Targeted, non-invasive, FDA-cleared.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and OCD and is delivered in our clinic under physician supervision with no sedation required.

TMS is typically recommended for adults with major depressive disorder or OCD who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medication. Before any TMS protocol begins, we conduct a psychiatric evaluation and qEEG brain mapping to confirm candidacy and personalize your treatment plan.

Most patients describe a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp during treatment. It is generally well-tolerated. Sessions are conducted while you sit comfortably; you remain fully awake and alert throughout, and can return to normal activity immediately afterward.

The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or a temporary headache during or after the first few sessions, which typically resolves on its own. Unlike antidepressant medication, TMS does not produce systemic side effects such as weight changes, sexual side effects, or sedation.

Standard TMS involves 36 sessions delivered over approximately six weeks — one session per day, five days per week. Our accelerated 5-day intensive delivers the same total treatment dose compressed into five consecutive days on-site. The accelerated format is designed for patients who are traveling to the clinic or who need to complete treatment on a compressed timeline.

Some patients begin noticing improvement within the first two to three weeks of treatment. Most see meaningful results by the completion of the full course. We track your response throughout treatment using standardized clinical measures and adjust the protocol as needed.

In most cases, yes. TMS is designed to work alongside your existing psychiatric care, not replace it. Your current medication regimen will be reviewed during your psychiatric evaluation before treatment begins.

Siler Brain Clinics is a cash-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. Many patients choose to submit to their insurer for potential out-of-network reimbursement. TMS is covered by many commercial insurance plans when medical necessity criteria are met — we recommend contacting your insurer directly to understand your benefits.

Our standard TMS course is $12,500. Our accelerated 5-day intensive is $16,500. Both require a psychiatric evaluation prior to starting. TMS is also included in several of our programs — see our Programs page for details.

Yes. Our standard and accelerated TMS courses are available to patients of any state who travel to our clinic in Oxnard, California. We are located at Channel Islands Harbor, and our team can assist with planning for out-of-state visits.