35 outpatient sessions over four to six weeks typically make up the FDA-approved treatment, which uses magnetic pulses to target brain areas tied to mood and compulsive symptoms rather than affecting the whole body like medication.
20- to 30-minute sessions require no anesthesia or sedation, let patients resume normal activities immediately, and usually do not require ongoing visits after the initial course is completed.
2008 marked the first FDA approval of TMS for major depressive disorder, and Rutgers clinicians say more than three decades of study support its safety, with most side effects limited to brief scalp discomfort early in treatment.
TMS is being highlighted as a noninvasive option for people who have not improved after several medications, as clinicians also push back against stigma and confusion with electroconvulsive therapy.
TMS is effective but costly. Will new home-use devices finally make this breakthrough treatment accessible to all?
Can targeting specific brain circuits with TMS finally offer personalized cures for anxiety and depression?
The 2026 State of TMS: Efficacy, Applications, and Access in Modern Psychiatric Care
Overview
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is rapidly advancing as a key therapy for people who do not get enough relief from traditional treatments like medication or psychotherapy. As of July 2026, there have been major improvements in both how effective TMS is and how widely it can be used for different neurological and psychiatric conditions. A standout development is the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT), a high-dose, fast-acting TMS protocol that can be completed in just five days. These innovations are making TMS a more accessible and promising option for those with treatment-resistant conditions.