FAQs

TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation.

It is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.

TMS is delivered in-clinic and does not involve medication or anaesthesia. It offers a new treatment pathway for individuals who: 

• have tried medications and therapy, but are still struggling with depression or other complex mental health conditions 
• do not wish to take medication or are troubled by side effects
• dislike hospital settings – we offer TMS in our pleasantly appointed rooms in Margate and Caboolture. 

At Connected Minds, TMS therapy is provided within a psychiatrist-led model of care to ensure it is appropriate for you. 

The strongest clinical evidence for TMS depression treatment relates to major depressive disorder. TMS may also be considered, under psychiatric guidance, for other conditions as part of a broader treatment plan. These may include anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, insomnia, tinnitus, and addiction or substance use disorders. 

Treatment decisions are always based on individual clinical assessment.

If you hold a valid Medicare card and meet certain clinical criteria, you may not face any out-of-pocket costs for your TMS treatment. For eligible individuals, Medicare will fund up to 35 bulk-billed TMS treatment sessions. If further treatment is clinically indicated, Medicare may also cover up to 15 maintenance sessions after 4 months.

TMS may also be available through WorkCover or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  

If you are not eligible for Medicare or third-party funding, private treatment options are available. 

We are happy to explain current fees and funding pathways – please contact us.

A typical TMS therapy appointment takes around 20 to 40 minutes, making it comparatively easy to fit into your day. We also offer extended opening hours so you can come after work if that suits you best. 

Because TMS does not involve sedation or anaesthesia, there is no recovery period afterwards. You can simply get on with your day once the session is finished.

Most individuals describe TMS as a tapping or clicking sensation on the scalp during treatment. Some mild discomfort can occur as you get used to the stimulation, but we can easily adjust the settings if you let us know. 

We want you to feel comfortable, especially since you’ll be coming several times a week during the course of your treatment. We’ve tried to make our clinic feel like a calm, welcoming place and encourage you to personalise your experience, for example, by choosing your music. 

TMS is not generally associated with memory loss. It does not involve sedation or seizure induction, so you remain awake and alert throughout treatment.

If you have questions about memory, concentration or other cognitive effects, please talk to the clinical team before treatment begins.

TMS may be worth exploring if you:

• have depression that has not improved enough with standard treatment
• have tried medication and psychological therapy without sufficient relief
• have found medication side effects difficult to manage
• want to understand whether there is another option within psychiatrist depression treatment.

Suitability is always determined individually through clinical assessment and psychiatric review.

Yes, you will need a referral from your GP or psychiatrist before treatment can begin. 

Once your referral is received, our team will contact you, arrange an initial screening, and guide you through the next steps. 

Before any treatment is recommended, you will go through a consultation process that may include:

• referral from your GP or psychiatrist
• initial phone screening
• psychiatric assessment
• treatment planning.

This helps ensure transcranial magnetic stimulation is clinically appropriate for you and that your treatment plan is tailored to your needs.

Treatment is usually delivered as a course over several weeks rather than as a one-off appointment.

For many individuals, an initial course involves up to 35 sessions. If maintenance treatment is clinically indicated, a further 15 sessions may be available under Medicare after 4 months.

Your psychiatrist will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual circumstances.

Connected Minds provides TMS therapy from two clinic locations:

• Margate
• Caboolture.

Both clinics support individuals across Brisbane’s northside and surrounding areas.

If you are considering treatment options for depression beyond medication, the first step is a consultation.

You can:

• Speak with your GP about a referral
• Contact our team to learn whether TMS therapy for depression may be appropriate for you