TMS uses a magnetic coil placed near the scalp to deliver repeated magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. These pulses stimulate nerve cells and brain networks that may be underactive or dysregulated in depression.
You remain awake during treatment. TMS does not require surgery, anaesthetic or sedation, and treatment is usually delivered in a clinic setting over a course of sessions.
At Saje, TMS is not treated as a standalone procedure. It sits within a careful psychiatric assessment and a broader care plan that may include medication review, psychotherapy, GP care, lifestyle and metabolic health, and support from your existing care team.
TMS may be considered for adults experiencing a major depressive episode where standard treatments have not helped enough, have not been tolerated, or are not suitable.
It may be relevant when someone has tried antidepressant medication without sufficient improvement, has experienced limiting side effects, or remains significantly affected despite therapy, medication, lifestyle changes or other care.
TMS is not right for everyone. Suitability depends on your diagnosis, treatment history, medications, physical health, risk profile, previous response to care, and the goals of treatment.
At Saje, suitability is determined by an appropriately trained psychiatrist after a careful assessment. We take time to understand not only your symptoms, but what has already been tried, what has helped, what has not, and what kind of support is needed around the treatment.
TMS has been studied across a range of mental health and neurological conditions. The evidence is not the same for every condition.
The strongest and most established evidence is for major depression, particularly when standard treatments have not helped enough. In Australia, Medicare rebates are available for eligible patients receiving rTMS for major depressive disorder.
TMS is also being studied in conditions such as OCD, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, tinnitus, eating disorders, addiction and neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, the evidence is promising but still emerging. In others, it is not yet strong enough to support routine clinical use.
At Saje, we are careful about this distinction. We do not present TMS as a cure-all. We consider the evidence, the individual, the diagnosis, the treatment history, and whether TMS is appropriate within a broader plan.
TMS is delivered as a course of treatment, not a single appointment. The exact protocol, number of sessions and schedule depend on your assessment and treatment plan.
Before treatment begins, you will have a psychiatric assessment to clarify diagnosis, review previous treatments, assess medical and safety factors, and discuss whether TMS is appropriate.
If TMS is recommended, the first treatment step usually includes mapping. This helps identify the correct treatment location and stimulation settings for you.
During treatment, you sit in a chair while the TMS coil is placed near your scalp. You remain awake. You may hear clicking sounds and feel tapping or pulsing sensations on the scalp. Ear protection is usually used.
Throughout the course, your response and side effects are monitored. We may use symptom measures, review appointments and clinical check-ins to understand whether treatment is helping and whether the plan needs to be adjusted.
At the end of the course, your treating team will discuss next steps. This may include maintenance care, relapse prevention, medication review, therapy, lifestyle and metabolic support, communication with your GP or psychiatrist, or consideration of further treatment if appropriate.
A first conversation with the Saje Care Team to understand what you are looking for and whether TMS assessment may be appropriate.
We may ask about your diagnosis, symptoms, medication history, therapy history, previous treatments, medical conditions and current treating clinicians.
An appropriately trained psychiatrist reviews your suitability, explains risks and benefits, and discusses whether TMS is the right next step.
If TMS is recommended, treatment mapping helps determine the stimulation location and settings.
TMS is delivered over a course of sessions. The schedule depends on your prescribed protocol.
Your symptoms, side effects and overall progress are monitored during the course.
TMS is integrated into a broader plan for ongoing care, relapse prevention and support.
