For individuals living with severe depression, the path forward can often feel uncertain and overwhelming. Traditional antidepressant medications are often the first steps, and while these can be effective for many people, there are others who do not find the relief they need. Sometimes, patients spend years trying different medications, adjusting dosages, or combining treatments, only to discover that their symptoms remain stubbornly resistant. This experience can lead to frustration, hopelessness, and the belief that things may never improve.
At Totally Psyched! in Winter Garden, FL, we understand just how disheartening this cycle can be. That’s why we offer innovative options for patients who need a new approach to care. One of the most effective treatments we provide is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared therapy that has given hope to countless individuals with treatment-resistant depression. By helping the brain function in new and healthier ways, TMS allows patients to take a different path forward, one that doesn’t rely on medication alone and offers the chance to finally see meaningful change.
What is TMS and How Does It Work?
TMS is not like other depression treatments, and that’s one of its greatest strengths. While antidepressant medications circulate throughout the body and can cause unwanted side effects, TMS specifically targets brain regions associated with mood regulation. At Totally Psyched!, we use TMS to stimulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area that is often underactive in individuals with depression. By delivering gentle magnetic pulses to this region, TMS helps wake up those neural pathways, encouraging the brain to form new connections and improve communication between cells. This is part of a process called neuroplasticity, where the brain essentially learns to rewire itself. Patients often find that, over time, this results in a reduction of depression symptoms, better energy levels, and improved overall quality of life.
Another important point to understand is that TMS does not involve sedation, anesthesia, or hospitalization. It is performed in our Winter Garden, FL, mental health clinic, while the patient remains fully awake and alert. Because the treatment is medication-free, there is no risk of systemic side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or drowsiness, which are commonly associated with antidepressants. For patients who have struggled to tolerate medication, this is a significant advantage.
What to Expect at Your First Session in Our Winter Garden Clinic
For many patients, the first TMS session can feel both exciting and a little uncertain. Our team takes the time to make the experience comfortable, reassuring, and easy to understand.
You’ll sit comfortably in a chair while a small coil is placed gently against your scalp. During the session, the machine delivers rhythmic magnetic pulses that feel like a light tapping sensation. Although the feeling can take a few minutes to get used to, most patients report that it quickly becomes familiar and manageable. A typical TMS session lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your treatment plan. Because TMS does not require sedation, you’ll be awake and able to relax during the entire process. Some patients choose to listen to music, practice calming breathing exercises, or simply rest while the session is in progress.
Once it’s complete, you can return immediately to your daily activities, whether that’s work, errands, or spending time with family. This convenience is one of the biggest reasons patients appreciate TMS, as it fits into everyday life without the disruption that other treatments often require.
The first session is not only about beginning treatment but also about ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in the process. Our clinicians explain every step in detail, answer your questions, and monitor your comfort closely. By the end of the first visit, most patients feel reassured that the process is safe, tolerable, and supported by a caring team.
Regular Sessions for TMS Treatment for Severe Depression
TMS is not a one-time treatment. Instead, it works best when delivered consistently over a series of sessions. At Totally Psyched!, the TMS treatment schedule will vary for each patient’s unique condition. Each session builds on the progress of the previous one, strengthening new neural pathways and helping to regulate mood more effectively. Over time, patients often notice gradual improvements in energy, outlook, and overall functioning.
The structure of the schedule also provides patients with consistent support and connection. Coming into the clinic for multiple TMS sessions and regular check-ins with our care team gives you the opportunity to discuss your progress, ask questions, and receive encouragement along the way. This ongoing relationship helps ensure that treatment feels collaborative, supportive, and empowering.
Benefits of TMS Therapy at Totally Psyched! Mental Health Clinic
One of the most appealing aspects of TMS therapy is its excellent safety profile. Unlike medications that can cause systemic side effects, TMS is localized to the brain and does not affect other areas of the body. Most patients experience only mild side effects, such as scalp discomfort or a temporary headache after treatment, and these typically diminish as sessions progress. Patients can immediately resume their daily activities without restrictions, making TMS easy to incorporate into busy schedules.
The benefits of TMS go beyond safety and convenience. For many patients, it provides meaningful relief after years of struggling with treatment-resistant depression. Some patients experience improvements in sleep, energy levels, motivation, and concentration, along with reduced feelings of sadness or hopelessness. TMS is also non-invasive, which means no surgery, no needles, and no recovery time.
While serious risks are extremely rare, it’s important to note that TMS is not suitable for everyone. That’s why our team conducts a thorough evaluation before beginning treatment, ensuring that each patient’s care plan is tailored to their individual health needs.
Are You a Candidate for TMS Therapy in Winter Garden?
TMS is typically recommended for adults who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and who have not found relief from at least two antidepressant medications. It is also a strong option for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of medication or who prefer a non-medication-based approach. However, not every patient is a candidate. Those with a history of seizures, metal implants in or near the head, or certain medical conditions may not be eligible for treatment.
Our providers at Totally Psyched! take the time to review your complete medical history, discuss any concerns, and make sure you fully understand whether TMS is the right choice for you. We believe in open communication and personalized care, ensuring that patients feel informed and confident about their treatment plan from the very beginning.
Why Patients Choose Totally Psyched! for TMS Therapy
Choosing a clinic for your TMS therapy is about more than just accessing technology—it’s about finding a place where you feel supported, understood, and cared for. At Totally Psyched! in Winter Garden, FL, we pride ourselves on creating an environment that is both professional and welcoming. Our clinic blends science with compassion, providing advanced treatments in a setting that feels approachable and inviting. From your very first consultation, our team will take the time to understand your story, answer your questions, and guide you with warmth and expertise. We are committed to helping patients find hope and healing, even when other treatments have failed. Our retro-inspired atmosphere reflects our belief that mental health care can be both effective and uplifting, and our mission is to help every patient feel empowered on their journey toward recovery.
If you are struggling with depression and have not found relief through traditional treatments, TMS therapy may be the option that changes your life. Request an appointment today to learn more about how TMS works, what to expect from treatment, and whether it’s the right fit for you.
