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TMS Treatment in Alpharetta, GA
Serving Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton & Cumming
FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for depression, anxiety and OCD, led by interventional psychiatrists in North Fulton. No referral needed.
- FDA-approved
- No referral needed
- No sedation or downtime
- Most major insurance accepted
Where can I get TMS in Alpharetta?
Breakthru Psychiatric provides FDA-approved transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at 3400 Old Milton Pkwy, Building C, Suite 285, Alpharetta, GA 30005, led by interventional psychiatrist Richard Amar, MD. The office serves patients from Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming and the rest of North Fulton and Forsyth County. No referral is needed, and Breakthru accepts Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and others.
Our TMS results
Breakthru Psychiatric patient outcomes, as published on our TMS page.
What is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain that regulate mood. You stay awake the entire time, there is no anesthesia or sedation, and you can drive yourself home and go back to work or school the same day.
Because no drugs or medication are involved, TMS avoids the side effects associated with antidepressants. For many patients, the improvement is meaningful and long-lasting. Learn more about how TMS helps with depression.
Who is TMS for?
TMS is often the next step when depression hasn't improved enough with antidepressants. That situation, called treatment-resistant depression, affects approximately 30% of people with major depressive disorder. At our Alpharetta office, our doctors use TMS for:
Why North Fulton and Forsyth patients choose Breakthru
Breakthru is an interventional psychiatry practice. Every treatment we offer is an advanced option for people whose symptoms haven't responded to earlier care, so TMS isn't a side service here. It's the core of what our doctors do every day.
- Psychiatrist-led care. Your evaluation and treatment plan come from our doctors, led by Dr. Richard Amar, head of the Alpharetta clinic.
- Every TMS protocol under one roof. Standard TMS, Accelerated TMS, ONE-D and AMPLIFI are all available, so your plan fits your symptoms and your schedule.
- Published results. 93.9% of our depression patients improved and 42.4% reached remission.
- Easy to reach. Our office on Old Milton Parkway sits just off GA-400, convenient for daily visits from Johns Creek, Milton and Cumming.
TMS options at our Alpharetta office
Our doctors recommend the protocol that fits your symptoms, schedule and coverage. See comparing TMS treatment protocols for more detail.
Standard TMS
Schedule: 1 session per weekday for 6 weeks, then tapered (about 9 weeks total)
For: Depression, including treatment-resistant depression
Covered by most major insurance plans when criteria are met
Accelerated TMS
Schedule: 2 weeks, with multiple sessions each day
For: Depression, when you want results sooner
Self-pay, off-label
AMPLIFI
Schedule: 2 days
An accelerated protocol for depression, OCD and anxiety with rumination: 10 sessions a day over two consecutive days.
Self-pay, off-label
TMS for Adolescents
Schedule: Standard course, scheduled around school
For: Teens 15 and older with depression
Insurance coverage varies by plan
Perinatal TMS
Schedule: Standard course, with positioning adjusted during pregnancy
For: Depression during pregnancy and postpartum
Insurance coverage varies by plan
Accelerated TMS, ONE-D and AMPLIFI are self-pay, off-label uses of FDA-approved TMS technology.
What to expect, step by step
Book your visit
Request an appointment online or call. No referral is needed.
Initial evaluation
A 90-minute to 2-hour evaluation with our doctors to review your history, symptoms and past treatments.
Insurance check
Our team verifies your benefits and handles any prior authorization your plan requires before you begin.
Mapping session
At your first session, we pinpoint the exact treatment location and strength for your brain.
Your treatment course
Standard TMS is 1 session per weekday for 6 weeks, then tapered over about 3 weeks. Many patients notice improvement by week 4.
Curious about the details? Read what to expect at your first appointment.
TMS for Johns Creek, Milton and Cumming
Johns Creek. Families in Johns Creek often choose our Alpharetta office for its weekday hours and short drive, which make a daily treatment course easier to fit around work and school. We also offer TMS for adolescents ages 15 and up.
Milton. Milton patients are right next door. Daily standard TMS sessions are short, so many people schedule them before work or during a lunch break.
Cumming and Forsyth County. Cumming is a straight drive down GA-400. If daily visits for several weeks aren't realistic, ask about ONE-D, which is delivered in 2 days, or Accelerated TMS, completed in 2 weeks.
Our Alpharetta doctors
Richard Amar, MD
Interventional Psychiatrist & Head of Alpharetta Clinic
Areas we serve from this office
- Alpharetta
- Johns Creek
- Milton
- Cumming
- Roswell
- Forsyth County
TMS in Alpharetta: frequently asked questions
Is there a TMS provider near Johns Creek, Milton or Cumming?
Yes. Breakthru Psychiatric's Alpharetta office at 3400 Old Milton Pkwy serves patients from Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming and the rest of North Fulton and Forsyth County. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Is TMS therapy covered by insurance?
TMS for depression is covered by most major insurance plans when plan criteria are met, which usually includes having tried antidepressants. Breakthru accepts Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and others. Our team verifies your benefits before you start. Accelerated TMS, ONE-D and AMPLIFI are self-pay.
How much does TMS cost in Alpharetta?
With insurance, most patients pay their plan's usual copay or coinsurance for standard TMS. Your exact cost depends on your plan and deductible, so we confirm it with you during the insurance check, before treatment begins.
Do I need a referral for TMS?
No. You can book an evaluation directly. Providers who want to send a patient to us can also use our refer a patient page.
How long does TMS take to work?
Many patients notice improvement by the fourth week of a standard course, and family and friends often notice changes sooner. In real-world practice, 50-60% of patients respond to TMS and 30-40% reach remission.
What are the side effects of TMS?
The most common side effects are scalp discomfort during treatment and a mild headache after the first one or two sessions. Serious side effects are rare. There is no sedation, so you can drive yourself and return to normal activities right away.
Is there a faster option than 6 weeks of daily sessions?
Yes. Accelerated TMS is completed in 2 weeks, and ONE-D is delivered in 2 days. Both are self-pay and off-label. Our doctors will help you decide which option fits best.
Related reading: Common patient questions about TMS · Comparing TMS treatment protocols · TMS in Sandy Springs · TMS in Atlanta
Take the Next Step
If depression, anxiety or OCD hasn't improved with earlier treatment, TMS may help. Our doctors will tell you whether it's the right fit.
Are you a provider? Refer a patient.