If you’ve been putting off TMS because you weren’t sure your insurance would cover it, this news is for you.
Autumn Leaves Psychiatry is now accepting both Tricare and Select Health for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. This is a big deal. It means more people in our community can finally access this proven, non-medication treatment for depression.
What This Means for You
Getting to TMS used to feel complicated. Insurance questions alone stopped many people from even asking. Now, if you carry Tricare or Select Health, that barrier is much smaller.
Tricare serves active duty military members, veterans, and their families. Select Health serves a broad range of patients throughout Idaho and the surrounding region. Both plans can now help cover your TMS treatment at our Idaho Falls clinic.
Why TMS Is Worth Your Attention
TMS is not a new or experimental treatment. The FDA first cleared it for depression in 2008. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), repetitive TMS is FDA-cleared for treatment-resistant depression and uses magnetic pulses similar in strength to an MRI.
Here is what makes TMS different from medication:
- No antidepressants involved
- No sedation or anesthesia needed
- You are awake and alert the entire time
- You can drive yourself home after each session
- No impact on memory or sleep
Over 70% of our patients report significant relief from their depression symptoms after completing a full treatment course. Those are meaningful results for people who have tried medications without success.
How TMS Works
The treatment itself is simple and comfortable. You sit in a reclined chair. A curved magnetic coil rests gently against your head. You hear a soft clicking sound and feel a light tapping sensation. That’s it.
Each session runs between 19 and 37 minutes. A full treatment course typically includes 36 sessions. Many patients notice improvement within the first few weeks.
The magnetic pulses target areas of the brain that become underactive in people with depression. Stimulating those regions can restore normal mood regulation. The results often last long after the treatment course ends
Who Qualifies for TMS
TMS works best for people who have not found adequate relief from antidepressants. If you have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and medication has not worked well for you, TMS may be a strong option.
Learn more about what TMS therapy involves and the 7 key things to know before starting.
Tricare typically requires prior authorization before treatment begins. Our team walks you through that process. You do not have to figure it out on your own.
Our Commitment to Your Care
Our approach has always centered on treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis. TMS fits naturally into that philosophy. It works well alongside therapy, medication management, and other treatments. It is one important part of a full care picture.
Merjurie Ricklefs, our Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, evaluates every patient individually. She will help determine whether TMS is the right fit for your specific situation.
Take the Next Step
Relief from depression is possible, and now your insurance may help make it more affordable. If you carry Tricare or Select Health, reach out to our team today.
Contact Autumn Leaves Psychiatry to schedule your free TMS consultation. We will verify your benefits, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect every step of the way.
You do not have to keep waiting. Your next step starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tricare, Select Health, and TMS Therapy
How long does a TMS treatment course take?
A full TMS treatment course at Autumn Leaves Psychiatry typically includes 36 sessions. Each session runs between 19 and 37 minutes. Most patients come in 5 days a week over about 7 weeks. You can return to your normal daily activities immediately after each session.
Is TMS therapy painful or uncomfortable?
Most patients describe TMS as a light tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp during treatment. It is not painful. Some people experience mild scalp discomfort or a headache during their first few sessions, but this typically fades as treatment continues. No sedation or anesthesia is involved at any point.
Can I do TMS while still taking my current medications?
In many cases, yes. TMS does not require you to stop your current medications before starting treatment. Your provider at Autumn Leaves Psychiatry will review your full medication history during your consultation and help you understand how TMS fits into your existing care plan. Every treatment decision is made based on your individual situation.