TMS Therapy for Depression in League City, TX, What You Need to Know!

If you've tried antidepressants and still don't feel like yourself, you are not alone and you are not out of options. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for depression that works differently from medication, and at Family Psychiatry in League City, TX, it has helped many of our patients find relief when nothing else did.

In this article, we break down how TMS works, what the research says, what to expect during treatment, and whether it might be the right next step for you.

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. It is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and patients can drive themselves to and from every session. Unlike antidepressant medications, TMS works directly on the brain circuits involved in depression without affecting the rest of the body.

At Family Psychiatry, we use the NeuroStar Advanced Therapy system, the number one FDA-cleared TMS device in the United States, backed by more clinical data than any other TMS system available. NeuroStar has treated over 100,000 patients across the country and is covered by most major insurance plans.

How Does TMS Work?

During a TMS session, a magnetic coil is gently placed against the scalp near the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain most associated with mood and emotional regulation. The coil delivers a series of focused magnetic pulses that induce small electrical currents in the targeted brain tissue, activating neurons in areas that are underactive in people with depression.

Over the course of treatment, this repeated stimulation promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new connections and restore healthier patterns of activity. Research published in 2021 by Dalhuisen et al. found that repetitive TMS produces measurable changes in brain structure, including increases in hippocampal and amygdala volume — areas critical to emotional processing and memory. This helps explain why many patients experience not just short-term mood improvement but lasting relief.

Think of it this way: if depression is partly the result of certain brain circuits being stuck in a low-activity state, TMS is the tool that helps wake those circuits back up.

Who Is TMS Therapy Right For?

TMS is typically recommended for patients who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)

• You have tried one or more antidepressant medications without adequate relief

• You experience intolerable side effects from antidepressant medications

• You prefer a non-medication approach to treating depression

• You have treatment-resistant depression (TRD)

TMS is not a last resort — it is a legitimate first-line alternative for patients who want to avoid medication or who have not responded to it. At Family Psychiatry, Dr. Mohammad Saeed evaluates each patient individually to determine whether TMS is the right fit based on their history, diagnosis, and treatment goals.

What Does the Research Say?

The clinical evidence for TMS therapy is strong and continues to grow. Key findings include:

Response rates of 50–70% in patients with treatment-resistant depression — meaning patients who had already tried antidepressants without success. These are patients for whom conventional treatment had not worked, making TMS's effectiveness in this group particularly significant.

A 2022 double-blind, cross-over study by Oğuzhanoğlu et al. found that high-frequency TMS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex produced statistically significant reductions in both depression scores (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and anxiety scores (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) compared to sham treatment — without any changes to the patients' existing medications.

At Family Psychiatry, what we see in our own patients reflects what the research shows — gradual but meaningful improvement in mood, energy, motivation, and overall quality of life over the course of treatment.

What to Expect During TMS Treatment

Here is what a typical course of TMS therapy looks like at Family Psychiatry in League City, TX:

• Session length: 20 to 40 minutes per session, depending on the protocol

• Frequency: Typically five sessions per week

• Duration: A full course is usually six to seven weeks

• During the session: You sit comfortably in a chair while the NeuroStar device is positioned on your scalp. You will feel a gentle tapping or clicking sensation at the treatment site — most patients describe it as mild and easy to tolerate. You remain awake and alert throughout.

• After the session: There is no recovery time. You can drive yourself home, return to work, and carry on with your normal day immediately after each session.

• Side effects: The most commonly reported side effects are mild headaches and temporary scalp discomfort at the treatment site, both of which typically resolve within an hour of the session. Dizziness is occasionally reported but is generally short-lived. Serious side effects such as seizures are extremely rare.

One of our patients, Scott Millican, shared his experience: "Great people, great facilities. I was there for TMS depression treatment, 5 days per week for 7 weeks. Sofia took good care of me. Dr. Saeed advised me timely. Healed!!"

Another patient, Aramis N. Miller, put it simply: "TMS was a godsend. They helped me change my life completely. I am living a full life again for the first time in decades."

TMS vs. Antidepressants vs. ECT — How Do They Compare?

Many patients ask how TMS compares to their other options. Here is a straightforward breakdown:

TMS vs. Antidepressants
Antidepressants work systemically — they affect the entire body, which is why side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, sleep disruption, and withdrawal symptoms are common. TMS works locally on targeted brain circuits, which means it does not carry those systemic risks. TMS also tends to show results faster — often within the first two to three weeks — compared to antidepressants which can take four to six weeks to take effect.

TMS vs. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT is an effective treatment for severe depression but requires general anesthesia, causes temporary memory loss in many patients, and requires hospital-based administration. TMS requires none of these, no anesthesia, no memory effects, no hospitalization, and no downtime. For patients who need an advanced treatment but want to maintain their daily routine, TMS is typically the preferred option.

TMS Therapy at Family Psychiatry League City, TX

If you are searching for TMS therapy near you in League City or the Greater Houston area, Family Psychiatry is here to help. Dr. Mohammad Saeed, M.D. has personally guided many patients through TMS treatment and has seen firsthand the difference it can make for people who had nearly given up on finding relief.

We offer both in-person and telehealth consultations to determine whether TMS is right for you. Most major insurance plans are accepted. New patients are welcome.

📞 281-554-0123
🌐 www.family-psychiatry.co/appointment-request
📍 2360 Gulf Freeway South, Suite 100B, League City, TX 77573