TMS treatment at OneMed Clinic starts with a no-referral consultation, followed by insurance verification that our team handles for you, then 36 sessions over 7 weeks, about 20 minutes each. Your first session, called mapping day, runs 60 to 90 minutes and calibrates the treatment specifically to your brain.
Deciding to look into TMS therapy takes courage. If you’re here because antidepressants haven’t worked the way you hoped, or because you’re searching for an option that doesn’t come with a long list of side effects, you’ve already done the hardest part: you decided something needs to change.
Now let’s make the next part simple. This guide walks you through exactly what happens, from your first phone call to your final session, so you can walk in feeling prepared instead of unsure.
TMS Therapy Key Takeaways
- You do not need a referral to start; self-referral is accepted at OneMed.
- Our team verifies your insurance benefits before you commit to treatment, so there are no surprise costs.
- Treatment follows a consistent five-day-a-week schedule, which helps your brain build lasting change.
- You stay fully awake through every session, and you can drive yourself home afterward.
- Your first session is longer than the rest, because it’s used to calibrate the treatment specifically to your brain.
TMS Treatment Overview
| What to Know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sessions per week | 5 |
| Treatment typical length | 7 weeks |
| Length of a typical session | 20 minutes |
| Total sessions in a typical full course | 36 |
| First session (mapping day) length | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Referral required | No |
| Sedation or anesthesia | None, you stay fully awake |
| Can you drive yourself home | Yes, every session |
What to Expect: The TMS Treatment Process, Step by Step
Starting TMS treatment can feel intimidating if you don’t know what’s coming. Here’s how the process actually unfolds, from your first call to your final session.
Step 1: Referral or Self-Referral
You do not need a doctor’s referral to start TMS. Most clinics, including OneMed, accept self-referrals, so you can reach out directly the moment you decide you’re ready, without waiting on a referral from another provider.
Some patients do come to us after a referral from their primary care doctor or current psychiatrist. Others reach out on their own, after months of researching options quietly. Both paths lead to the same next step: a consultation.
Step 2: Consultation with a Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Before any treatment begins, a psychiatrist needs to understand your full picture: your history, your current symptoms, and what you’ve already tried. This isn’t a quick intake form; it’s a real conversation.
At OneMed, this consultation happens with a board-certified psychiatrist, in person at our Lake Nona clinic or through telehealth, whichever fits your life better. If TMS looks like a good fit, we build a treatment plan around your specific situation. If it isn’t the right fit, we’ll tell you that too, and point you toward what might work better.
Step 3: Insurance Verification
Figuring out what your insurance actually covers can be one of the most frustrating parts of starting any new treatment, and it shouldn’t fall entirely on you to sort out.
At OneMed, our team contacts your insurer directly, verifies your TMS benefits, and walks you through any out-of-pocket costs before you commit to anything. If your plan requires prior authorization, we manage that too, so the only thing you need to focus on is showing up.
Step 4: Treatment Begins
Once your plan is set, treatment settles into a routine fast. Most protocols run five days a week for about seven weeks, with each session lasting roughly 20 minutes.
At OneMed, you sit comfortably in a private treatment room using the NeuroStar TMS system. You’re fully awake the entire time, so you can read, watch something on your phone, or just close your eyes and relax. When it’s over, you drive yourself home. No downtime, no groggy recovery, no need to arrange a ride.
Before Your TMS Treatment: How to Prepare
- Eat normally before your appointment.
You do not need to fast or change your eating habits before TMS. A light meal beforehand can actually help you feel more comfortable and steady, especially during your first mapping session when you may be seated a little longer. - Stay hydrated.
Drink water before your visit. Good hydration may help reduce the chance of a mild headache after treatment. - Keep your caffeine routine consistent.
If you usually drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks, you do not need to stop completely. Just let your provider know if you are especially sensitive to stimulants. - Avoid alcohol close to your appointment.
It is best to skip alcohol before your TMS session, especially close to your appointment time. - Bring the basics with you.
Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and a current list of any medications you take, including over-the-counter supplements. - Wear comfortable clothing.
You will be seated during treatment, so wear something comfortable. This is especially helpful if you are coming from work or running errands afterward. - Leave metal accessories at home or in your car.
Earrings, hair clips, hats with metal parts, and metal-containing headphones can interfere with the magnetic pulses. It is easier to skip them entirely than to remove them once you arrive. - Tell your care team about any implants or medical devices.
Before your first session, your provider will confirm that you do not have certain metal implants or devices, such as a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or aneurysm clip. TMS is not safe for patients with some types of implanted metal. - Bring something to help you relax.
Feeling nervous before your first appointment is completely normal. You can bring a book, headphones for music or podcasts, to pass the time and help you relax. - Ask questions before treatment starts.
Your care team is there to walk you through each step, explain what you may feel, and make sure you are comfortable before the session begins.
If you’re nervous about your first appointment, that’s completely normal. Bring a book to entertain your mind and feel free to ask questions; your care team is there to walk you through every part of the process before treatment starts.
Your First Session: What Happens During Mapping Day (60 to 90 Minutes)
Your first TMS appointment takes longer than every session after it, usually 60 to 90 minutes. That extra time isn’t wasted; it’s spent finding the exact settings your brain needs, so every session after this one is calibrated specifically to you.
Here’s what that actually looks like.
What Happens During Your First TMS Session?
- You’ll get comfortable in the treatment chair.
Your provider will help you settle in and explain what to expect before treatment begins. - Your provider will find the hand movement area of your brain.
They start by locating a spot on your scalp connected to the part of your brain that controls hand movement. - Your treatment dose is calibrated.
This hand movement response helps your provider measure the right stimulation level for your treatment. This is often called finding your motor threshold. - Your provider will locate the mood regulation area.
Using that measurement, your provider finds the treatment area involved in mood regulation, called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. - The treatment area is marked and confirmed.
This area sits toward the front of your head, roughly behind your forehead. Once located, your provider confirms the placement so treatment can begin safely and accurately.
Why does this matter so much? Everyone’s brain is shaped a little differently, so the same spot on one person’s head won’t line up with the same area in someone else’s brain. Careful placement helps make sure the magnetic pulses reach the right target with the right strength, which is why this step isn’t rushed.
Once your provider has that target located, they run a quick, simple test to find something called your motor threshold, explained next.
How Is the Magnet Strength Determined?
Your provider finds your motor threshold, the lowest magnetic strength that causes a small, involuntary twitch in your thumb, then sets your treatment at a percentage above that number (typically 120% of motor threshold). This makes your dose specific to your brain, not a flat setting used on every patient.
The thumb twitch itself isn’t painful, more like an unexpected muscle jump. Here’s why the thumb matters: the scalp spot that controls thumb movement sits close to the area used to locate your treatment target, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, mentioned earlier. According to Neuronetics, the maker of the NeuroStar system used at OneMed, providers move the coil forward from that motor threshold point (about 5.5 cm) to reach the treatment area, then calibrate your actual treatment strength from there.
A Typical TMS Session: What Daily Treatment Looks Like (18 to 20 Minutes)
Once mapping day is done, every session after it follows the same simple rhythm. Here’s what a typical day looks like once you’re settled into the routine.
- You’ll return to the private treatment room.
After mapping day, your daily TMS sessions usually follow the same simple routine. - You’ll sit in the treatment chair.
You’ll get settled in the same comfortable chair used during your sessions. - The coil is placed using your mapped settings.
Your provider positions the TMS coil based on the exact treatment location and dose determined during mapping day. - Your provider starts the session.
Once everything is positioned correctly, your provider begins the treatment. - You’ll relax for about 18 to 20 minutes.
During treatment, you can simply sit back and stay still. You do not need to concentrate, meditate, or “help” the treatment work. - You’ll stay in place while the pulses are delivered.
Your main job is to remain relaxed and keep your head in the correct position so the coil stays aligned. - The session ends, and you can return to your day.
Once the session is complete, your provider will remove the coil, check in with you, and you can usually continue with your normal routine.
TMS Session FAQs:
Can I Use My Phone or Headphones During TMS?
Yes, you can use your phone during TMS, and many patients do. Earplugs are provided for every session since the machine produces a clicking sound while it’s running, and you’re also welcome to bring your own non-metallic headphones if you’d rather listen to music.
Metal interferes with the magnetic pulses, which is why non-metallic headphones matter; standard wired earbuds with metal components should stay home. Wireless headphones and most phones are fine to bring into the room. Some patients scroll through their phone, others read a book, and some just close their eyes and let the 20 minutes pass. There’s no wrong way to spend the time, as long as you stay still enough for the coil to stay in place.
Are You Asleep During TMS?
No, you stay fully awake and alert throughout treatment. TMS doesn’t use anesthesia or sedation of any kind, so you can talk with your provider during the session and drive yourself home immediately afterward.
That said, it’s not unusual to feel drowsy. Between the earplugs, the reclined chair, and the rhythmic tapping sensation, some patients do doze off partway through. If that happens to you, don’t worry, the treatment still works exactly as intended. Most providers will gently keep you engaged if they notice you’re nodding off, mainly because staying relaxed and present tends to make the whole experience more comfortable.
What to Expect After Your TMS Session
After a TMS session, most patients return to their normal day with no sedation, no recovery time, and no restrictions on driving. Some feel mild fatigue or a slight headache that fades within the first week. Full results build gradually over the course of treatment, not after a single session.
Treatment doesn’t end with downtime or recovery; most patients walk straight back into their day. Here’s what actually happens once your session wraps up.
Should You Rest After TMS?
You don’t need formal recovery time after TMS, but taking it easy for a bit is a good idea. Your brain works hard during treatment, so some patients feel a little tired or emotionally drained afterward, and a few quiet minutes can help. There are no food or drink restrictions either; you can eat and drink normally right after your session – no waiting period required.
What can I do after a TMS Session?
You can drive yourself home.
Most patients can drive right after a TMS session and return to their normal day.
You can go back to work or run errands.
TMS does not require anesthesia or downtime, so you can usually continue with your regular schedule after treatment.
Try to avoid high-pressure tasks right away.
If possible, avoid jumping straight into a stressful meeting, difficult conversation, or emotionally intense task immediately after your session.
Listen to how your body feels.
If you feel a little foggy, tired, or worn out, take that seriously. A short break can help you reset.
Rest if you need to.
Some patients feel better after a quick nap or quiet time instead of pushing through fatigue.
Choose gentle movement later in the day.
Light activity, like taking a walk, may feel better than scheduling an intense workout right after treatment.
Return to your routine at your own pace.
The goal is to keep your day normal while giving yourself a little flexibility if your body asks for it.
How Will I Feel After My First TMS Treatment?
Most patients feel pretty normal right after their first session, no grogginess, no sedation hangover. Some notice a mild headache or slight scalp discomfort, which usually fades within the first week as your scalp adjusts to the sensation.
Don’t expect a dramatic shift in mood after day one, and that’s completely normal. TMS builds gradually, session by session, so early on you’re not looking for a big change; you’re looking for consistency. If you’re also working with a therapist alongside your TMS treatment, many patients find that combining the two supports steadier progress than either approach alone.
Staying on Track: Getting the Best Results From Your TMS Treatment in Lake Nona, Orlando
Consistency is what makes TMS work. Here’s what that means day to day, and what can throw off your progress if you’re not careful.
Is 20 Sessions Enough? Why the Full Course Matters
For most patients, 20 sessions are not enough to achieve lasting results. At OneMed, a full treatment course involves 36 sessions over 7 weeks, and stopping early can limit how much benefit you actually experience.
Think of it as a cumulative process, not a one-and-done treatment. Each session repeatedly stimulates targeted mood-related brain circuits, and those effects build over the course of treatment rather than all at once. Clinical experience and outcome data generally support completing the prescribed course rather than stopping early. If you’re tempted to stop once you start feeling better, talk to your provider first; early improvement is often a sign the treatment is working, not a sign you’re done.
How Many Days of TMS Can You Miss?
Missing an occasional session generally will not derail your progress, but consistency still matters. TMS follows a standard 5-day-a-week schedule for a reason: repeated sessions are used to stimulate targeted brain circuits over time, and sticking to the schedule is what gives that process the best chance to work.
If you need to miss a day, let your care team know as soon as possible. At OneMed, we can often adjust your schedule by adding a make-up session later in the week or extending your treatment course slightly at the end.
The most important thing is to avoid long gaps or missing several sessions in a row, since that can slow your progress. If you have travel, work, or another scheduling conflict coming up, share that early so your provider can help plan around it.
What Not to Do During TMS Treatment
A few simple precautions protect both your safety and your results during treatment.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Tell your provider about any headache or scalp discomfort | Hiding side effects instead of reporting them |
| Keep your current psychiatric medications unchanged unless your doctor advises otherwise | Stopping or adjusting medication on your own |
| Get consistent, restorative sleep during your treatment course | Chronic sleep deprivation, which can slow progress |
| Save intense exercise for later in the day | Strenuous workouts immediately before your session |
| Disclose any metal implants, such as aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, or pacemakers, before starting treatment | Undergoing TMS with incompatible implants without disclosing them first |
Starting TMS doesn’t have to stay a question mark. If you’re ready to find out whether it’s the right next step for you, book a consultation with our team and we’ll walk you through it together.
TMS Therapy FAQs
Quick answers to the questions we hear most before and during TMS treatment.
Do I Need a Referral for TMS Therapy?
No, self-referral is accepted. You can contact OneMed directly to schedule a consultation; no referral from another doctor is required, though we’re happy to coordinate with your existing provider if you have one.
What Should I Bring to My TMS Appointment?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and a list of current medications. Skip metal accessories like hair clips, earrings, or hats near your head, since metal can interfere with the magnetic pulses.
Can I Drive Myself Home After TMS?
Yes. TMS uses no sedation or anesthesia, so you stay fully alert throughout treatment and can drive yourself to and from every appointment, including your first mapping session.
Can You Feel Better After One TMS Session?
It’s unlikely to notice lasting relief after a single session. TMS is a cumulative treatment; most patients begin noticing gradual improvement two to four weeks into their course, not after day one.
How Long Does It Take for TMS to Kick In?
Subtle changes, like better sleep or slightly more energy, often show up within 2 to 4 weeks. Full results build gradually and typically require completing the entire treatment course.
How Can I Get the Best Results From TMS?
Attend every scheduled session, stay awake and engaged during treatment, and keep your care team updated on how you’re feeling. Completing the full course matters more than any single session.
Does TMS Hurt or Cause Side Effects?
Most patients tolerate TMS well. The most common sensation is mild tapping or scalp discomfort, which typically fades within the first week. For a full breakdown of safety and comfort, visit our TMS service page.
How Long Do TMS Results Last?
Many patients maintain results for 6 months to a year or longer after completing a full course, and some go beyond a year without needing further treatment. For more on long-term outcomes and maintenance sessions, see our TMS service page.
Is TMS Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance plans cover TMS for depression, though coverage varies by plan. Our team verifies your specific benefits before you begin, so you know your costs upfront- no guesswork required.
Your Next Step Starts at OneMed
Knowing what to expect can make the process feel less overwhelming and help you move forward with confidence. That is exactly what this guide is meant to do, giving you a clear understanding of how mental health diagnosis works and what to expect along the way.
At OneMed, every step of your care, from your first conversation with a board-certified psychiatrist through ongoing treatment and follow-up, is designed to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care plan. Our integrated approach ensures you always know what comes next and have a team working together to support your mental health.
If you’re ready to find out whether TMS could work for you, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Ready to Start Your TMS Treatment?
Book your TMS consultation with OneMed Clinic today, or call (321) 999-7991 to speak with our team directly.
References
Neuronetics, Inc. The NeuroStar TMS Device: Conducting the FDA Approved Protocol for Treatment of Depression. PMC (National Library of Medicine). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3159591/
