TMS therapy has been proven to be successful in treating depression, particularly when other treatments have been unsuccessful. When you have done your research and you feel TMS is right for you, then it’s time to get in touch with us. It is also important that you know what is involved and feel comfortable with the treatment. Remember that your treating doctor is a wonderful resource, whether you see a GP, psychiatrist or psychologist, we strongly encourage you to talk to your clinician about TMS therapy. You will also need to ask your treating doctor for a referral to see us. Please be sure to bring it along with you when you attend your first consultation.
What happens during the first consultation?
Once you have your doctor’s referral, you are ready to book in for your first consultation. We have two offices in Sydney where you can have your therapy, Castle Hill or St Leonards. During your first session, we will take your history and get to know you and why you are seeking TMS therapy. We ask that you allow a full hour for your first consultation, as we will book in your treatment program while you are here. It is important that you are able to attend all of your scheduled treatment sessions so bring along your diary. Your second session that you will be booked in for is a mapping session where our psychiatrist will measure your head, and with these measurements, we will know where the treatment location is. WE will then find out what your treatment prescription will be.
Once the first session is complete, subsequent sessions are relatively quick and far more straightforward. Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes. There are approximately 35 sessions that you will need to attend to complete the course. During these sessions, you will be asked to sit in the TMS chair while the technician organises your settings. A soft cap with your own personal measurements will be placed on your scalp, and the TMS coil will rest on the cap during the treatment. You will also be given disposable earplugs so that the sound produced by the TMS machine won’t bother you.
Bring along a support person.
You are more than welcome to bring along a support person for your TMS therapy sessions. This person can be a family member or close friend. Alternatively, you can chat to our TMS staff or enjoy the entertainment on offer. Feel free to select a television show, a movie, music or even YouTube if that’s your thing. It’s entirely up to you and what makes you feel more comfortable. As the active treatment begins, you will be asked to maintain contact with the TMS coil and to stay as still as possible to ensure the treatment’s effectiveness.
We hope that this information highlights what you will expect during TMS therapy and takes away any reservations you may have regarding the therapy itself. Remember, we are more than happy to chat to you over the phone and answer any questions you may have.
For more information, visit our website at https://www.sydneytms.com.au, make an appointment to see us or call us on 1300 177 144.
Updated: 4 August 2025