What to Expect with TMS in Alpharetta

If you’ve been struggling with depression that hasn’t improved with medication or therapy, you aren't alone — and you aren't out of options. 

At Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions, our Alpharetta office brings advanced, evidence-based care closer to home for residents of Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, and surrounding communities.

Under the direction of Dr. Cecilia Kwong, our board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in treating mood disorders, we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) — a safe, noninvasive, drug-free therapy that’s changing how people experience healing from treatment-resistant depression.

Understanding TMS therapy

TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to activate the specific regions of your brain that control mood regulation. These areas are often underactive in people with depression. The stimulation helps restore normal communication between your brain cells, improving your mood, focus, and emotional stability.

Unlike medication, which circulates through your entire body, TMS targets precise brain regions — meaning fewer side effects and no sedation or recovery time.

What happens before your first session

Your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Kwong and our team review your medical and psychiatric history, discuss previous treatments, and determine whether TMS is right for you. If you’re a candidate, we create a personalized treatment plan that fits your diagnosis and comfort level.

During the initial session, we map your brain and determine your motor threshold — this helps us find the optimal stimulation point and intensity for your unique neural activity. Once calibrated, we begin your first round of therapy.

During your TMS sessions

Each session takes about 30 minutes. You’ll sit comfortably in a treatment chair while the TMS device, positioned near your scalp, delivers short bursts of magnetic pulses. Most patients describe the sensation as a light tapping on the head — unusual at first, but not painful.

You’ll be awake the entire time, able to read, listen to music, or simply relax. Since there is no need for anesthesia, you can drive yourself home afterward and resume your day as usual.

TMS therapy is typically performed five days a week for six weeks and then a three-week taper, resulting in 36 total treatments. Consistency helps your brain establish new, healthier patterns of activity that support long-term relief.

After treatment — and what to expect next

Most people begin to notice improvement by the fourth week of treatment. These changes can include a brighter mood, more energy, better sleep, and a greater sense of motivation. Because TMS works by training your brain to self-regulate, results often continue to strengthen even after treatment ends.

Side effects are rare and generally mild, such as temporary scalp tenderness or a light headache that fades quickly. There’s no downtime, so you can go back to work or your daily activities immediately after your session.

Why patients trust Breakthru in Alpharetta

At our Alpharetta office, we’ve built an environment centered on comfort and collaboration. Dr. Kwong and our team take time to answer every question, explain each step, and tailor treatment to your individual progress.

We understand that depression can affect every aspect of your life and that the right care should fit seamlessly into it. Our flexible scheduling and ongoing support help make that possible.

If you’re ready to move forward from depression and experience the difference TMS can make, call Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions or request an appointment online at our Alpharetta location. Hope and healing may be closer than you think.