Treatment Resistant Depression

Do you struggle with depression? Are your medications just not working? TMS Therapy can offer hope.

Dr. Martha St. John is a leading TMS provider in the Houston area and has been offering this innovative depression treatment since 2013.

Free Phone Consultation

Why Choose TMS?

19 Minutes

TMS is a noninvasive, outpatient treatment session that takes as little as 19 minutes per day.

Safe and Effective

TMS is safe and easy to tolerate. Because it is not a depression drug, TMS Therapy does not have the same side effects associated with medications.

Magnetic Pulses

TMS uses a targeted magnetic pulses, similar to what is used in an MRI machine to stimulate nerve cells in the part of the brain controlling the mood.

What People Say

I first saw Dr St John in 2015. I had been under the care of another doctor for several years and was severely depressed. Dr St John suggested a new treatment, TMS, instead of the futile merry go round of medications I had gotten previously. The TMS was very effective, not only lifting the black cloud of depression, but also restoring my hope for the future. Both my mental and physical health have improved significantly, and I now take much less medication than I did before.'

5/5

Dr. St. John was just my doctor for TMS treatments, I was able to stay with my current psychiatrist while undergoing the treatments. I have been to other doctors for TMS and they didn’t listen to my needs and struggles. Dr. St. John is saving my life and making it so easy and pleasant. I wish she was closer otherwise I would go to her after the treatments. I hardly ever waited in the waiting room and she listens intently and cares about each individual patient. I never felt rushed.

5/5

Is TMS Right for Me?

TMS may be right for you if you agree with two or more:

Our providers are in-network with a variety of insurance plans as a courtesy to our patients. All current and prospective patients are encouraged to contact their insurance carriers to determine eligibility.

* ​Our providers are NOT in-network with Cigna or Humana.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is used to treat depression by stimulating the brain non-invasively using electromagnetic fields, similar to those produced by an MRI machine. During TMS Therapy, a magnetic field is administered in very short pulses to the part of the brain that research has demonstrated to be associated with depression. The typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.

TMS Therapy uses short pulses of magnetic fields to stimulate the area of the brain that is thought to function abnormally in patients with depression. The magnetic field produces an electric current in the brain that stimulates the brain cells (neurons). This results in changes that are thought to be beneficial in the treatment of depression.

Our providers are in-network with a variety of insurance plans as a courtesy to our patients. This list does not represent a guarantee of participation. All current and prospective patients are encouraged to contact their insurance carriers to determine whether mental health benefits are managed by a health plan other than the insurance company listed on their card.

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Magellan (BCBS HMO policies)
  • Novitas Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans (Not accepting new patients for medication management)
  • United Healthcare

​Our providers are NOT in-network with Cigna or Humana.

We welcome self-pay patients. For patients with out of network benefits, we will provide documentation so those patients can submit for reimbursement from their carriers.

Please call our office directly with questions regarding our providers’ participation in your particular plan, or if you do not see your insurance company listed above. Please have your insurance card on hand when you call.

TMS is non-systemic (does not circulate in the blood throughout the body), so it does not have side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort – generally mild to moderate – occurring less frequently after the first week of treatment.

No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of the magnetic fields used in magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low intensity, static magnetic fields. These products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are not capable of activating brain cells.

TMS is not to be confused with ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy), and it does not affect cognitive function such as memory.  Patients may resume daily activities right after treatment.  

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses a targeted pulsed magnetic field, similar to what is used in an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine. While the patient is awake and alert,  TMS Therapy stimulates areas of the brain that are underactive in depression.

  • You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair
  • A small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head
  • TMS delivers focused magnetic stimulation directly to the target areas of the brain
  • In-office treatment with  TMS Therapy takes 19-37 minutes.
  • You will be fully awake and alert. You can read or watch TV and return to work after your treatment with no restrictions.