Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, commonly called TMS therapy, is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood and emotional regulation. It may be considered for people with certain mental health conditions, particularly when symptoms have not improved enough with other treatment approaches.
At Rainbow Hill Recovery, we understand how discouraging it can feel when depression or other persistent mental health symptoms continue despite treatment. TMS offers another option that does not involve surgery or anesthesia and can be incorporated into a broader mental health treatment plan when clinically appropriate.
Our goal is to help each person understand what TMS involves, whether it fits their needs, and how it may work alongside therapy, psychiatric care, and other forms of support.
TMS is a form of brain stimulation therapy. During treatment, an electromagnetic coil is positioned against the scalp and delivers repeated magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain.
These pulses create small electrical currents that stimulate nerve cells and brain circuits. The person remains awake throughout treatment, and there is no incision or implanted device involved.
The National Institute of Mental Health describes repetitive TMS, or rTMS, as a noninvasive therapy that uses repeated low-intensity magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain. TMS has been FDA-cleared for several specific uses, including treatment-resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
TMS is not the right treatment for every mental health condition or every person. A clinical assessment is needed to determine whether it is an appropriate option.
TMS is commonly considered for people whose depression has not responded adequately to medication, psychotherapy, or other established treatments.
Someone may be evaluated for TMS if they:
Treatment recommendations should always take diagnosis, medical history, medications, symptoms, prior treatment, and individual risk factors into account.
At Rainbow Hill Recovery, we do not assume that someone needs TMS simply because they are struggling with their mental health. We look at the full clinical picture before determining which services may be appropriate.
TMS uses targeted magnetic stimulation to activate specific areas of the brain involved in mood and emotional regulation. Treatment settings are adjusted to the individual, and TMS may be used alongside psychotherapy, medication, or other mental health services when appropriate.
TMS focuses on specific brain regions associated with mood and related functions rather than affecting the entire body.
A magnetic coil is placed against the scalp and delivers carefully controlled pulses to stimulate nerve cells beneath the treatment area.
The location, intensity, and schedule of stimulation are adjusted based on the condition being treated and the treatment protocol.
TMS does not involve surgery, implanted devices, or medication circulating throughout the body.
TMS may be used alongside psychotherapy, medication, psychiatric care, or other mental health services depending on the individual’s needs.
TMS is usually one part of a larger treatment strategy rather than a replacement for every other form of care.
At Rainbow Hill Recovery, mental health treatment may involve individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric support, medication management when appropriate, trauma-informed care, behavioral therapies, and other therapy approaches.
Someone receiving TMS may also continue working with a therapist or psychiatric provider. This allows treatment to address both symptoms and the broader emotional, behavioral, relationship, or life concerns affecting mental health.
For people with more complex needs, combining different types of support can make treatment more responsive to what is happening in daily life.
Mental health symptoms and substance use can occur at the same time, and each may affect the other.
For example, someone receiving addiction treatment may also be managing persistent depression. In that situation, their care team may evaluate whether additional mental health treatment is needed alongside substance use services.
TMS should not be presented as a direct treatment for every type of addiction. Instead, it may be considered when a person has a qualifying mental health condition that warrants TMS as part of their overall care.
Rainbow Hill Recovery provides addiction and mental health programs that can address co-occurring concerns through coordinated treatment planning. Their current program structure includes PHP, IOP, OP, therapy, psychiatric care, case management, and other support depending on clinical need.
LGBTQ+ people may seek mental health treatment for the same reasons as anyone else, including depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship concerns, or other symptoms.
At the same time, some people may have additional experiences involving discrimination, rejection, identity-related stress, or previous negative experiences with healthcare.
Rainbow Hill Recovery provides LGBTQ+-affirming care that respects sexual orientation, gender identity, and lived experience without treating identity as a disorder.
When TMS is part of someone’s treatment plan, that same respect should carry through the rest of their care. A client should be able to discuss symptoms, relationships, identity, trauma, substance use, or other concerns without feeling that one part of who they are is being blamed for their mental health.
TMS treatment should include ongoing evaluation rather than simply completing a fixed number of sessions.
A clinician may track changes in mood, daily functioning, sleep, motivation, concentration, and other symptoms relevant to the person’s diagnosis.
Standardized mental health assessments may also be used to measure changes over time.
If symptoms do not improve as expected, the treatment team may reassess the plan and consider whether changes are appropriate. Mental health care works best when treatment decisions continue to reflect the person’s current needs rather than remaining static.
Some insurance plans provide coverage for TMS when specific medical criteria are met, particularly for treatment-resistant depression.
Coverage varies depending on the insurer, diagnosis, treatment history, provider, and individual plan. Some insurers may require documentation showing that certain medications or other treatments have already been tried.
Anyone considering TMS should verify their benefits before beginning treatment so they understand coverage requirements and any possible out-of-pocket responsibility.
Most people remain awake and alert during TMS. Some may experience tapping, tingling, scalp discomfort, or a mild headache during or after treatment. These effects are often temporary, but any discomfort should be discussed with the treatment team.
TMS generally does not require anesthesia or sedation. The person remains awake during treatment.
Because standard TMS does not involve sedation, many people can resume normal activities afterward. Individual medical guidance should always take priority.
No. Specific TMS devices and protocols have FDA clearance for several conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and OCD. Appropriate use depends on the device, protocol, diagnosis, age, and other clinical factors.
Not automatically. Some people receive TMS while continuing medication, while treatment plans may differ for others. Medication changes should only be made with guidance from the prescribing clinician.
TMS is being studied for PTSD and related conditions, but its regulatory status and supporting evidence depend on the specific device and protocol. Someone seeking treatment for PTSD should receive an individualized assessment rather than assume TMS is an established treatment for every case.
Possibly, if the person also has a mental health condition for which TMS is clinically appropriate. TMS is not a universal treatment for substance use disorders, so the full clinical picture needs to be evaluated.
Response times vary. Some people notice changes during the course of treatment, while others may respond later or not experience sufficient benefit. Progress should be monitored throughout treatment.
TMS is generally considered safe and well tolerated when appropriate screening and established protocols are followed. Common side effects tend to be mild and temporary, while seizures are an uncommon but recognized risk.
A clinical evaluation is the best way to determine candidacy. Diagnosis, treatment history, medications, medical conditions, implanted devices, seizure risk, and current symptoms should all be reviewed before treatment begins.
Persistent mental health symptoms can make everyday responsibilities, relationships, motivation, and quality of life harder to manage. When established approaches have not provided enough improvement, TMS may offer another treatment option for people who meet appropriate clinical criteria.
At Rainbow Hill Recovery, we believe treatment should start with understanding the person rather than assuming one therapy fits everyone. TMS may be incorporated alongside psychotherapy, psychiatric services, and other mental health support based on an individualized assessment.
If you are considering TMS therapy in Los Angeles, our team can help you understand whether it may be appropriate and what treatment could look like as part of your broader mental health plan.
Call Rainbow Hill Recovery at (310) 341-4887 to discuss TMS therapy and available treatment options.
Joie Gyondla serves as Rainbow Hill Recovery’s Clinical Support Coordinator, bringing compassion, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting every client who walks through our doors. With a background in recovery support, Joie understands the importance of creating a welcoming, organized, and affirming environment where individuals feel seen, valued, and supported throughout their treatment journey.
Working closely with both clients and the clinical team, Joie helps ensure that each person’s experience is as seamless as possible, providing encouragement, guidance, and practical support every step of the way. Her calm presence and dedication to helping others foster a sense of safety and connection that allows clients to focus on what matters most: their recovery.
Joie believes that healing begins with compassion and that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. She is proud to be part of the Rainbow Hill Recovery team, helping create a community where every individual is empowered to build a healthier, more authentic future.
Co-Founder of the LGBTQ+ Association for Addiction and Mental Health Professionals Clinical Outreach Specialist for Rainbow Hill Recovery LGBTQ Sensitivity Training Consultant
Steven Buffin-Stewart is the Case Manager at Rainbow Hill Recovery, with over five years of experience in substance use and mental health treatment. A CADC ll professional in recovery themselves, Steven combines clinical knowledge with lived experience to provide compassionate, coordinated care and foster inclusive, affirming spaces where clients feel supported, empowered, and hopeful in their healing journey.
Steven Buffin-Stewart is the Program and Case Manager at Rainbow Hill Recovery, with over five years of experience in substance use and mental health treatment. A CADC ll professional in recovery themselves, Steven combines clinical knowledge with lived experience to provide compassionate, coordinated care and foster inclusive, affirming spaces where clients feel supported, empowered, and hopeful in their healing journey.
Janae Borrego serves as Rainbow Hill Recovery’s Cross-Cultural Relations Officer and Outpatient Therapist, where she combines her clinical expertise with a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive environment for every client. Her ability to understand, appreciate, and navigate diverse cultural perspectives has made her an invaluable leader as Rainbow Hill continues to grow and evolve.
In her role, Janae works to strengthen cultural understanding throughout the organization, ensuring that clients, families, and staff feel respected, heard, and represented. She provides ongoing guidance on cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices while helping shape programs that honor the unique identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences of those we serve.
As an Outpatient Therapist, Janae is dedicated to helping clients navigate recovery, mental health, and life’s challenges with compassion, authenticity, and evidence-based care. She believes that meaningful healing begins when individuals feel safe to show up as their authentic selves and receive support that acknowledges the whole person.
Janae is passionate about creating spaces where diversity is celebrated, connection is strengthened, and every individual has the opportunity to heal and thrive. Her leadership continues to advance Rainbow Hill Recovery’s mission of providing affirming, trauma-informed care that meets the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
With over a decade of experience in addiction recovery, Andrew is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their lives and find lasting healing. As Co-founder and Director of Rainbow Hill Recovery, he is dedicated to creating a supportive environment that fosters hope, resilience, and transformation.
Joey Bachrach is the Co-Founder and CEO of Rainbow Hill Recovery, an LGBTQ-affirming mental health and substance use treatment center in Los Angeles. Drawing from both professional leadership and lived recovery experience, Joey is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals are fully seen, affirmed, and supported on their healing journey.