Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-drug treatment for depression, and Lake Forest patients can receive it at our Newport Beach office, about 20 minutes away. Sessions require no sedation, so you can drive yourself and get back to your day. Care is led by board-certified psychiatrist Hadi Estakhri, MD.
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. The pulses come from a coil placed against your head, and you stay awake and alert the whole time. There is no anesthesia and no medication involved, so Lake Forest patients can drive themselves to and from each session.
At your first session we find the right position and strength for the magnetic pulses, which sets up every visit that follows.
You sit in a comfortable chair while the coil delivers pulses. You can talk, listen to music or simply relax.
Each session lasts about 20 to 50 minutes, so it fits before work, at lunch or after school pickup.
With no sedation, you can drive yourself home or back to work right after the session.
For Lake Forest patients, a full course of TMS therapy typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 before insurance. Many plans cover TMS for depression after prior medication trials. Call 949-945-0927 and we will check your benefits and explain your out-of-pocket cost before you begin.
Our office is about 20 minutes and 12.4 miles from Lake Forest, usually via the 5 to the 405, or the 73. The office sits just off the 73 near the airport, and outside rush hour the trip stays well under half an hour.
Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health
1401 Dove St, Suite 420, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm · 949-945-0927
TMS means about five short visits a week for four to six weeks, and since there is no sedation you can drive yourself each time. Every patient is cared for by Hadi Estakhri, MD, a board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist.
Our Newport Beach office at 1401 Dove St is about 20 minutes (12.4 miles) from Lake Forest by car, usually via the 5 to the 405, or the 73. TMS means about five short visits a week for four to six weeks, and since there is no sedation you can drive yourself each time.
Metal implants in or near the head, such as aneurysm clips, cochlear implants or deep brain stimulators, usually rule TMS out. A history of seizures needs careful review. Dr. Estakhri checks all of this before treatment.
TMS is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are scalp discomfort and headache during the first sessions. Seizures are rare.
Many insurance plans cover TMS for major depression after you have tried a set number of antidepressants. Call 949-945-0927 and we will verify your plan.
Most courses run five days a week for four to six weeks, with each session lasting about 20 to 50 minutes.
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