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With the steep price point of accelerated TMS treatments comes the question of their value. In this blog post, we will cover the cost of treatment, the types of treatment offered, the steps to get treatment started, and when treatment is worth it.
How Much Does Accelerated TMS Cost?
Accelerated TMS treatment out of pocket typically ranges from $2,000 to $40,000, depending on the protocol or the clinic you receive treatment from. The different types of accelerated protocols can be completed in just 1-10 days.
Additionally, if you would like to customize your TMS treatment, an MRI can add an additional cost of around $900. See the video below titled “Accelerated TMS for Depression Targeting” to view what is offered at NeoPsych.
What are the Types of Accelerated Treatments?
Accelerated TMS can be broken into three treatment protocols at NeoPsych, and you can choose based on your availability. The treatment options offered are protocols completed in 1, 5, or 10 days.
The ONE-D, or one-day, protocol includes 20 treatment sessions that run for approximately 10 to 11 hours, with around 30-minute breaks between sessions. This option is ideal for those who are unable to take a full week off for treatment.
The 5-day protocol consists of 50 treatments over the course of 5 days, typically running from Monday to Friday. Each treatment day lasts around 10 hours, with one 10 min treatment per hour. There are 50-minute breaks between sessions.
The 10-day protocol consists of 50 treatments over the course of 10 days (2 weeks), with each day lasting around 5 hours. This protocol is ideal for people who are unable to schedule full 10 hour days.
When is Accelerated TMS Worth It?
An accelerated TMS protocol has a heavy price point if not covered by insurance. In these cases, paying out of pocket may be most worth it for those battling suicidal thoughts and in need of quick relief. Due to the possibility of rapid benefit, it is a high-value option for those in an acute phase of depression. Please contact NeoPsych here if there are questions about insurance coverage for accelerated TMS.
For those struggling financially and not at risk of self-harm acutely, accelerated TMS treatments may not be worth it. The daily sessions (standard protocol) may be a great alternative if there is time and the potential for insurance coverage. An individual’s level of acuity and risk of self-harm is something that should be discussed with a professional to decide an appropriate timeline. Please call your psychiatrist or local TMS provider to discuss.
Proximity to a provider is also a consideration. Some places in the United States offer many options that are close, allowing for the option of choosing standard or accelerated TMS. If you live in a rural area, however, an accelerated protocol may be the only realistic option if the closest TMS provider is 2-4 hours away. In those situations, a protocol that can be completed in a few days may be worth the price.
How Do I Start Treatment?
Scheduling a TMS appointment with NeoPsych is quick and easy. Call us at (213) 433-2823 with any questions about the TMS treatments we offer. You can also put your information here for a call back within 48 hours. Because accelerated TMS is often an out-of-pocket cost, the process of starting treatment can begin much sooner, as there is no prior authorization or wait for insurance approval. If you are interested in using your insurance for accelerated TMS, you can contact NeoPsych to inquire further about your options. Please note that if you or a loved one is thinking about suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 Suicide Hotline immediately.
Dr. Thomas Hughes is an adolescent and adult interventional psychiatrist. He is the owner and founder of Heard Medical and NeoPsych in Glendale, CA. He specializes in medication management and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.
Esha Nushrat is a pre-medical student interested in Neurology. She has been working in mental health and volunteers at organizations such as Stride in Recovery and NAMI