Inpatient therapy for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS works by stimulating electrical activity and chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a role in the regulation of mood.
How does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation work?
Although treatment needs vary from person to person, about 20 to 30 sessions are recommended, with each session lasting between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your specific prescription. Treatment given over consecutive weekdays is recommended for the best therapeutic effect. For people who respond well to treatment, many people see a benefit within days to weeks.
Who can have Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Your treating psychiatrist will conduct a thorough clinical and safety assessment to determine if TMS is a suitable treatment for you. All candidates for TMS treatment at Matilda Nepean require a referral from their treating psychiatrist or GP. Some candidates may not be suitable due to the use of magnetic fields.
What happens during a session of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Staff will show you the procedure room and answer any questions you may have. You will lie in a comfortable reclining chair and wear earplugs for hearing protection. When treatment starts, you may hear a soft clicking noise and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp.
Are there any side effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
The most common mild side effects of TMS therapy are headache, facial muscle twitching, light-headedness, nausea and fatigue, and they soon resolve. Serious side effects are rare but may include seizures, mania in patients with bipolar disorder, and short-term hearing loss if protection isn’t used during the session.
What is the cost of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment?
To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, patients must be aged over 18 years, have tried two or more anti-depressants, have a referral from a GP or psychiatrist, have a Medicare card, and have not been treated with TMS prior to 1 November 2021. If you have reached your Medicare safety net higher rebates may apply.
We understand the financial pressures many people are facing. Therefore we ask for payment following each session, rather than paying for a treatment block in advance. TMS services may be covered by your private health insurance, DVA, ADF, Third Party or Workers Compensation. Our friendly admin team can ascertain any eligibility.
Day therapy or inpatient options
Individuals who join a program as an inpatient have access to a range of additional amenities and services. These include:
- accommodation in oversized boutique hotel-like private rooms
- a flexible dietitian-approved menu selection
- in-room entertainment including audio and video services
- an expansive gymnasium and hydrotherapy centre
- in-house wellness services, which include on-site remedial massage therapy, hair salon and nail technician
- well-appointed relaxation and recreation areas which include table tennis, reading areas, an outdoor alfresco and a communal barbeque area
- comfortable open-plan workstations
- in-hospital cafe with comfortable seating areas.
If you’d prefer to attend this program as a day patient, you can find out more about this option here.
Learn more or enquire about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment
If you would like to enquire further about TMS or discuss your particular needs, please contact Jacki Maher on tel: (02) 8123 6790 or email: mentalhealth@matildanepean.com.au.
Want to learn more about our other programs and therapies?
Many programs at Matilda Nepean can be accessed on an inpatient or day-patient basis, depending on your needs and preferences.
We offer a range of mental health programs tailored to specific mental health needs. These include:
- Trauma Day Program
- Veterans and First Responder PTSD Program
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Day Program
- Mood and Anxiety Day Program
- Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Day Program
- Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Day Program
We also offer a range of other therapies including:
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (day therapy and inpatient program)
- electroconvulsive therapy (day therapy and inpatient program)
- approaches for treatment-resistant depression
Everyone’s needs are different. Our clinical team will determine which therapies and treatments are most appropriate for your needs in discussion with you.
