TMS Therapy in Toms River, NJ: A Breakthrough for OCD and Depression
Living with depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel like carrying a heavy weight every day. For some people, medication and therapy work well, but for many others, these traditional treatments only help a little or not at all. If you or someone you love has tried different options without finding relief, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy may offer hope.
At Modern Psychiatry in Toms River, NJ, we provide TMS therapy for adults with depression and OCD who have not found success with other treatments. This advanced, FDA-approved therapy is changing lives right here in Ocean County.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS, short for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood, emotion, and behavior. These are the same areas often underactive in people with depression and OCD.
During treatment, you sit comfortably in a chair while a specialized device is placed against your scalp. The device delivers pulses that “wake up” certain brain circuits and encourage better communication between brain cells. Over time, this stimulation can help reduce symptoms of depression and OCD.
Unlike medications, which affect the whole body, TMS works only on targeted brain regions. This means there are no systemic side effects like weight gain, drowsiness, or stomach issues. And unlike more invasive treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia, memory loss, or hospital stays.
Who Can Benefit From TMS?
TMS is especially helpful for:
- Treatment-resistant depression: People who have tried two or more antidepressants without enough improvement.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Adults who continue to struggle despite therapy or medications.
- Patients sensitive to medication side effects: Those who cannot tolerate common antidepressant side effects.
If you feel like you’ve run out of options, TMS could be the next step to regaining control of your mental health.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
Starting something new can feel intimidating, but most patients find TMS easy to handle. Here’s what happens:
- Initial evaluation – Our team in Toms River will confirm whether TMS is the right choice for you.
- Treatment sessions – Each session lasts about 20 minutes. You’ll sit in a comfortable chair while the device delivers gentle pulses.
- No downtime – When your session is done, you can drive yourself home or go back to work or school.
- Treatment course – A full course usually means five sessions a week for six weeks, though some patients may need fewer or additional sessions.
Most patients describe the feeling as a light tapping on the head. While some notice results within a few weeks, others see improvements closer to the end of their treatment course.
Why Choose Modern Psychiatry in Toms River, NJ
TMS therapy is not offered everywhere, but at Modern Psychiatry, we believe in giving our patients access to the most advanced treatments available. By offering TMS locally in Toms River, we save our patients from long commutes to bigger cities while still providing expert, compassionate care.
We also take the time to guide you through every step of the process. From verifying insurance coverage to personalizing your treatment plan, our team is here to support you.
FAQs About TMS Therapy
Q: Is TMS safe?
A: Yes. TMS is FDA-approved and considered very safe. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort during sessions, which usually improves after the first few treatments.
Q: Does TMS work for everyone?
A: Not everyone responds, but many people who have struggled with years of symptoms finally experience relief with TMS.
Q: Can I keep taking my medication during TMS?
A: Yes. Many patients continue their current treatment while adding TMS, though your provider will discuss the best plan for you.
Q: How long do results last?
A: Many patients enjoy long-lasting benefits. Some may need booster sessions if symptoms return later.
Taking the Next Step
If you are living with depression or OCD and other treatments have not worked, you are not alone. TMS therapy offers a new way forward without the side effects or downtime of traditional treatments.
Modern Psychiatry is proud to provide TMS therapy in Toms River, NJ, making advanced mental health care available right here in our community. If you’re ready to learn more or schedule an evaluation, contact our office today. Relief may be closer than you think.
