one-day transcranial magnetic stimulation
Believe in WE, and see how an entire course of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS) in one day can help.
When you’re living with depression, finding effective treatment can be difficult enough. Finding the time for that treatment can create another obstacle.
At Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care, we believe patients deserve options that work with their lives, not against them.
One-Day TMS is an intensive, non-invasive approach to depression treatment that delivers 20 brief TMS sessions during a single treatment day.
For qualifying patients in Raleigh, Winston-Salem, and surrounding communities, One-Day TMS offers an alternative to traditional TMS schedules that require repeated appointments over several weeks.
No surgery. No anesthesia. No extended series of daily office visits.
Just a carefully planned day of treatment with a clinical team committed to helping you find a path forward.
Explore One-Day TMS with Certus Psychiatry. Call 833-701-3111 to schedule a consultation in Winston-Salem or Raleigh.
What is One-Day TMS?
One-Day TMS is a form of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation that delivers multiple treatment sessions during one day rather than spreading them over several weeks.
TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is an established, non-invasive treatment option for certain patients with major depressive disorder, particularly when antidepressant medication has not provided sufficient improvement.
Traditional TMS typically involves one treatment each weekday for several weeks.
You must be evaluated by a Certus Care Provider in order to qualify for One-Day TMS. If approved, we can schedule your procedure day.
Certus’ One-Day TMS protocol takes a different approach, delivering:
- 20 brief TMS sessions during one treatment day.
- Sessions are approximately 30 minutes apart.
- A comfortable, private setting throughout the day.
- Clinical monitoring and support from the Certus team.
Although all planned stimulation sessions are completed in one day, that does not mean depression necessarily improves or resolves in one day. Individual responses vary, and follow-up care, such as therapy, remains important.
How Does One-Day TMS Work?
TMS uses a specialized electromagnetic coil placed near the scalp to deliver magnetic pulses to targeted brain regions. These pulses influence nerve-cell activity in areas associated with mood and emotional regulation.
Unlike medication, TMS does not circulate through the bloodstream. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it does not intentionally produce a seizure or require general anesthesia.
During treatment, patients remain awake and alert. One-Day TMS uses an accelerated schedule, allowing multiple sessions to be completed during a single visit.
Accelerated TMS is an active area of clinical research. While some accelerated protocols have received FDA clearance for specific equipment and indications, not every accelerated schedule has been independently FDA-cleared. Certus’ clinical team can explain the protocol being offered, the available evidence, and how it differs from conventional TMS.
Who May Be a Candidate for One-Day TMS?
One-Day TMS may be worth discussing if:
- You have been diagnosed with depression.
- Antidepressant medications have not provided adequate relief.
- Medication side effects have made treatment difficult.
- You have considered conventional TMS but cannot accommodate several weeks of frequent office visits.
- You prefer a treatment option that does not require anesthesia or sedation.
- You are interested in exploring additional treatment options with a psychiatric care provider.
One-Day TMS is not appropriate for everyone. Certain medical histories, implanted devices, seizure-related concerns, or other clinical factors may affect eligibility.
At Certus Psychiatry, treatment recommendations begin with an individualized evaluation, not an assumption that one approach is right for every patient.
What Happens During Your One-Day TMS Appointment?
Your care begins with a consultation to review your symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, medications, and previous treatments. Your provider will discuss the potential benefits and limitations of One-Day TMS, along with other treatment options.
On your scheduled treatment day, the Certus clinical team guides you through the planned sessions. Each treatment is brief, with appointments scheduled approximately every 30 minutes.
Between sessions, you can relax in a private space, read, listen to music, or simply rest. You remain awake throughout the treatments, and your care team is available to monitor how you are feeling and answer questions.
After completing the scheduled sessions, patients typically return home without an anesthesia-related recovery period.
Your provider will discuss symptom monitoring, follow-up appointments, and any additional treatment needs. The effects of TMS can develop over time. Some individuals may experience improvement sooner than others, and additional care may be recommended.
- A more manageable schedule: Completing the planned stimulation sessions in one day may be appealing to patients who cannot regularly travel to appointments over several weeks.
- Non-invasive treatment: TMS does not require surgery or anesthesia.
- A medication-free procedure: The stimulation itself does not involve taking a medication, although TMS may be used alongside an existing psychiatric treatment plan.
- An individualized approach: Your clinical history, current symptoms, and previous treatment experiences help determine whether One-Day TMS is appropriate.
- Care close to home: Certus Psychiatry serves patients seeking TMS treatment in the Raleigh and Winston-Salem areas.
Research supports TMS as a treatment for major depressive disorder, including some patients who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medication. Researchers are also studying whether delivering multiple TMS sessions in a shorter period can improve convenience and treatment outcomes.
However, the evidence supporting an individual accelerated protocol depends on the equipment, stimulation settings, treatment schedule, and patient population studied. One-Day TMS should not be presented as a guaranteed cure, or as equivalent to every other accelerated TMS protocol.
At Certus, the goal is to help patients understand the evidence and make informed treatment decisions with their providers.
TMS is generally well tolerated when appropriately prescribed and administered. Potential side effects include headache, scalp discomfort, or temporary discomfort during treatment. Serious complications, including seizures, are rare but possible.
TMS may be inappropriate for patients with certain metallic or electronic implants near the treatment area. Your provider will review these and other safety considerations before recommending treatment.
How Does One-Day TMS Work?
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Day TMS
Can TMS therapy really be completed in one day? Certus’ One-Day TMS program schedules 20 stimulation sessions during one treatment day. However, completing the sessions does not mean symptoms necessarily resolve that day. Treatment response and follow-up needs vary.
Is One-Day TMS FDA-cleared? TMS devices have FDA-cleared indications for depression, and certain accelerated protocols have specific clearances. This does not automatically mean Certus’ 20-session One-Day protocol has separate FDA clearance. Ask your Certus provider about the specific device and treatment protocol.
Will I need someone to drive me home? TMS typically does not require sedation, and many patients can drive afterward. Your care team will provide instructions based on your medical history, treatment plan, and how you feel on treatment day.
Is One-Day TMS covered by insurance? Certus currently describes One-Day TMS as a self-pay treatment. Contact the office for current pricing and payment information.
–Will I be able to discontinue my medications when I am finished with treatment? This would need to be a conversation between you and your provider. While we have had patients adjust medication due to benefits of TMS, this must be a discussion you and your provider here would have over time. It’s important to note, we do not typically make any medication changes during treatment, so we can determine whether any perceived benefit is from TMS or your medication.
–What side effects are most common? While many patients do not experience any “side effects” Some people do experience the following: Feeling tired- usually near the end of the day (Not immediately after a session), minor headaches, tenderness of the scalp where the coil is placed. We always advise you to notify technicians of any unusual occurrences during or after treatment.
– When should I see a change? It may be difficult to notice changes in yourself, sometimes it’s easier for others who are closest to you to tell tms is “working” before you do. We do weekly rating scales so we can track your progression as time goes on.
Can One-Day TMS replace counseling or medication? Not automatically. Depending on your needs, your provider may recommend TMS as one component of a broader treatment plan.
How Much Does One-Day TMS Cost?
One-Day TMS is currently offered by Certus Psychiatry as a self-pay treatment option of $1,500. Although many insurance plans cover conventional TMS for eligible patients, accelerated schedules may not meet an insurer’s coverage requirements.
If you opt for a multi-week TMS treatment and have an insurance co-pay, you may save money with One-Day TMS Therapy.
Before scheduling treatment, the Certus team can explain current pricing, payment arrangements, and what is included in the program.
NOTE: If you are seeking One-Day TMS treatment and live far from our office, let us know, and we can advise you on lodging options near our offices.
One-Day TMS in Raleigh, NC
Certus Psychiatry serves patients seeking One-Day TMS consultations in Raleigh and the surrounding Research Triangle, including Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Wake Forest, and Durham.
Our Raleigh office is located at: 1350 Sunday Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27607.
For individuals whose work, family responsibilities, or commuting schedules make conventional TMS difficult, One-Day TMS may offer a practical alternative. Call 833-701-3111 to discuss treatment eligibility and scheduling.
One-Day TMS in Winston-Salem, NC
Certus Psychiatry serves patients in Winston-Salem and communities throughout the Piedmont Triad, including Clemmons, Lewisville, Kernersville, Greensboro, and High Point.
Our Winston-Salem office is located at: 1255 Creekshire Way, Suite 270, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
Contact our team to learn more about One-Day TMS, clinical eligibility, and where treatment appointments are currently available.
Explore a Different Path Forward
Depression treatment should reflect your needs, your history, and your circumstances. At Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care, our goal is to work with you to find an appropriate path toward better mental health.
If time has kept you from exploring TMS, One-Day TMS may be worth discussing.
Believe in WE. Let’s explore what’s possible together.
Find balance and recovery here.
Winston-Salem Office
1255 Creekshire Way
(between Crust & Craft and Firebirds)
Two Convenient
Locations!
Raleigh Office
1350 Sunday Drive
Suite 101