What to expect at your consultation
If you’re exploring TMS therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD or another complex condition, the first step is a consultation.
This ensures clinically appropriate care and helps answer the practical questions early. Every consultation sits within a psychiatrist-led model of care, with clear communication back to your GP or treating practitioner if you so wish.
Ready to get started?
How the consultation process works
Starting TMS begins with assessment, review and a clear understanding of your history.
1. Referral and initial contact
To begin, you will usually need a referral from your GP or psychiatrist.
Once we receive your referral, our team will:
- contact you to arrange an initial phone screening
- gather relevant background information
- explain the next steps
- answer early questions about eligibility, timing and funding
This stage helps us understand your situation before your psychiatric assessment.
2. Psychiatric assessment
Before treatment begins, you’ll have a session with our psychiatrist, who may wish to know about:
- your mental health history
- previous treatment approaches, including medication and therapy
- your current symptoms
This session enables the psychiatrist to determine if TMS treatment is clinically appropriate for you (not everyone is suitable)
For many, there is a $220 out-of-pocket fee for a psychiatrist assessment.
3. Treatment planning
If TMS therapy for depression or another condition is considered appropriate, we develop a treatment plan around your clinical needs.
Your plan may outline:
- the recommended course of treatment
- session frequency
- review points during treatment
- communication with your GP or other treating practitioners
What to expect at your appointment
TMS is delivered in-clinic at our Margate and Caboolture locations.
A typical session:
- takes around 20 to 30 minutes
- is completed while you are awake and seated comfortably
- does not involve anaesthesia
- does not require recovery time afterwards
We encourage you to personalise your session with your choice of playlist. Our goal is to ensure you feel calm and comfortable during your treatment.
What does TMS treatment feel like?
Hopefully, quite comfortable. Many people describe a tapping or clicking sensation during treatment.
Please tell us if anything feels too much, as we can adjust the settings to improve your comfort.
Costs and funding
Cost is one of the first questions many people ask, and we understand why.
Medicare-funded treatment
If you meet the clinical criteria and hold a valid Medicare card, there may not be any out-of-pocket costs for your TMS sessions.
In many cases, Medicare will bulk bill for:
- an initial course of up to 35 sessions
- a further 15 maintenance sessions, if clinically required
DVA and WorkCover
Treatment may also be funded through:
- DVA
- WorkCover
Our team can help with documentation and coordination where applicable
Private treatment
If you are not eligible for Medicare or third-party funding, low-cost private treatment options are available. We’re happy to explain these
Need help understanding costs or eligibility?
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Who should consider a consultation?
A consultation may be worth considering if you:
- have depression that has not improved enough with standard treatment
- are looking into psychiatrist-led depression treatment options beyond medication alone
- have experienced side effects from antidepressants
- want to explore whether TMS could help you
While the strongest clinical evidence for TMS relates to depression, TMS may also be considered (under psychiatric guidance) for individuals diagnosed with other conditions.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Chronic pain conditions
- Addiction and substance use disorders
- Insomnia
- Tinnitus
Care that stays connected
Connected Minds TMS works within a shared-care model.
That means your consultation is not handled in isolation. We communicate with your GP and other treating practitioners so your care remains connected, documented and easier to navigate.
Book a consultation
If you’re considering TMS therapy for depression or want to understand whether it may be appropriate for you, we encourage you to contact us or ask your GP or psychiatrist to refer you.
