A New Path Forward: TMS Therapy for Veterans and Tricare Beneficiaries
Life after service can often feel like a different kind of battlefield. For many veterans, the weight of depression, anxiety, and PTSD can be overwhelming. If traditional medications haven’t provided the relief you need, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative designed to help you reclaim your life.
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What is TMS Therapy?
TMS is a modern, FDA-cleared treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to "re-awaken" specific areas of the brain that have become underactive due to mental health conditions.
The Basics of a TMS Session:
Non-Invasive: No surgery, no anesthesia, and no needles.
Drug-Free: No systemic side effects like weight gain, nausea, or the "brain fog" often associated with pills.
Quick & Convenient: Sessions typically last 20–40 minutes.
Zero Downtime: You are fully awake during treatment and can drive yourself home immediately after.
Targeted: It focuses on the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for mood regulation.
How TMS Supports the Veteran Community
Veterans face unique stressors that require specialized care. TMS is particularly effective for those dealing with:
Treatment-Resistant Depression: Specifically, for those who haven't found relief through at least two different antidepressant medications.
Anxiety Disorders: Helps "quiet" the brain’s overactive stress response, reducing that constant feeling of being "on edge."
PTSD Symptoms: Emerging research and VA studies show TMS can help reduce the intensity of:
Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts.
Hypervigilance and startle responses.
Sleep disturbances and nightmares.
Sharper Focus: Unlike some medications that cause drowsiness, TMS can help restore cognitive clarity and mental sharpness.
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Insurance Coverage: Tricare and the VA
One of the biggest hurdles to mental care is cost. Fortunately, Tricare provides robust coverage for TMS therapy.
What you should know about coverage:
Tricare Approved: TMS is a covered benefit for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
VA Referrals: We work with the VA and Tricare to ensure your transition to care is seamless.
Low Out-of-Pocket: For most beneficiaries, the cost is minimal once medical necessity is established.
Our Support: Our office handles the pre-authorization paperwork so you can focus on getting better.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does TMS hurt? Most veterans describe the sensation as a light "tapping" on the scalp. It is not painful, though you may feel some slight muscle twitching or a mild headache after the first few sessions as your body adjusts.
Is it like "Shock Therapy" (ECT)? No. Unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), TMS does not use electricity to induce a seizure. You do not need sedation; you remain fully conscious, and there is no memory loss associated with TMS.
Can I still go to work and drive? Yes. Because there is no anesthesia or "recovery time," you can drive yourself to and from the clinic and continue your daily routine without interruption.
How long does it take to see results? While every brain is different, most patients begin to notice a "lifting" of their mood or improved sleep within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent treatment.
What if I have metal in my body? Because TMS uses magnets, it is not suitable for those with non-removable metal implants in or near the head (such as shrapnel, cochlear implants, or aneurysm clips). Dental fillings and braces are perfectly fine.
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Additional Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255.
VA Mental Health: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
Make the Connection: https://www.maketheconnection.net/ - Shared stories from veterans.
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don't have to carry this burden alone. Our clinical team specializes in helping veterans navigate the path to recovery with dignity and respect.
Contact Neurobehavioral Center for Growth Today:
Phone: (801)396-0210
Email: TMS@neurobcg.com
Locations in Bountiful, South Ogden, and Salt Lake City
How to get started:
Call us for a 15-minute phone screening.
Verify Benefits: Give us your Tricare info, and we’ll check your coverage for free.
Schedule a Consultation: Meet with our medical team to see if TMS is the right fit for you.
