TMS for depression Houston, TX

TMS for Depression in Houston, TX

Occasional sadness is part of life, but persistent feelings of hopelessness are not. Depression is a real medical condition that can affect work, school, relationships, and family life. At Houston West TMS, board-certified psychiatrist and Brainsway Deep TMS specialist Dr. William K. Drell helps patients overcome overwhelming despair through noninvasive, FDA-cleared treatment for treatment-resistant depression.

Do I qualify for TMS for Depression?

Depression affects how you feel, think, and behave. It can fill your days with sadness, drain your motivation, and rob you of interest in activities you once loved. Importantly, depression is not something you can simply will away, and it rarely resolves on its own.

How do I know when I should seek help for depression?

If you experience any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, it is time to seek help:

  • Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, self-blame, or emptiness
  • Loss of interest in most activities, including sex, sports, hobbies, and work
  • Sleep disturbances, whether insomnia or oversleeping
  • Weight changes, either loss or gain
  • Extreme lack of energy
  • Physical symptoms such as frequent headaches or back pain

If you have suicidal thoughts along with depression, seek immediate care by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Can I just wait for depression to resolve on its own?

Depression is not a condition you can “snap out of,” and telling yourself to “get over it” rarely works. Without treatment, depression can persist for years. Dr. Drell provides TMS to patients under the care of another psychiatrist who have not achieved satisfactory results despite multiple medications and talk therapy.

What is Brainsway Deep TMS treatment for depression?

TMS therapy applies brief magnetic pulses to the brain, directing energy in an orientation appropriate to the brain’s neuronal pathways to activate neurons in the relevant brain structures. It uses no radiation or electrical stimulation. TMS is a valuable treatment for depression when strategies like talk therapy and medication fail to deliver results. It produces significant improvements in depressive symptoms and often eliminates them entirely, with no impact on cognition or memory and few side effects beyond an occasional transient headache or scalp discomfort.

Your first treatment lasts about 60 minutes, followed by daily 30-minute appointments. You can drive yourself to and from each session. Dr. Drell creates a customized plan based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you also experience anxiety, negative self-talk, or PTSD symptoms. You will continue seeing your current physician and therapist during and after TMS treatment.

To understand the technology behind your care, explore our Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Brainsway Deep TMS pages, or read about related treatments such as TMS for Anxiety, TMS for Bipolar Depression, and TMS for PTSD. You can also take our depression self-assessment to see if you may be a candidate.

If depression is negatively affecting your life and relationships, call Houston West TMS at (713) 464-4455 or request a consultation online to begin restoring healthy brain function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TMS effective for treatment-resistant depression?

Yes. Research shows that more than 75% of patients with depression experience improvement and more than 50% enter remission after a full course of Deep TMS, even when medication and therapy have not worked.

Is TMS for depression covered by insurance?

TMS is FDA approved for major depressive disorder and is often covered by insurance when specific criteria are met. Our team can help verify your coverage, and self-pay options are available if needed.

How does TMS treat depression?

TMS uses brief magnetic pulses to activate neurons in the brain regions involved in mood regulation. This noninvasive stimulation helps restore healthy brain function and significantly reduces depressive symptoms.

Will I have to stop my antidepressants for TMS?

No. You can continue your current medications during TMS. Dr. Drell adjusts treatment to account for medication effects and coordinates with your existing psychiatrist throughout your care.

Are there side effects to TMS for depression?

TMS has few side effects. The most common are a mild, transient headache or scalp discomfort, which typically fade after the first few sessions. It does not affect cognition or memory.

How do I find out if I qualify for TMS for depression?

You can complete our online qualification form or call (713) 464-4455 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Drell will review your history and determine whether Deep TMS is right for you.