TMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder. Although patients with a variety of mental health needs and concerns can benefit from TMS therapy, it is primarily recommended for patients with treatment-resistant symptoms and those who have had intolerable side effects from antidepressants.
At Principium Psychiatry, we offer TMS in New York, where our medical director Dr. Cohen and the rest of our experienced staff supervise treatment sessions and create individualized plans to help patients find relief and regain energy, motivation, peace of mind and joy in their lives. Learn more about TMS therapy in New York and feel free to contact our Manhattan office with any questions you may have. We see patients in our comfortable midtown office between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends by special appointment. We have three convenient locations, two in Midtown Manhattan near Columbus Circle and one in Lower Manhattan along Wall Street.
Decades of clinical research support the idea that in patients with major depressive disorder, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is hypoactive (or less active relative to control). Thus, TMS treatment involves placing the magnet on the head so as to target this region in a precise manner, allowing for the reversal of this underactivity and therefore, alleviation of depressive symptoms.
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is the area being targeted during TMS treatment, is implicated in functions such as cognitive control, working memory, and motivation. Furthermore, the DLPFC is involved in modulating other areas of the default mode network, including cingulate cortex and parietal areas, as well as areas within the limbic system, responsible for emotional response and memory consolidation, such as the amygdala and hippocampus.
Knowing exactly what to expect when starting a new mental health treatment helps many patients feel more confident about their decision. TMS in NYC is typically a straightforward process that helps people begin to feel better in around six weeks or less.
The standard treatment protocol involves 36 sessions daily, administered over 4 – 6 weeks. TMS treatments are done five times a week from Monday to Friday. Each session ranges from 20 minutes to one hour. Treatment parameters, which are determined during the initial appointment, are tailored to each individual patient and modified across the treatment course as needed.
Before starting treatment, your TMS doctors in NYC will need to determine the treatment location and energy level that will produce the best results for you. In a process called brain mapping, our team members use a single magnetic pulse to stimulate the motor cortex of the brain and observe involuntary hand movement to find just the right spot and energy level. This step is completed during a separate appointment and only takes around 20-30 minutes.
After brain mapping, you can move on to your first TMS therapy session. During this appointment, you will sit on a reclining chair similar to those found in dentist’s offices. Your doctor, TMS technician or nurse will then place the magnetic coil gently against the top-left side of your head. When you’re comfortable and ready to start, the machine will deliver quick magnetic pulses for several seconds before pausing for a short break. This cycle repeats for the length of the session, which will be determined between you and Dr. Cohen based on your specific needs. Sessions can range from 20 minutes to one hour.
During the session, you’ll hear a clicking noise with each magnetic pulse. You may also feel a slight tapping sensation. You’ll be able to stay awake during treatment, and you’ll have the option of listening to music, reading a book, watching television or chatting with the nurse or technician, who will stay in the room with you to ensure your safety and comfort.
We welcome local as well as international clients. We offer four convenient locations. Two offices in Manhattan with one near Grand Central Station and another office along Wall Street. In addition, we have an office in Greenwich Connecticut and Santa Monica California.
Principium Psychiatry is one of the few clinics licensed to provide innovative treatments like TMS in New York City. Our team members dedicate themselves to helping patients like you receive the personalized care they need to feel better — whether that’s TMS therapy for depression, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, ketamine therapy or another option.
We strive to treat every patient who walks into our office with the utmost compassion and respect, no matter how severe or mild their symptoms may be, and we welcome both local and international clients. Principium has four convenient office locations, one located in Grand Central Station, one in Lower Manhattan along Wall Street, another in Greenwich and our newest location in Santa Monica California! If you’re ready to take the first step toward feeling better, schedule an appointment online or call us at 917-993-5018 today.
