What Happens After TMS? Understanding Maintenance & Long-Term Results

Understanding Your Mental Health Care Options If you’re exploring treatment for depression, anxiety, or ongoing mental health symptoms, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of options available. Many people ask: “Should I try therapy, medication, TMS, Spravato, or genetic testing - and how do I know what’s right for me?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each approach works differently, and the best plan often depends on your history, symptoms, and how you’ve responded to treatment in the past. Below is a clear comparison of four commonly used approaches: Counseling (therapy), TMS therapy, Spravato (esketamine), and genetic testing.

If you’ve searched “TMS therapy near me” in Washington, you’re probably looking for two things: a treatment that actually works, and clear answers about what to expect. This guide covers what TMS is, who it’s for, how long it takes, what results can look like, and how it compares to medication-based options like Spravato (esketamine)—with a local focus on the South Sound / Greater Puget Sound area. Creative Wellness TMS offers TMS in Olympia, University Place, and Yelm , serving nearby communities across the region. What Is TMS Therapy? Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive outpatient treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It does not circulate through the body the way medications do, and sessions are short with no downtime. Who Is TMS For? TMS is most commonly used for treatment-resistant depression and is also FDA-approved for OCD, with some clinics using it off-label for symptoms related to anxiety and other conditions, depending on clinical judgment and fit. TMS is often a great next step if: You’ve tried therapy and/or medications and still feel stuck Medications caused side effects you couldn’t tolerate You want a non-medication treatment option You need a treatment you can do and still keep up with work/school/family What the TMS Treatment Timeline Looks Like A typical TMS course is: 1 session per day 5 days per week for about 4–6 weeks with sessions lasting about 20 minutes (varies by protocol) Most people drive themselves to/from appointments and return to normal activities right after. When Do People Start Feeling Better? Everyone’s timeline is different, but many patients notice early changes (sleep, energy, motivation) within the first few weeks, with improvement building over the full course. The key is consistency-TMS tends to be cumulative. How Long Do TMS Results Last? This is one of the most common questions. Many people maintain improvement for months or longer, and some choose booster sessions or a short repeat course later if symptoms return. (Your clinician can help plan relapse prevention based on your history and risk factors.)

If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants and still don’t feel better, you’re not alone - and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed treatment. In fact, medication resistance is one of the most common reasons people explore Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Many patients who benefit from TMS have a long history of medications that either didn’t work or caused side effects they couldn’t tolerate. So why does TMS help when medications don’t? Medication Resistance Is More Common Than You Think Studies show that 30–40% of people with depression don’t experience meaningful relief from antidepressants. Others may feel partial improvement but continue to struggle with motivation, energy, or emotional numbness. Common reasons medications don’t work include: Trial-and-error prescribing Side effects that limit dosing Brain regions involved in mood remain underactive Depression that doesn’t respond to chemical changes alone This isn’t a personal failure - it’s a biological reality. How Antidepressants Work (and Where They Fall Short) Most antidepressants affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. They work system-wide, meaning: The entire brain and body are exposed Effects take weeks to build Results vary widely from person to person For some people, these chemical changes simply aren’t enough to restore healthy brain activity in the regions that regulate mood. How TMS Is Different TMS works at the level of brain circuits, not just brain chemistry. Using magnetic pulses, TMS: Directly stimulates underactive areas of the brain linked to depression Strengthens communication between neural networks Encourages healthier patterns of brain activity over time Instead of hoping the right chemical balance reaches the right place, TMS targets the source.

TMS, Spravato, and Medications Compared When you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or mood symptoms, one of the most common - and understandable - questions is: “How long will it take before I start to feel better?”  The answer depends on the type of treatment, your personal history, and how your brain responds. Below, we break down realistic timelines for TMS therapy, Spravato (esketamine), and traditional antidepressant medications, so you know what to expect.

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