systemic treatment (does not circulate in the blood through the body) may be preferable in these cases. If you have already tried 2 types of antidepressants with no successful outcomes or were unable to tolerate the medication, you may have treatment-resistant depression. TMS may be a favorable option.


Do I have comorbid conditions that may interfere?

It is important to evaluate whether comorbid conditions may affect the effectiveness of TMS for your personal conditions. In the case of complex mental health symptom profiles, such as having a combination of depression and anxiety symptoms, TMS treatment may be tailored to accommodate your combined diagnosis. An advantage of TMS is that brain stimulation can be customized to various areas in the brain to manage the desired effects.


On the contrary, some individual health factors can be contraindications for TMS treatment. Such examples include a history of seizures or having metal implants in your head. Your clinician will perform a medical assessment to determine whether your diagnosis may present an increased risk when undergoing TMS.


Am I able to adjust my daily schedule temporarily?

For some, completing a course of TMS treatment can be difficult to arrange around other responsibilities, such as work or family commitments. Committing to TMS sessions for 5 days a week over 4 to 6 weeks is critical to the integrity of TMS treatment and ensuring optimal results. There is some flexibility with treatment schedules that can be discussed with your clinician in further detail. We strive to make achieving your therapy goals as convenient and comfortable as possible.

Discover More With Creative Wellness


Here, we have provided an introductory guide to assessing whether TMS is most suitable. Additional individual differences can contribute to your suitability for TMS. At Creative Wellness, we are experienced in navigating the details of insurance policies. We strive to make the decision-making process as smooth as possible and ensure a collaborative approach is taken with you and your health professional. 


Reach out today to learn more about how we can accommodate your needs and preferences!

Request Appointment

Discover More With Creative Wellness


Here, we have provided an introductory guide to assessing whether TMS is most suitable. Additional individual differences can contribute to your suitability for TMS. At Creative Wellness, we are experienced in navigating the details of insurance policies. We strive to make the decision-making process as smooth as possible and ensure a collaborative approach is taken with you and your health professional. 


Reach out today to learn more about how we can accommodate your needs and preferences!

Request Appointment

Medications didn’t work. Therapy wasn’t enough.

Crossed Off Your Options? There’s Still Hope

If traditional treatments haven’t worked, it’s time to explore a proven alternative. Safe, effective and medication-free. See if TMS is the right option for you.

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"Dr. Simonsen and his staff were great! They were patient and accommodating during my TMS journey. I always felt comfortable during my appointments. Highly recommend!"


Brittney M.

Not Sure Where to Start? We Can Help

With so many treatment options, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Let’s make it easier. Answer a few quick questions, and we’ll help you discover what might work best for you

Take the Quiz →

Not Sure Where to Start? We Can Help

With so many treatment options, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Let’s make it easier. Answer a few quick questions, and we’ll help you discover what might work best for you

Take the Quiz →

Tailored Care, Built Around You

Featured Resources


Benefits & Side Effects


TMS is a brain stimulation technique that aims to manage mental health symptoms

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What to Expect?


The critical stages of our treatment options to ensure you enter your appointments with confidence.


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TMS Conditions Treated


Including but not limited to autism, dementia, stroke treatment, and dystonia. 


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Why Choose

 Creative Wellness?

Choosing the right mental health provider is important, and you deserve compassionate, expert care. At Creative Wellness, we provide personalized, evidence-based treatments that help patients take control of their mental health. Here's why so many trust us:

Why Choose

 Creative Wellness?

Choosing the right mental health provider is important, and you deserve compassionate, expert care. At Creative Wellness, we provide personalized, evidence-based treatments that help patients take control of their mental health. Here's why so many trust us:

Insurance & Flexible Payment Options

Comprehensive, Holistic Mental Health Solutions

Experienced, Compassionate Care Team

Advanced Genetic Testing for Precision Medicine

Minimally Invasive & Side Effect-Free Alternatives

Proven Success & High Efficacy

Insurance & Flexible Payment Options

Comprehensive, Holistic Mental Health Solutions

Experienced, Compassionate Care Team

Advanced Genetic Testing for Precision Medicine

Minimally Invasive & Side Effect-Free Alternatives

Proven Success & High Efficacy

83%


of patients experienced symptom improvement, with 62% achieving full remission after completing TMS.

Elizabeth Wolkin

a year ago

"was a really supportive and trauma informed place to receive TMS, and I felt much better after treatment. If you are considering TMS I recommend talking to them, they are accessible and easy to connect to, and do a good job explaining the process in a clear way. Thanks to Dr. Simonsen and team!"

Marci Ballou

a year ago

"I cannot say enough about Creative Solutions, Dr. Simonsen, his staff, and TMS. I was skeptical but decided to give it a try. They were very thorough in explaining the what's/why's/how's and extremely professional every step of the way. I feel better than I have in YEARS."

Charlena Priebe

2 years ago

"TMS therapy was super helpful, I came to him with severe depression and taking meds that helped very minimally! I was impressed with how quickly I noticed changes with my mental health and my desire to actually want to get up and do things where as before I had zero desire for anything! "

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For more details or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 253-900-1605 or fill out our online form.

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Personalized recommendations based on your needs

Guidance on insurance & payment options

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1800 Cooper Point Road SW, Olympia, WA 98502

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Locations

8404 27th st w. University place, Wa. 98466

1800 Cooper Point Road SW, Olympia, WA 98502

211 Yelm ave W. Yelm, Wa. 98597