Once you know what it is like to receive NeuroStar TMS Therapy, you can feel more empowered about your treatment choices. Clear expectations on the timeline and how the process works can further help you plan your schedule, anticipate the sensations, and track your progress with confidence.
At Chrysalis Psychiatry, we deliver TMS therapy with NeuroStar’s non-invasive and FDA-cleared technology. Our goal is a predictable, comfortable experience supported by personalized settings, open communication, and practical guidance from day one.
Your first neurostimulation appointment focuses on “mapping.” We locate the optimal stimulation spot and determine your individualized dose (motor threshold). You sit in a treatment chair and may feel brief tapping on the scalp during test pulses. As a form of TMS therapy, NeuroStar does not require anesthesia or surgery, and you remain awake the entire time. If anything feels too intense, we adjust in real time to keep comfort and safety central.
After mapping, your TMS therapy visits follow a steady rhythm. A standard NeuroStar TMS treatment session lasts about 19 minutes on weekdays over roughly 7 weeks.
Most people describe the sensation as rhythmic tapping or tingling at the treatment site. Mild scalp tenderness or a short-lived headache can occur; but these effects are common, typically well tolerated, and often ease as you acclimate. There are various small ways our team can enhance your comfort, such as:
Because this is non-invasive brain stimulation, nothing penetrates the skin, and you can drive and resume normal activities right after each appointment.
Results build over time. Many people begin noticing changes over four to six weeks into their TMS treatment plan, with biggest gains often measured near the end of the series. We use symptom check-ins and rating scales to follow your trajectory and make thoughtful adjustments. After the acute course, duration of benefits varies and can often last more than a year (Dunner DL, et al. 2014. J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394–1401).
NeuroStar TMS therapy has a moderate risk profile, with the most common effects being temporary scalp discomfort or headache near the coil site. Seizure is a rare risk, and individuals with certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, may be ineligible. During your consultation, we will review your medical history, ask about any implanted devices, and go over your medications and sleep patterns to confirm whether NeuroStar TMS is appropriate. We also verify benefits and outline expected costs.
Understanding what it is like to receive TMS therapy can help you step into care with clarity. Schedule a consultation at our office to discuss candidacy, comfort strategies, and timelines, and to see how TMS therapy could fit into a realistic, supportive plan with our team.
