You show up for others every single day. Firefighters running into burning buildings. EMTs stabilizing patients on the scene. Police officers responding to calls that most people never want to witness. Nurses and doctors working back-to-back shifts in high-pressure environments. Therapists holding space for some of the most painful moments in people’s lives.
At Advantage TMS, we recognize that first responders are not just the ones in uniform, they are anyone whose work is defined by showing up for others in their most vulnerable moments. And we know that the weight of that work can take a serious toll on mental health.
Depression among first responders is more common than many people realize, and it often goes untreated. If you’ve been struggling and are wondering whether TMS therapy might help, here are answers to the questions we hear most often.
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. No medication. No anesthesia. No downtime.
During a session, you sit in a comfortable chair while a device delivers short pulses of magnetic energy to the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain that tends to be underactive in people experiencing depression. Over the course of a treatment program, those pulses help awaken and reset the neural pathways responsible for mood, giving your brain a chance to function the way it’s meant to.
TMS vs medication is one of the most important questions for first responders to ask, because the answer matters for your work and your life.
Antidepressants circulate throughout your entire body and come with a range of potential side effects — weight gain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, nausea, and reduced focus, among others. These are side effects that no one wants, but that can be particularly disruptive for someone in a high-demand role.
TMS is non-systemic, meaning it does not circulate through your bloodstream. The most commonly reported side effect is mild scalp discomfort during the first week of treatment, which typically decreases over time. There is no sedation involved, and you can drive yourself to and from every appointment.
Yes. About 75% of TMS patients see at least a 50% improvement in depression symptoms, and those improvements tend to last for months and even years after treatment. TMS has been FDA-cleared since 2008, and hundreds of thousands of safe, effective treatments have been performed worldwide.
At Advantage TMS, treatment is overseen by a board-certified psychiatrist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Our program also combines TMS with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and lifestyle support — including nutrition guidance, fitness tracking, and mindfulness — because we believe the most effective path to recovery addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms.
A standard course of TMS therapy is four to five sessions per week for six weeks. Each session runs approximately 19 to 37 minutes, depending on the protocol your doctor determines is right for you. You arrive, receive your treatment, and leave — no recovery period needed. You can return to your normal activities immediately.
After completing treatment, some patients choose to come back for maintenance sessions. At Advantage TMS, those maintenance sessions are complimentary for all who complete their program.
We hear this concern from first responders often about the time commitment, and it’s one we’ve worked hard to address. Advantage TMS is open 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday as well. Whether your shift ends late, starts early, or rotates week to week, we can work with you to find a schedule that fits.
Most insurance plans now cover TMS therapy, particularly for patients who have not seen satisfactory results from antidepressant medication. Advantage TMS accepts Tricare, VA ChampVA, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, Evernorth, Optum, United Healthcare, Oscar, Beacon/Carillon, and all Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, including Florida Blue.
If you don’t see your insurance listed, contact us. We can explore a single case agreement to help you access the care you need.
Yes. At Advantage TMS, we take a broad view of who qualifies as a first responder. Beyond the traditional definition — firefighters, EMTs, and police officers — we also recognize nurses, doctors, therapists, and other medical professionals as first responders. If your work involves helping others through difficult moments, you belong in that category.
First Responder Rates are available for all of the above. As our team puts it: If you help others, we want to help you. Contact us to find out if you qualify.
Our program goes well beyond the treatment chair. While undergoing TMS, patients have access to free group therapy sessions specifically designed for those in treatment, lab work to identify any underlying factors contributing to depression, fitness trackers to support lifestyle goals, and monthly events like yoga, painting, and sound bowls.
After treatment, you remain part of our community. Alumni are welcome to continue attending group therapy and events, and our team conducts monthly follow-ups to support your ongoing well-being.
Same-day free consultations are available, and most patients are able to begin their first TMS treatment within five to seven days of their initial consult. Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker and TMS support team are here to answer your questions and walk you through the process from the very first call.
You’ve spent your career showing up for others. You deserve care that shows up for you.
Contact Advantage TMS today to schedule your free consultation and ask about our First Responder Rates.
Huang, G., Chu, H., Chen, R., Liu, D., Banda, K. J., O’Brien, A. P., Jen, H. J., Chiang, K. J., Chiou, J. F., & Chou, K. R. (2022). Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among first responders for medical emergencies during COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis. Journal of global health, 12, 05028. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.12.05028
Perera, T., George, M. S., Grammer, G., Janicak, P. G., Pascual-Leone, A., & Wirecki, T. S. (2016). The Clinical TMS Society Consensus Review and Treatment Recommendations for TMS Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder. Brain stimulation, 9(3), 336–346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2016.03.010
Our office is closed December 25th for Christmas and January 1st for New Years Day. If you have any questions or urgent requests, please email us at info@advantagementalhealth.com.
Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.
Next Steps:
• Our TMS Coordinator will contact the patient to schedule a complimentary information session.
• If the patient decides to seek TMS treatment with Advantage TMS, we will communicate with you when necessary and the patient will continue to work with you while receiving treatment.
Questions?
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 727-600-8093 or info@advantagementalhealth.com
