Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness Now Offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression
- Dr. Jennifer Shore
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
For many individuals living with depression, finding relief can feel like a long and frustrating journey. While therapy and medication help countless people, they don’t work for everyone. Recognizing the need for more effective, personalized treatment options, Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness (FMHW) is proud to now offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression.
This advanced therapy represents a new path forward for patients who have not experienced meaningful improvement through traditional approaches alone.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS is a medication-free, clinic-based treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. These magnetic pulses activate underactive neural pathways that are often associated with depression, helping restore healthier brain activity over time.
Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and patients remain fully awake and alert during each session. The treatment is well-studied, widely used in clinical practice, and recognized for its strong safety profile.
At Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness, TMS treatment is delivered using Magstim technology, an FDA-cleared system trusted by clinicians worldwide for precision and reliability.
Who Can Benefit from TMS?
TMS is designed for adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression, meaning depressive symptoms have not sufficiently improved with antidepressant medications or other conventional therapies. It may be a valuable option for individuals who:
● Have tried multiple medications without success
● Experience unwanted side effects from antidepressants
● Are seeking a non-invasive, drug-free treatment alternative
During an initial consultation, FMHW providers conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether TMS is an appropriate option based on each patient’s medical history, mental health background, and treatment goals.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness emphasizes comfort, clarity, and consistency throughout the TMS process, ensuring patients always know what to expect.
Consultation & Preparation
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment. Your provider explains how TMS works, reviews your history, and answers any questions before therapy begins. Progress is revisited regularly to ensure care remains aligned with your needs.
In-Clinic Treatment Sessions
During each session, a trained TMS technician gently places a
small electromagnetic coil against the scalp near the forehead. The device delivers precise magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions associated with mood regulation. Sessions typically last 20–40 minutes, and patients remain awake, comfortable, and supported throughout.
Support Over Time
Most treatment plans are delivered four to five days per week over approximately six to seven weeks. Many patients begin to notice meaningful improvements within the first few weeks of treatment. Throughout the course of care, our clinical team closely monitors progress and makes individualized adjustments to ensure both safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Personalized Care Designed Around You
One of the defining features of TMS treatment at FMHW is its individualized approach. Each patient’s care plan is tailored based on their symptoms, history, and response to treatment, ensuring therapy evolves as progress unfolds.
Every session is delivered by trained staff using Magstim technology, with a focus on patient comfort and consistency. Progress is closely tracked, and adjustments are made to maximize results while maintaining a supportive, reassuring experience.
Part of a Holistic Mental Health Approach
With decades of clinical experience, Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness integrates therapy, medication management, and advanced treatments like TMS into a comprehensive model of care. TMS is not viewed as a standalone solution, but as one powerful component of a broader mental health strategy designed to support long-term well-being.
This holistic philosophy ensures that patients receive the right combination of care, whether that includes psychotherapy, psychiatric services, TMS, or a thoughtful blend of multiple approaches.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Depression can feel overwhelming, especially when previous treatments haven’t delivered the relief you hoped for. TMS offers a scientifically backed, noninvasive option that has helped many individuals rediscover hope and improve their quality of life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness invites you to explore whether TMS may be right for you. Speak with an expert, learn more about the process, and take a meaningful step toward renewed mental wellness.