Drug-free, FDA-cleared depression treatment, led by a physician who has guided magnetic brain stimulation care in Tucson since 2013.
If antidepressants haven’t brought the relief you hoped for, or the side effects have been hard to live with, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers another path. At Brainwave Neuro Performance Center, every TMS patient is cared for by a physician-led team that offers both standard TMS and personalized MeRT under one roof, so your treatment is matched to you, not to a template.
Last Updated in October 2026 by Dr. Julie Kim
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood. A magnetic coil rests gently against the scalp while you sit comfortably and stay awake. There is no anesthesia, no surgery, and no downtime, so you can drive yourself home and return to work the same day.
Yes. TMS has been FDA-cleared to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) since 2008. It is intended for adults whose depression has not improved enough with antidepressant medication. Brainwave uses FDA-cleared TMS equipment for every treatment.
In people with depression, brain imaging often shows reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in mood and emotional regulation. TMS delivers magnetic pulses, similar in strength to those used in an MRI, to this area. Over a series of sessions, the stimulation helps reactivate underactive brain circuits and strengthen healthier patterns of communication between brain regions. Because TMS works directly on the brain rather than through the bloodstream, it avoids the systemic side effects many people experience with medication, such as weight gain, drowsiness, or sexual side effects.
MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) uses the same FDA-cleared magnetic stimulation technology as TMS, but personalizes it to your individual brainwave patterns. Standard TMS applies an established protocol to a known brain target. MeRT starts with a qEEG brain map and an EKG, then customizes the frequency, intensity, and placement of stimulation for your brain.
Brainwave is one of the few practices in Southern Arizona that offers both. That means you don’t have to choose a clinic first and hope it has the right option. Our team recommends the approach that best fits your diagnosis, history, and goals.
| Standard TMS | MeRT | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | FDA-cleared magnetic stimulation | Same FDA-cleared magnetic stimulation |
| How treatment is set | Established protocol targeting the prefrontal cortex | Personalized to your qEEG brain map and EKG |
| Brain mapping | Not required | qEEG at the start, repeated about every two weeks |
| FDA status | Cleared for major depressive disorder | Uses FDA-cleared equipment; personalized protocols are considered off-label |
| Conditions | Primarily depression | Depression, plus off-label use for PTSD, TBI, anxiety, sleep issues, autism, and cognitive decline |
| Session schedule | About 20ā40 minutes, 5 days a week | About 30 minutes, 5 days a week |
| Typical course | About 4ā6 weeks | About 6ā8 weeks, adjusted based on progress |
| Non-invasive and drug-free | Yes | Yes |
Which one is right for me? If depression is your primary concern, standard TMS is a well-established starting point. If you’re managing more than one condition, haven’t responded to other treatments, or want a plan built around your own brain data, MeRT may be the better fit. A consultation is the best way to find out. Learn more about the difference between TMS and MeRT.
A full course of TMS usually takes about four to six weeks, with short sessions five days a week. Here is how it works, step by step:
Most patients describe TMS as a tapping sensation, not pain. Mild scalp discomfort or a headache can occur during the first week and usually fades as treatment continues. There is no sedation, so you’re fully alert during and after every session.
Many clinics offer TMS. Few offer the depth of experience, personalization, and access you’ll find at Brainwave.
Our clinic is located at 7360 N. La Cholla Blvd in Tucson, convenient for patients from Marana, Oro Valley, Catalina Foothills, and across the greater Tucson area.
TMS may be a good fit if you:
TMS isn’t right for everyone. People with metal implants in or near the head (such as aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, or certain stimulators) or a history of seizures may not be candidates. During your consultation, our team reviews your history to make sure TMS is safe for you.
Talk with our team about whether TMS or MeRT is right for you. We’ll answer your questions and help you check your Tricare coverage.
TMS is FDA-cleared to treat major depressive disorder in adults who haven’t responded well enough to antidepressant medication. At Brainwave, TMS is one of two magnetic stimulation options we offer, alongside personalized MeRT.
Yes. TMS has been FDA-cleared for the treatment of major depressive disorder since 2008. Brainwave uses FDA-cleared TMS equipment for all treatments.
A typical course of TMS involves sessions five days a week for about four to six weeks. Each session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes, and you can return to your normal routine right after.
Many patients begin noticing changes in mood, energy, or sleep within the first few weeks of treatment. Results vary from person to person, and our team tracks your progress throughout your course.
TMS side effects are usually mild and temporary. The most common are scalp discomfort at the treatment site and mild headaches, which typically improve after the first week. TMS does not cause the weight gain, drowsiness, or memory problems sometimes associated with other depression treatments.
Both use FDA-cleared magnetic stimulation. Standard TMS follows an established protocol, while MeRT is personalized using a qEEG brain map and EKG, with follow-up scans to adjust treatment as you progress. Brainwave offers both.
Brainwave is in-network with Tricare West for TMS treatment of depression for eligible members. Call (520) 633-0206 and our team can help you check your coverage.
No. ECT requires anesthesia and intentionally induces a seizure. TMS is a non-invasive outpatient treatment that requires no anesthesia or sedation. You stay awake and alert during every session and can drive yourself home.
Brainwave Neuro Performance Center offers TMS therapy at 7360 N. La Cholla Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85741, serving patients across Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, and Southern Arizona. We’re open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Results vary by individual and are not guaranteed. MeRT protocols are considered off-label. A consultation is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
You don’t have to keep trying medication after medication. Our physician-led team will help you understand whether TMS or MeRT is the right fit and walk you through every step, from your first consultation to your final session.
Dr. Julie Kim is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with over 25 years of clinical experience and has served as Medical Director of the Brain Treatment Center since 2013. She specializes in advanced brain health therapies, including TMS and MeRT, and has treated patients with PTSD, TBI, addiction, stroke, autism, and other neurological conditions. As a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, she is recognized for pioneering safety protocols and physician training in TMS and MeRT therapy. Dr. Kim is highly rated for her compassionate, patient-focused care and frequently invited to speak on brain health and performance optimization.
