Personalized recommendations based on your needs
A Message From Our Medical Director
Psychiatric Care & TMS Therapy for the Greater Puget Sound of Washington
Real Care,
From a Team That Gets It
We know how frustrating it can be when you’ve tried things and still don’t feel better. That’s why we offer care that adapts to you - from traditional options like therapy and medication to modern tools like TMS and genetic testing.
Everything we do is built to support your healing, your way.
Personal
Care Team
Compassionate and Experienced
We combine science-backed treatments with compassionate care to ensure that each patient receives the support they need. Our team of highly trained mental health professionals works closely with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their goals, lifestyle, and unique needs.
Treatments We Offer
Creative Wellness TMS offers a full spectrum of mental health services, including talk therapy, medication management, and advanced interventional psychiatric treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Each service is thoughtfully designed to support your unique needs.
83%
of patients experienced symptom improvement, with
62% achieving full remission
after completing TMS.
"From the first visit, Creative Wellness exceeded my expectations. Dr. Keays and her staff are genuine, the results are real, and the atmosphere is empowering. The care that I received from Creative Wellness has transformed my life enormously."
"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."
"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! "
Tailored Care, Built Around You
Featured Resources
Quick Intro Safety is our top priority. Before any Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) course, Creative Wellness performs a focused medical and psychiatric screen to identify seizure risk, medication interactions, and neurologic conditions that could affect safety or protocol choice. This careful process protects you and helps your care team design the safest, most effective treatment plan. Why screening matters TMS is non-invasive and generally well tolerated, but certain medical and neurologic factors can increase the chance of rare side effects -most importantly, seizure. A targeted pre-treatment screen ensures we identify those risks early so we can adapt the plan, select appropriate protocols, or recommend alternate therapies if needed. The screening also clarifies whether medications or implants require special handling. The core elements of our screening process 1. Comprehensive medical & neurologic history You’ll be asked about: Any prior seizure disorder (epilepsy) or unexplained convulsions Prior head trauma, stroke, brain tumor, or progressive neurologic disease Any metal implants in or near the head (for example, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators) - implants in or near the skull may rule out TMS or require specialist review Other neurologic questions that matter for safety and device placement These items are standard because they can affect safety and whether TMS is appropriate. If any of these are present, we'll review them with your medical team. 2. Full medication review (psychiatry-led) Our psychiatry team reviews every prescription, over-the-counter medication, and supplement you take. This matters because certain medications and combinations can affect seizure threshold or interact with TMS care. We screen for interactions and, when needed, coordinate medication adjustments or additional monitoring before a TMS course. Medication screening is part of our routine comprehensive evaluation and ongoing medication management. 3. Risk stratification for seizure and safety Seizure during TMS is rare, but not impossible. We identify factors that increase seizure risk (for example, known epilepsy, some neurologic lesions, or specific medication interactions) and use that information to: Decide if TMS is appropriate Choose a conservative stimulation protocol or altered parameters, and Plan enhanced monitoring during treatment when needed. If risk is significant, we’ll discuss alternative treatments or obtain additional neurologic input. 4. Motor mapping & motor-threshold testing Before the first full course, we perform a mapping/motor-threshold assessment. This is not just to find the treatment target - it also identifies the correct stimulation intensity that is effective while minimizing discomfort and risk. Mapping is a key technical safety step used by specialist clinics. 5. Psychiatric assessment & coordination of care Our psychiatrists evaluate diagnosis, prior medication trials, and current psychiatric status. They make decisions about continuing or adjusting medications, and they coordinate TMS with medication management or other advanced treatments (for example, Spravato or ketamine) as clinically indicated. This combined-care model improves safety and outcomes.
Why transparency matters TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an evidence-based, clinic-delivered treatment that can be life-changing- but cost uncertainty creates real friction for patients. Clear, practical price guidance helps prospective patients make informed decisions, accelerates bookings, and reduces surprises after a denial or partial coverage. Creative Wellness aims to be transparent about common fees and how insurance changes the math. What is typically included in a TMS bill When you look at a TMS invoice, the final number usually bundles several line items: Initial psychiatric evaluation/consultation - psychiatry intake and medication review. Mapping/motor threshold session - a one-time clinical step to find your treatment target. TMS sessions (the largest line item): daily clinic visits, commonly 4–6 weeks, Monday–Friday. Many clinics use 30–36 total sessions for a full course, depending on protocol. Facility fees/technician time - per-session staff, chair time, consumables. Psychiatry follow-ups/ medication management during the course (if needed). Optional tests or services: pharmacogenetic testing (e.g., Tempus NeuroPsych), Spravato sessions , or other consults. Tempus NeuroPsych testing and consults are listed in the clinic’s pricing guide as an example service. Maintenance or booster sessions may be recommended later, if clinically indicated. Common hidden or variable costs Prior authorization work/appeals (time the clinic spends) - sometimes built into admin fees. Insurance co-pays and deductibles - these can be large if you haven’t met your deductible. Out-of-network charges - if the clinic or device isn’t accepted in-network, you may face higher bills. Maintenance sessions (not always covered) - boosters or maintenance packages can be OOP.
Quick Introduction Patients increasingly ask about pharmacogenetic testing (“PGx”) on intake forms - especially when medications haven’t helped or caused bad side effects. Genetic testing can provide useful clues about how your body processes certain psychiatric medications, and when used with thoughtful psychiatric care, it can speed up finding the right medication. But will it directly change your TMS plan? In most cases, PGx helps the medication-management piece of a broader treatment strategy - and that can help your overall outcomes when TMS is part of the plan. What is pharmacogenetic testing (PGx)? Pharmacogenetic testing analyzes genes that influence how your body metabolizes and responds to medications. The results commonly identify whether you metabolize a drug normally, too slowly, or too quickly - information that helps clinicians choose safer, better-tolerated medications or choose dosing adjustments. Clinics offering psychiatric care increasingly pair PGx reports with a psychiatrist review so results guide treatment decisions rather than dictate them. How PGx helps medication management When medication selection has been a process of trial-and-error, PGx can reduce guesswork by: Flagging likely ineffective or poorly tolerated medications based on metabolism genes, Helping clinicians choose alternatives that are more likely to be effective for your genetic profile, and Informing dose adjustments for certain drugs when metabolism differences are known. At Creative Wellness, we integrate PGx with medication management - the psychiatrist reviews your test and personal history, then recommends a medication plan tailored to your biology and symptoms. This precision approach reduces time spent cycling through meds and can improve tolerability and effectiveness. Does genetic testing change your TMS plan? Short answer: not usually directly, but it matters indirectly. TMS is a brain-stimulation treatment whose target and protocol are chosen based on clinical presentation and mapping -PGx does not change the physics of stimulation. Creative Wellness performs mapping and sets TMS parameters clinically, independent of a PGx result. Where PGx helps is in medication coordination. Many patients receive TMS alongside medication management. If a patient’s meds are optimized using PGx, they may tolerate combined care better and experience clearer symptom changes while undergoing TMS. In short, PGx helps create a cleaner, safer medication backdrop during and after TMS. For certain side-effect concerns or medication interactions that could affect safety during treatment, PGx can guide safer choices that make TMS sessions smoother. If the TMS response is limited, your team may re-evaluate meds - PGx can be useful at that point to inform next medication steps. Who should consider PGx testing? Consider testing if you have any of the following: Tried multiple antidepressants or had significant side effects, Had mixed or partial responses to medications, Experienced intolerable side effects that forced you to stop meds, or Want to accelerate the path to a well-tolerated medication while planning combined care (TMS + meds). Creative Wellness explicitly offers pharmacogenetic testing and consultation (for example, Tempus NeuroPsych is listed among testing options), and these services are offered as part of a medication-management pathway. Pricing and a consult option are available through the clinic.
Quick overview If you’re searching for TMS near Tacoma, you’re not alone. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an effective, non-invasive treatment for people whose depression or other conditions have not responded to standard therapies. This guide helps you compare local clinics, estimate costs, read and weigh patient reviews, and understand what to expect on your first visit - with a short, practical profile of Creative Wellness TMS (a local clinic serving Tacoma /University Place/Yelm). How to compare TMS clinics near Tacoma When comparing clinics, use a short checklist to ensure clinical quality and convenience: Clinical & technical factors Device & protocols - Which device(s) do they use (rTMS, dTMS, NeuroStar, BrainsWay)? Different devices and protocols suit different patients. Clinical team - Are psychiatrists and credentialed TMS technicians involved? Is there onsite medication management? Mapping & motor-threshold testing - Does the clinic perform precise mapping and motor-threshold testing before a course? This is essential for safety and reproducible dosing. Practical & logistical factors Location & hours - Is the clinic easy to reach from Tacoma, University Place, or Yelm ? Are appointments available early/late to fit your work schedule? Insurance & benefits support - Does the clinic run free benefits checks, support prior authorization, and help with appeals if needed? Aftercare & maintenance - Do they offer maintenance or booster sessions and long-term follow-up? (Some maintenance care may be out-of-pocket.) Patient experience Reviews & testimonials - Look for consistent stories about staff helpfulness, clear communication, and functional improvement. Video testimonials and written stories can be especially revealing. Costs & pricing - real scenarios for Tacoma patients Costs vary by clinic, device, and insurance. Use this plain method to estimate your bill: Clinic reference numbers: Many clinics quote a full course in the low-to-mid thousands. For example, a typical course is delivered 5 days/week for 4–6 weeks (commonly ~30–36 sessions), and some clinics list a full course around $5,000 as a ballpark figure. Three quick price scenarios Best case (in-network prior authorization approved): small copays or partial deductible; insurer covers most of the billed charges. Partial coverage / deductible exposure: you may pay hundreds to a few thousand dollars, depending on plan limits. No coverage / self-pay: patient pays full course cost (often several thousand dollars), though clinics commonly offer self-pay packages or financing. Extra costs to check Mapping and psychiatric consults, booster/maintenance sessions, PGx testing, Spravato (if pursued), and facility/administration fees. Creative Wellness, for example, lists PGx testing (Tempus NeuroPsych) and associated consults as part of their service menu. Read More : Pricing How to choose & next steps Narrow to 2–3 clinics near Tacoma/University Place and call for: device type, session count, mapping, psychiatry availability, benefits check, and price estimate. Ask for patient stories or testimonials that match your situation (depression, anxiety, comorbid conditions). Request a written estimate and a benefits check to understand real out-of-pocket costs. Creative Wellness and other local clinics commonly provide this. Schedule an initial consult (most clinics offer psychiatry + mapping before treatment starts). Bring medication history, prior treatment notes, and any questions about travel/parking and scheduling.
Quick Overview Yes - in most cases. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an outpatient, non-systemic, and non-sedating treatment designed so that most people can return to their daily activities, including work, right after sessions. Below, we cover what to expect during a typical course, common side effects, scheduling tips for working patients, and exactly when you might need to take time off or adjust your work schedule. What a typi cal TMS course looks like Most TMS courses are administered five days a week (Monday–Friday) for about 4–6 weeks. Sessions themselves usually last about 20–40 minutes, and many protocols are 20 minutes or less. Before treatment begins, you’ll have an initial consultation and a mapping/motor-threshold assessment that determines the precise target and dose for your daily sessions. Because sessions are short and non-sedating, patients are generally able to drive themselves home and return to their normal daily plans after each appointment. That means many people keep working during their treatment. Because sessions are short and non-sedating, patients are generally able to drive themselves home and return to their normal daily plans after each appointment. That means many people keep working during their treatment. Common side effects and how they affect work The most common effects reported during TMS are mild scalp discomfort or headache, which usually resolve quickly after a session. These side effects rarely require extended time off work. A small percentage of patients experience a temporary increase in symptoms mid-course (sometimes called the “dip”), and clinicians monitor for that and offer support. If you do experience unexpected or persistent effects, your care team will review your treatment plan with you. Read More: TMS Benefits and Side Effects Practical scheduling tips for working patients Here are practical steps most working patients use to keep work and treatment balanced: Schedule sessions around your workday. Book sessions early morning, lunch hour, or late afternoon so they fit with your routine. Because sessions are short, many people attend without missing a full workday. Work remotely on session days if possible. If your job allows flexible/remote work, doing your session near your workspace or working from home afterward reduces commute time. Plan for the occasional “dip.” About 10–15% of patients may feel a temporary worsening of symptoms mid-course. If your job is safety-sensitive (driving, heavy machinery), talk with your clinician about timing or remote options. Talk to your employer in advance. If you expect to need flexibility, consider a short note from your clinician or HR conversation - many employers will accommodate a 4–6 week daily-treatment schedule. Use short breaks wisely. The treatment chair time is often 20 minutes; factor in check-in and any brief observation, and you’re typically looking at a 45–60 minute block out of your day.
Quick Overview An insurance denial for TMS is stressful, but not the end of the road. Many denials can be reversed with a well-documented appeal, clinical support from your treatment team, and persistence. This guide gives you exactly what to do next - step by step - plus appeal templates you can use right away. Immediate steps when you get a denial Read the denial letter carefully. Note whether it’s a coverage denial, a medical-necessity denial, or a coding/prior-authorization denial. Look for appeal deadlines and the insurer’s appeals contact. Save everything. Keep the denial letter, any emails, and the date/time of phone calls. Request a written explanation of benefits (EOB) and the denial reason code. Ask the insurer for the precise reason and the name/phone number of the caseworker. Contact your clinic. Tell Creative Wellness (or your clinic) right away - we run benefits checks and handle prior authorization paperwork. Clinics commonly help with appeals and prior authorization documentation. Step-by-step appeals plan Step 1 - Verify deadlines & next actions Check the denial letter for exact appeal deadlines and whether an expedited review is possible (often called “urgent” or “expedited” appeal). Note timelines: insurers vary - some expect appeals within 30 days, others allow up to 180 days; urgent appeals are sometimes handled within 72 hours. Always use the insurer’s stated timeline. Step 2 - Gather records and evidence Collect everything your appeal will need: Denial letter & EOB (front & back) Copy of the insurance policy language if available (or the relevant medical necessity criteria) Clinical notes showing diagnosis and prior treatments tried (medications, therapy) Documentation of prior authorizations and prior-authorization communications (if any) TMS treatment plan and mapping/motor threshold notes, if available Letters from treating clinicians (psychiatrist, referring MD) stating medical necessity Peer-reviewed evidence or guidelines (Clinical TMS Society or key articles) — your clinic can supply suggested citations. Tip: Clinics routinely assemble this evidence for you and can create a provider appeal letter. Clinics also handle prior authorization paperwork and appeals logistics. Step 3 - File a patient appeal (use the template below) Submit a clear, concise patient appeal letter that states the facts, why the treatment is medically necessary, and what evidence you are sending. Use certified mail or the insurer’s online appeal form if available. See the template below. Step 4 - Ask your provider for a clinical appeal (use the provider template) A provider letter from your prescribing psychiatrist or the TMS medical director is often the most persuasive piece of evidence. The provider should explain the history of treatment failures, specific reasons TMS is appropriate, and attach relevant clinical notes and test results. Step 5 - Follow up by phone & get a case number Call the insurer after filing and ask for the appeal case number, the expected resolution date, and the name of the reviewer, if possible. Keep notes of the conversation (date, time, person, summary). Step 6 - Escalate if needed (external review/state regulator) If the internal appeal is denied, request an external review by an independent reviewer or contact your state insurance commissioner for help with the process. Many states require insurers to tell you how to request an external review. Step 7 - Consider alternatives while you appeal Ask the clinic about temporary options: payment plans, financing, or alternative treatments (eg, Spravato ) while the appeal is pending. Creative Wellness offers benefits checks and helps explain payment options.
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