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TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy

TMS therapy, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy, is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique used to help with depression, anxiety, mood regulation, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and overall mental well-being. At the Alpine Health Centre®, TMS therapy is fully bulk-billed (subject to Medicare criteria), ensuring that individuals can access this treatment without financial barriers.

Research indicates that over 50% of depressed individuals do not respond to standard first-line treatments, and approximately 30% remain unresponsive after multiple trials of different antidepressant medications (Kajumba et al., 2024). At the Alpine Health Centre, we provide TMS therapy as a medication-free alternative for treating mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and OCD.

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TMS machine at the Alpine Health Centre

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment approved by the TGA for depression and other mental health conditions. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and disrupt neural pathways, enabling the brain to form new patterns and achieve long-lasting benefits.

TMS Therapy is:

  • Drug-free
  • Non-invasive
  • Well tolerated
  • Evidence based
  • Minimal side-effects

Patients can drive home and return to work after a TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment session. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that does not require anaesthesia or sedation, allowing patients to remain fully conscious and responsive during and after the treatment. They can immediately resume their normal daily activities, including driving and work, right after the session.

No-Out-Of-Pocket Fees

The Alpine Health Centre is pleased to offer fully bulk-billed TMS therapy for individuals who meet the Medicare eligibility criteria. The following services are fully bulk-billed: the initial psychiatric TMS assessment, the initial TMS treatment course (which includes 35 sessions), and the maintenance course (which includes 15 sessions).

Medicare Criteria

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Diagnosed with major depressive episode
  • Failed to improve despite trialling, unless contraindicated:
    • two different classes of antidepressants and
    • psychological therapy
  • Has not had TMS therapy before

DVA Clients

DVA-funded TMS therapy for veterans is also available. Criteria apply.

Private Clients

Private clients do not need a referral to start treatment. However, they will not be able to claim treatment from Medicare without a medical referral.

The TMS Treatment Process

1

Obtain a Referral

Clients interested in TMS therapy must complete and return the Alpine-TMS referral form. The form needs to be signed by a medical practitioner, such as a General Practitioner (GP), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Psychiatrist.
2

Initial Contact

Upon receiving a signed referral, one of our TMS clinicians will reach out to the client via phone or email. The client will receive more information about TMS and the next steps to take. Additional details and mental health screening assessments may be required.
3

Consult with Psychiatrist

The client will have a detailed interview with a Psychiatrist trained in TMS. If deemed appropriate, the Psychiatrist will prescribe a course of TMS therapy.
4

Face-to-face Appointment and Dosage Prescription

The client will receive information about the date and time of their appointment with the psychiatrist at the Alpine Health Centre. During this appointment, the appropriate threshold and dosage for the TMS therapy will be established, and the client will begin their TMS therapy.
5

TMS Treatment

The initial course of TMS therapy includes 35 sessions scheduled on consecutive days. For optimal results, it is important to have TMS sessions daily, as the therapy's effectiveness tends to build up over time. A Registered Nurse (RN) trained in TMS therapy will administer the treatment and monitor the client’s progress and response throughout the course.
6

Final Review

Upon completion of the TMS course, a final review will be conducted to evaluate the client's experience and progress. During this meeting, we will also discuss their proposed management plan and goals. Medicare covers up to 15 follow-up sessions that can be offered four months after the final session, with certain conditions applying.

TMS Information

Major depressive disorder is the most common condition treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Research indicates that patients with depression show reduced activity in the left frontal region of the brain, specifically in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. High-frequency TMS is directed at the left prefrontal cortex to restore normal activity in this area, which can help alleviate or reduce the symptoms of depression.

TMS therapy is being investigated and used for other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain aspects of schizophrenia (like auditory hallucinations). Research is also exploring its potential in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD and even chronic pain. Additionally, there’s evidence suggesting its potential use in conditions like anxiety disorders, smoking cessation, substance addiction and stroke rehabilitation (RANZCP, 2018; Hua et al, 2024; Mann & Malhi, 2024; Bonvissuto, 2025).

Williams (2022) and Bermudes Sullivan et al (2024), strongly believe rTMS should be considered as a first-line treatment for all adults suffering a major depressive episode (MDE).

EMDR and Clinical hypnotherapy

EMDR and clinical hypnotherapy are recognised as potential complementary therapies to TMS therapy, especially for individuals with PTSD or other trauma-related conditions. While TMS helps regulate brain activity and improve mood, EMDR and clinical hypnotherapy can aid in processing traumatic memories and alleviating emotional distress. Offering these therapies post TMS therapy can provide a more comprehensive approach to treatment.

TMS and Hypnotherapy

TMS can potentially enhance hypnotisability, making individuals more receptive to hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy, in turn, can be used to access and process traumatic memories, manage anxiety, and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial in conjunction with or following TMS treatment.

TMS and EMDR

TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can help regulate brain activity, particularly in areas associated with mood and emotion. EMDR is a psychotherapy that uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact. Some studies suggest that combining TMS and EMDR may lead to greater symptom reduction than either treatment alone, especially for PTSD.

8 Positive habits for mental well-being

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help you feel more motivated, reduce stress and sleep better. Try to exercise for 20-40 minutes, 3-4 times a week.

Eat Well & Hydrate

A balanced diet can help your body and mind function at their best. Drink 1.5-2 litres of water a day and avoid fruit juices, sweet soda and energy drinks. Limit caffeine intake, it acts as a diuretic.

Sleep Well

A consistent sleep schedule can promote a healthier brain and body. Good-quality sleep makes a difference in how we feel mentally and physically.

Relax

To achieve a sense of calm, peace and balance that also benefits your overall health, practice and implement self-care and mindfulness.

Connect Socially

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. Foster meaningful relationships with others.

Healthy Habits

Replace a bad habit with a good one! This is one of the most effective ways to permanently remove a bad habit.

Therapy

If you are already seeing a professional therapist, continue to attend sessions. If you are not, it may be a good time to start.

Treatments

Stay consistent with your prescribed treatment and medication unless otherwise directed by your medical practitioner.

TMS v Medication Side Effects

Medications are absorbed into the bloodstream, allowing them to travel throughout the body and potentially cause a variety of side effects. In contrast, TMS therapy focuses the treatment on a specific area of the head. Consequently, the most common side effects are minimal and typically resolve quickly.

Additional information:

TMS Therapy Forms & Downloads

Download the referral and patient information forms to begin the TMS therapy process.

Once completed, please email the forms to our team for review. This allows our clinicians to assess your information, confirm eligibility, and contact you directly to arrange the next steps in your TMS therapy journey.

View Referrals
  • Referral:

    A referral signed by a General Practitioner (GP), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Psychiatrist is required to access TMS therapy under Medicare.

  • Learn more about TMS therapy:

    Download our patient TMS Information Booklet and TMS Flyer.

  • Further Assistance:

    If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our team
    at 1300 360 791.

Get In Touch

We’re here to help you take the first step toward better health and wellbeing. Whether you have questions about our services, want to book an appointment, or need NDIS support, our friendly team is ready to assist.

Prefer to speak in person? Reach out to either of our locations in Rosedale or Jindabyne—we look forward to hearing from you.

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