By Mariela Padro, MD · Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture, South Miami, FL · 12 min read
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Unlike antidepressants — which work systemically throughout the body and often cause side effects from weight gain to sexual dysfunction — TMS therapy delivers precisely targeted magnetic pulses to the specific brain region involved in depression, producing neurological changes without systemic drug exposure.
TMS was first approved by the FDA for major depression in 2008 and has since become one of the most studied, evidence-based treatments in psychiatry. At Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture in South Miami, we use the NeuroStar® Advanced TMS Therapy System — the most clinically validated TMS platform with over 5.5 million treatments delivered and a 4.1 million-patient registry.
TMS therapy works by stimulating the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) — the brain region consistently found to be underactive in people with depression. Here's the step-by-step mechanism:
A coil placed against the scalp generates brief, focused magnetic pulses — similar in strength to an MRI scanner.
The magnetic pulses pass through the skull and induce small electrical currents that depolarize neurons in the targeted prefrontal cortex region.
Repeated stimulation over the treatment course triggers long-term potentiation — strengthening neural pathways and increasing activity in the underactive depression circuits.
Prefrontal cortex activation cascades to deeper brain structures including the limbic system, normalizing serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate signaling.
Unlike medication, whose effects end when you stop taking it, TMS-induced neuroplastic changes can persist for months to years after treatment ends.
| Feature | Antidepressants | TMS Therapy | ECT |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA-cleared for depression | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Systemic side effects | Common (weight gain, sexual dysfunction, fatigue) | None systemic | Significant |
| Memory effects | Sometimes (brain fog) | None | Memory loss (common) |
| Anesthesia required | No | No | Yes |
| Response rate (treatment-resistant) | ~30–40% | ~60–70% | ~80% (but high relapse) |
| Outpatient | Yes | Yes | Typically inpatient |
| Insurance coverage | Yes | Yes (when criteria met) | Yes |
| Maintenance required | Ongoing daily medication | Periodic sessions | Frequent maintenance |
Before starting, Dr. Padro determines your motor threshold — the minimum magnetic intensity needed to activate your motor cortex — which calibrates the TMS machine to your individual neuroanatomy.
You sit in a comfortable reclining chair. A TMS coil is positioned precisely over your left prefrontal cortex. No sedation, no anesthesia — you remain awake and can listen to music or podcasts.
You'll hear clicking sounds and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp. Standard NeuroStar® sessions last 19–37 minutes. You can return to normal activities immediately after.
Standard protocol: 5 sessions per week for 6–9 weeks (36 sessions total). Most patients begin noticing improvements in mood, sleep, and energy by weeks 2–4.
The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or headache during the first few sessions, which typically resolves quickly. There are no cognitive side effects, no systemic effects.
Many patients maintain their response for 12+ months. Some return for brief maintenance sessions. Unlike medication, there's no taper required.
TMS is approved for adults with major depressive disorder who have tried at least one antidepressant without adequate results. Good candidates include:
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Most insurance accepted · Same-week appointments · Telehealth available
Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture is South Miami's leading NeuroStar® TMS provider. Our TMS program is supervised by Mariela Padro, MD, and uniquely integrates TMS with the clinic's other modalities — including acupuncture, BHRT, and therapy — for a comprehensive treatment approach that outperforms any single modality alone.
We handle all insurance prior authorization at no cost to you, and work with most major insurance plans in Florida including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Florida Blue, and Tricare.
Learn More About Our TMS ProgramFree insurance verification · Same-week consultations · South Miami, FL
We know starting therapy or psychiatry can feel intimidating. Here's exactly what to expect — no surprises, no pressure.
Call 305-456-1014 or book online. Our team verifies your insurance and finds a time that works for you — often same-week.
Before your visit, you'll complete a brief intake form covering your symptoms, history, medications, and goals. This helps us prepare for your appointment.
Your provider conducts a thorough evaluation — not a rushed 15-minute check. We explore your mental health history, lifestyle, hormones, sleep, and physical health to identify root causes.
Together, you and your provider build a personalized plan — which may include therapy, medication, TMS, acupuncture, BHRT, or lifestyle changes. No two plans are alike.
We schedule follow-ups to track your progress and adjust your plan. Most patients begin noticing improvement within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment.
📍 7600 SW 57th Ave, Ste 102, South Miami, FL 33143
Free parking · Monday–Friday 8 AM – 5 PM · Telehealth available statewide
Booking your first appointment is simple. Dr. Padro and our team will listen to your story, understand your needs, and build a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Many of our services — including TMS therapy — are covered by insurance. Call us at 305-456-1014 to verify your specific coverage.
Coverage varies by plan and service. Contact our office to confirm your benefits before your first visit.
"The team at Mind & Soul truly changed my life. The combination of acupuncture and therapy helped me manage my anxiety in ways I never thought possible."
"Rafael and his team are incredible. The holistic approach they take is unlike anything I've experienced—I feel balanced and at peace for the first time in years."
"I was skeptical about TMS therapy but it truly helped my depression when nothing else did. The staff is compassionate and professional."
"The IV therapy and NAD+ sessions have been amazing for my energy levels. I love that they take a whole-body approach to health."
"Best decision I made was booking a consultation. They really listen and create a plan that works for you—no cookie-cutter solutions here."
"Telehealth appointments are so convenient and the care is just as good as in person. Highly recommend for anyone in the Miami area."
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