Antidepressant medication is often the first treatment offered to those struggling with depression. And it may be the only treatment offered to some patients. Even when the pills don’t work, or even if they cause unbearable side effects, many patients and doctors don’t consider other depression treatment options.
At our psychiatry clinic in Colorado Springs, we see this scenario every day. Patients come to us feeling frustrated, discouraged, and stuck. They’ve tried two, three, four – or more – medications. They’ve dealt with side effects like brain fog, weight gain, and emotional numbness in order to find relief from depression, yet still achieve less than satisfactory results.
That’s why we typically recommend a different approach: TMS therapy. If you’re searching for an alternative to antidepressants, or if you’ve been told you have treatment-resistant depression, it’s time to look into TMS therapy in Colorado Springs at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain. Specifically, it targets the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in mood regulation. The goal is to “reset” the brain’s neural circuits, helping restore healthier patterns of activity without medication.
TMS is backed by an impressive body of research demonstrating high response and remission rates for TMS therapy. At our clinic, we use both Brainsway Deep TMS and MagVenture TMS, two of the leading technologies in the field. Using different types of TMS devices allows us to tailor treatments to individual patient needs based on medical criteria.
Why Psychiatrists Recommend TMS
Depression is a complex condition that often requires a personalized approach. Not every person will respond to treatment the same. That’s why, as one of the leading psychiatrists in Colorado Springs, we believe it’s important to provide multiple treatment options. This prevents patients being “locked in” to one treatment, like antidepressants. In addition to prescribing medication, we also offer ketamine therapy, TMS therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
We often recommend TMS therapy for depression treatment because:
- TMS Works When Medications Don’t
TMS is especially helpful for patients with treatment-resistant depression. That means if you’ve tried at least one or more antidepressants without success, you may still have a significant response with TMS. Clinical studies show that around 60-70% of patients improve with TMS therapy—and about 30-40% achieve full remission. Studies conducted with patients considered “treatment resistant” for depression show similar success rates.
- No Systemic Side Effects
Unlike medications, TMS doesn’t affect your whole body. There’s no weight gain, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, or digestive issues associated with TMS treatment. Some patients experience mild scalp discomfort or headache during treatment, but these typically subside quickly.
- It’s Non-Invasive and Drug-Free
TMS doesn’t require anesthesia or other treatment preparation. You’re fully awake during the session, which lasts about 20 minutes with newer devices like MagVenture. You can drive to and from appointments and resume normal activities immediately afterward. Patients appreciate the convenience of being fully productive following TMS appointments.
- TMS Fits into Your Life
Colorado Psychiatry Solutions has four TMS therapy clinics in Colorado Springs and Monument. You can select the most convenient location for you. Some patients prefer a location closer to home while others prefer a clinic closer to where they work. Either way, it’s easy to fit TMS treatment into your daily routine at a Colorado Psychiatry Solutions clinic near you.
- TMS is Strongly Supported by Scientific Research
TMS has more than 16 years of clinical evidence behind it. The FDA first approved TMS for depression in 2008. The efficacy of TMS on depression is well-established by research and actual clinical results. Now, the focus of TMS research is identifying alternate treatment protocols, such as Accelerated TMS, that deliver the benefits of TMS in a shorter time period.
Who Is a Good Candidate for TMS?
TMS is best suited for patients ages 15 and over who have major depressive disorder and haven’t found relief with antidepressant medication. It’s also a great option for people who prefer non-drug treatments or who don’t want the negative side effects from medication. If you would like an evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for TMS, schedule an appointment at one of our Colorado Springs psychiatry clinics and we will conduct a comprehensive mental health evaluation to determine if TMS is right for you.
Why Choose Colorado Psychiatry Solutions?
Choosing where you get TMS makes a difference on your outcomes. The connection between patients and their TMS technician is an important part of treatment success. At Colorado Recovery Solutions, your care is always fully monitored and supported by a dedicated psychiatric team. We meet daily to discuss patient progress and review case notes. You are never just a number to us – we practice psychiatry with compassionate care and real human connection.
Find a Psychiatrist in Colorado Springs
If you’re ready to go beyond medication and try newer, advanced treatment for depression, TMS therapy at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions is an excellent option. Our team is here to answer your questions, explain the process, and help you decide if TMS is the right treatment for you.
Call us today at 719-622-6522 to schedule a consultation with a Colorado Springs psychiatrist and take the first step toward long-lasting relief from depression.
