If you are reading this article, you likely reside in Connecticut and are seeking a solution for difficult-to-treat mental health symptoms. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders Americans face. It can affect people’s lives in many different ways but is strongly characterized by low mood, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and a change in biological factors, including appetite, weight, and sleeping patterns.

For many, symptoms may not be treatable with psychotherapy and antidepressants which are most frequently relied on for mental health treatment. This has inspired us to provide novel therapies to overcome this barrier to mental healthcare, for instance, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a brain stimulation technique that generates an electromagnetic field to restore healthy brain activity in regions specific to a given mental health disorder symptomology. Common patterns treated are depressive symptoms and obsessive, compulsive symptoms.

TMS has a range of benefits and evidence has demonstrated a 70% response rate in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Patients may find TMS to be favorable as it has minimal side effects. Although patients may experience discomfort on the scalp where stimulation is localized, this generally subsides after a few sessions. 

In Connecticut, where access to cutting-edge mental health treatments like TMS is growing, finding the right clinic can make all the difference in achieving positive outcomes. To select your ideal clinic, these are key considerations to be made:

• Experience and expertise: Knowing the medical clinicians at your clinic are highly qualified and dedicated to their work is critical to gaining a sense of quality of care. Dr Thomas Knightly is our trusted founder. He is part of the Brain Stimulation Lab at Stanford University. His active involvement in TMS research assures that we prioritize evidence-based practice. We are committed to translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice to ensure you are receiving the best possible care according to scientific standards.

• Technology: Different types of technology are used for TMS. Specifically shaped coils can generate electromagnetic fields with a varying range of stimulation. For instance, 8-shaped coils are limited to stimulating areas closer to the surface of the brain. However, H-coils allow for brain stimulation in deeper areas of the brain. Greater precision can be achieved with H-coils and can increase the effectiveness of TMS treatment. At Evolve Brain Health, we use the BrainsWay TMS machine, which is designed with a H-coil. This is important when treating depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as the critical regions lie deep beneath the surface.

• Customized treatment plans: Daily activities and lifestyle can be a determining factor for preferred treatment options. It is unavoidable that TMS treatment requires a short-term interruption in daily routines over the course of several weeks of treatment. Some clinics offer accelerated TMS as well as standard TMS. Accelerated TMS requires greater daily time commitment over 5 days, as opposed to a commitment of 1 session a week over 6 to 8 weeks as required for standard TMS. At Evolve Brain Health, you have the option to choose which schedule is suitable for you.

• Comprehensive care: More often than not, people seek psychotherapy or medication before alternative options, such as TMS. Although not everyone obtains their desired results, some patients prefer to continue their existing care in addition to trialing new treatments. It may be important to you to attend a clinic where TMS, psychotherapy, and medication are offered. Combination therapy is an available option at Evolve Brain Health. We also offer Spravato treatment, which may also be used in addition to other therapies. We wish to ensure all of our patients’ needs are met and customized care plans can be designed to best support them on their mental health journey.