Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS therapy, is a non-invasive treatment for depression that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. With CLS Health Psychiatry, patients receive physician-led TMS care from board-certified psychiatrists serving the Houston area.
Living With Depression That Hasn’t Improved?
Depression can affect how you feel, think, sleep, work, and connect with others. For some people, antidepressant medications and therapy do not provide enough relief, or medication side effects make it difficult to continue treatment. When depression has not improved as expected, it may be time to talk with a psychiatrist about additional options.
TMS therapy may be considered for patients who have not had sufficient improvement with medication or traditional therapy alone. CLS Health Psychiatry offers TMS as part of a personalized psychiatric care plan for patients throughout the Greater Houston area.
Initial Screening
Not sure if TMS therapy is the right fit for you? Complete our screening to learn more.
This screening is preliminary and does not guarantee clinical eligibility or insurance coverage. After you complete the screening, our team will contact you about next steps if you choose to provide your information at the end of the form.
Psychiatric Consultation
If your screening indicates that you may be a candidate, the next step is a consultation with a psychiatrist. During this visit, your psychiatrist will review your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, medications, medical background, and goals to determine whether TMS is appropriate for you.
Why People May Trust TMS Therapy:
- FDA-cleared treatment option for depression
- Care led by a board-certified psychiatrist
- Drug-free treatment
- No anesthesia required
- Outpatient sessions
- Accepting new patients
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a form of brain stimulation therapy that uses magnetic pulses to activate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike antidepressant medication, TMS does not work by circulating through the bloodstream. Instead, treatment is directed to targeted brain regions from outside the head.
TMS is non-invasive, meaning there is no surgery, no implanted device, and no anesthesia. The National Institute of Mental Health describes repetitive TMS as a non-invasive therapy that uses an electromagnet to stimulate the brain with repeated low-intensity pulses.
For patients living with depression that has not improved enough with medication, TMS may offer another evidence-based treatment path.
Why Choose TMS Therapy?
TMS may be a good option for some patients who want a treatment approach that does not involve adding another daily medication. Your psychiatrist will review your symptoms, treatment history, medical background, and goals before recommending whether TMS is appropriate.
Potential benefits of TMS therapy include:
- Drug-free treatment
- No anesthesia
- No recovery time after sessions
- Outpatient appointments
- Ability to return to normal activities after treatment
- Personalized treatment settings
- May be appropriate for patients who have not responded well to antidepressants
TMS is not the right choice for everyone, but it can be an important option for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
During TMS therapy, a treatment device is placed near the scalp. The device delivers targeted magnetic pulses to areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. These pulses are designed to encourage healthier brain activity in regions that may be underactive in depression.
TMS does not require surgery or implanted devices. Sessions are performed in the office under medical supervision. Most patients remain awake and seated during treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy may be considered for adults with Major Depressive Disorder, especially when symptoms have not improved enough with antidepressant medication or other standard treatments.
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder
- Have treatment-resistant depression
- Have not had enough improvement with antidepressants
- Cannot tolerate medication side effects
- Prefer to discuss a non-drug treatment option
- Are able to attend regular outpatient treatment sessions
A psychiatric evaluation is needed before beginning treatment. Your psychiatrist will review your diagnosis, current medications, prior treatment response, medical history, and safety considerations.
Not sure if TMS therapy is the right fit for you? Complete our screening to learn more.
This screening is preliminary and does not guarantee clinical eligibility or insurance coverage. After you complete the screening, our team will contact you about next steps if you choose to provide your information at the end of the form.
Who May Not Be Eligible?
TMS may not be recommended for patients with certain medical or neurological factors. This may include some people with implanted metal devices near the head, cochlear implants, certain seizure disorders, or other neurological concerns.
Because TMS uses magnetic pulses, safety screening is an important part of the consultation. Your psychiatrist will determine whether TMS is appropriate based on your individual history.
What Conditions Can TMS Treat?
At CLS Health, TMS therapy is offered as a treatment option for depression, particularly for patients who have not found enough relief through medication or traditional therapy alone.
- TMS is most commonly associated with treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.
- Some TMS devices and protocols have also been cleared for other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or smoking cessation, but availability depends on the treatment offered by the practice and the patient’s individual evaluation.
- Other uses of TMS may still be investigated and should be discussed directly with a psychiatrist.
What to Expect During TMS Therapy
Initial Consultation
Your first step is consultation with a psychiatrist. During this visit, your provider will review your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, medications, medical background, and goals. This helps determine whether TMS is a reasonable option for your depression.
Brain Mapping
Before treatment begins, your care team performs brain mapping. This process helps identify the correct treatment location and settings. Motor threshold testing is often used to personalize the intensity of treatment.
Treatment Sessions
TMS sessions are typically performed in an outpatient setting. Treatment sessions often last about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the protocol used. Many patients complete sessions five days per week for about four to six weeks, although your plan may vary based on your psychiatrist’s recommendation.
What Does TMS Feel Like?
During treatment, you may feel a tapping sensation on the scalp. Some patients notice mild scalp discomfort or facial muscle twitching, especially during early sessions. These effects are often temporary and may become less noticeable as treatment continues.
After Each Session
Most patients can leave shortly after treatment, drive themselves home, return to work, and continue normal daily activities. There is no anesthesia and no required recovery period.
Wondering If TMS Therapy Is Right for You?
Our board-certified psychiatrists can determine whether TMS therapy is an appropriate treatment option for your depression and discuss all available treatment options following your preliminary screening.
Benefits and Effectiveness of TMS Therapy
TMS therapy is designed to offer another treatment option for patients whose depression has not improved enough with medication. Many patients consider TMS because it is non-invasive, drug-free, and performed in an outpatient setting.
Potential benefits include:
- Drug-free treatment
- Non-invasive approach
- Outpatient appointments
- Minimal downtime
- Personalized treatment settings
- Well tolerated by many patients
Your psychiatrist will discuss realistic expectations based on your diagnosis, treatment history, and medical background.
Clinical note: TMS does not guarantee results. Some patients improve significantly, some have partial improvement, and others may not respond. A psychiatric consultation is the best way to understand whether TMS fits your care plan.
Is TMS Therapy Safe?
TMS is generally well tolerated by many patients, but side effects can occur. Your care team will complete a safety screening before treatment and monitor your comfort during sessions.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Mild headache
- Scalp discomfort
- Facial muscle twitching
- Temporary discomfort at the treatment site
Rare Risks
Rare risks can include seizure. Your psychiatrist will review your medical history, neurological history, medications, and any implanted devices before recommending treatment. Hearing protection may also be used during sessions because the device can produce clicking sounds.
What Happens After TMS Treatment?
TMS is one part of a broader mental health treatment plan. After a course of treatment, your psychiatrist may schedule follow-up visits to monitor symptoms, review progress, and discuss next steps.
Ongoing care may include:
- Follow-up appointments
- Monitoring symptom improvement
- Medication review when appropriate
- Continued psychiatric care
- Maintenance TMS when appropriate
- Coordination with therapy or other mental health services
- Long-term treatment planning
Your care plan may change over time based on your response to treatment and your overall mental health needs.
Why CLS Health Uses Apollo TMS Technology
CLS Health uses Apollo TMS technology to support precise, consistent treatment delivery. The goal is to provide a comfortable outpatient experience while allowing the care team to personalize treatment settings for each patient.
For patients, modern TMS technology can support:
- Precise treatment targeting
- Consistent session delivery
- Comfortable positioning during treatment
- A structured outpatient treatment experience
Your psychiatrist and care team will explain what to expect before treatment begins.
Why Choose CLS Health for TMS Therapy?
Choosing a TMS provider is an important decision. At CLS Health Psychiatry, TMS therapy is part of physician-led psychiatric care, not a standalone treatment without clinical oversight.
Patients choose CLS Health for:
- Board-certified psychiatric care
- Personalized treatment plans
- Evidence-based mental health treatment
- Modern Apollo TMS technology
- Convenient access for patients across Greater Houston
- Integrated behavioral health services
Because depression can be complex, your psychiatrist will consider your full treatment history before recommending TMS or another option.
Meet Your TMS Psychiatrists
Rudy Lozano Carreon, MD
Dr. Rudy Lozano Carreon is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience providing TMS therapy and caring for patients with depression, ADHD, and other mental health concerns. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine, where he trained at the Menninger Clinic and served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Lozano’s approach is evidence-based and patient-centered. He works with patients to understand their symptoms, treatment history, and goals before recommending a personalized plan.
Dania Albaba, MD
Dr. Dania Albaba is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in addiction psychiatry, with additional clinical interests in perinatal mental health and postpartum mood disorders. She completed her psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident, followed by an Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at Harvard Medical School's Massachusetts General Brigham.
Dr. Albaba provides evidence-based, patient-centered psychiatric care at CLS Health Psychiatry — Houston Galleria.
FAQs
TMS should not be painful, but some patients experience tapping, pressure, or mild scalp discomfort. This is often most noticeable during early sessions and may improve over time.
Many treatment plans involve sessions five days per week for about four to six weeks. Your psychiatrist will recommend a schedule based on your treatment protocol and response.
Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, while others respond later in treatment. Your psychiatrist will monitor your progress throughout the treatment course.
Coverage varies by insurance plan, diagnosis, prior treatment history, and medical necessity requirements. Our team can help with insurance verification before treatment begins.
Eligibility is based on your diagnosis, depression history, prior treatments, medications, medical history, and safety screening. A consultation with our psychiatrists can help determine whether TMS is appropriate.
TMS Therapy Near Houston
CLS Health provides TMS therapy at two convenient locations serving patients throughout Houston, Clear Lake, the Galleria area, and surrounding Greater Houston communities:
- CLS Health Psychiatry — Clear Lake in Webster
- CLS Health Psychiatry — Houston Galleria in Houston
Areas served include:
- Houston
- Upper Kirby
- Webster
- Clear Lake
- League City
- Friendswood
- Pearland
- Surrounding Greater Houston communities
Schedule Your TMS Consultation
If depression has not improved with medication or other treatments, TMS may offer another option. our board-certified psychiatrists, can evaluate your symptoms, treatment history, and health needs to determine whether TMS therapy is appropriate for you.
During your consultation, you can:
- Review your symptoms and previous treatments
- Learn whether you may be a candidate for TMS
- Discuss what treatment involves and what to expect
- Review insurance coverage and next steps
- Develop a personalized treatment plan if TMS is recommended
Book with Dr. Lozano
Psychiatry
Informational Notice: This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. If you are in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or worried you may act on suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911 in an emergency.