Southeastern Psychiatric Associates Blog

If you’re starting Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, you’re likely feeling a mix of curiosity and nerves. That’s completely normal—TMS is a unique treatment, especially if you’ve never experienced brain stimulation therapy before.

How TMS Works: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Session

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It’s an FDA-approved, non-invasive therapy used to treat depression—especially when medication hasn’t been effective. It works by using magnetic pulses to activate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. There’s no medication involved, no sedation, and no downtime.

TMS Is Not Shock Therapy (ECT): Understanding the Key Differences

At Southeastern Psychiatric Associates (SEPA), our TMS Center was the first to bring TMS to the South Shore area, and is built on decades of experience in mental health care. We have been serving the community for years, combining compassion with the latest advancements in science and treatment.

Both ketamine and TMS offer dramatically different solutions from the old antidepressants and from each other.

Ketamine & TMS

TMS is not a medication at all, and therefore operates on very different principles. Fundamentally, it is the same physics as a cordless cell phone charger. But here we are not charging a battery, but rather making an important region of the brain more active and stronger.

The Science of Blooming: How TMS Supports Neuroplasticity in the Brain

As the days grow longer and nature begins to wake up, spring becomes a symbol of renewal and resilience. At Southeastern Psychiatric Associates’ TMS Center, we see the same kind of awakening in the brain through Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that increases neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways.

TMS vs. Medication

For those seeking a natural, whole-person approach to mental health, spring offers more than just a season of renewal—it’s an opportunity to explore new paths to healing.

Mental Health Reset: Pairing TMS with Healthy Habits This Spring

As we embrace the season of spring cleaning, we often think of decluttering our homes or organizing our schedules. But this season is also a meaningful opportunity to refocus on mental wellness.

Ask a Provider: Your Top 5 Questions About TMS Answered for Spring 2025

We sat down with Dr. Gary Warstadt a leading provider at Southeastern Psychiatric Associates and one of the South Shore’s most experienced TMS clinicians, to share straightforward answers and expert insight.