TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a drug-free, FDA-cleared depression treatment that reaches the areas of the brain medication can't. No pills, no sedation, no downtime — just 18 minutes a day.
If you've done everything right — taken the pills, waited out the side effects — and still feel the weight of depression, you're exactly who TMS was designed for. You don't have to keep white-knuckling it.
Tried one antidepressant or several without lasting relief? TMS works through a different mechanism — magnetic stimulation, not brain chemistry alone.
NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared to reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with depression — the hard-to-treat combination pills often can't fully reach.
Sessions fit in a lunch break. No sedation, no recovery — you walk out clear-headed and drive straight back to work, school, or home.
TMS is completely drug-free. No weight gain, no sexual side effects, no sleep disruption — none of the reasons people quit their antidepressants.
Some clinics only offer TMS — so TMS is the answer to every question. At NCI, TMS is one option among many. Our psychiatrists, therapists, TMS, and Spravato® all work together, so your care is matched to you, not to a single machine.
Psychiatry, TMS, Spravato, psychological testing, and counseling in one practice. If TMS isn't your best fit, we already have the alternative. No referral, no starting over.
A licensed team caring for Northwest Arkansas since 2001, with an A+ BBB rating on file since 2008. Every provider is a named, credentialed clinician.
We use NeuroStar®, the TMS platform behind the largest real-world outcomes registry in depression care, with more than 17,700 patients and counting.
Response and remission ranges are from NeuroStar's published Advanced Therapy Outcomes Registry (17,700+ patients with major depressive disorder); figures vary by clinical measure. These are NeuroStar's registry outcomes, not a guarantee of individual results. Your provider will review what's realistic for you during your consultation.
No hospital stay. No ICs. No time under. Here's the whole process, start to finish.
We review your history and goals and confirm whether TMS is the right fit at no cost, with no pressure to commit.
Our team handles authorization with your plan. Most major commercial plans, Medicare, and TRICARE cover TMS, so you know your costs before you begin.
Your first visit includes a one-time brain mapping so we can pinpoint exactly where to treat.
You relax in a chair, fully awake, while a magnetic coil delivers gentle pulses. Sessions run about 18 minutes, five days a week.
No sedation and no recovery time. You drive yourself to and from every appointment and return to work or home right away.
Many patients notice a shift within two to four weeks, with results continuing to develop across the full course, and often after it ends.
| TMS at NCI | Antidepressants | ECT (Shock therapy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Targeted magnetic pulses to the brain | Whole-body brain chemistry | Seizure under general anesthesia |
| Anesthesia / sedation | None — you're fully awake | None | Required |
| Systemic side effects | None (mild scalp tingling early on) | Weight gain, fog, fatigue, sexual side effects | Possible memory loss |
| Downtime | None — drive yourself back to work | None | Recovery time, can't drive |
| Time per session | ~18 minutes | Daily pill | Hospital-based |
For most patients, yes. It's the question we're asked most — so here's a straight answer instead of "call us."
Most major insurers cover TMS for depression when antidepressants haven't provided adequate relief. Typical criteria include a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and a history of one or more medication trials. Coverage usually requires prior authorization — our team handles that paperwork for you before treatment starts.
We confirm your specific benefits and out-of-pocket cost in writing before your first session — no surprises.
If you're uninsured or prefer to self-pay, a full TMS course at NCI runs $$$$$-$$$$$ for the standard 4–6 week treatment course. That's often less than a year of specialist visits and medication trials — and no other practice in the area publishes a price at all.
Ask about HSA/FSA eligibility and payment plans during your consultation.
No. Most people describe it as a light, rhythmic tapping on the scalp. Some feel mild scalp tenderness or a slight headache in the first few sessions, which typically fades on its own. You stay awake and comfortable the entire time.
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses while you sit awake in a chair. ECT induces a seizure under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. They are not the same treatment.
Many patients notice a shift within two to four weeks, with results continuing to develop across the full course.
Most major commercial plans, Medicare, and TRICARE cover TMS for depression. Our team verifies your specific benefits before treatment starts.
No. TMS is typically used alongside your current medications, and any changes are your prescriber's decision.
NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared to reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with depression.
People with certain implanted metal devices near the head, or a history of seizures, may not be candidates. Your provider reviews this during the consultation.
The consultation is free. We'll review your history, answer every question, and verify your insurance — with no obligation to move forward. Relief that lasts might be closer than you think.
Serving Bentonville, Bella Vista, Centerton, Cave Springs, Rogers, Pea Ridge, Little Flock, & Lowell — minutes from north Bentonville at 701 N Walton Blvd.
Leave your details and our team will call within one business day to answer questions and verify your benefits.
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