Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
We are uniquely qualified with first responders, military, veterans and their families. TMS Therapy for All.
TMS Therapy at Diamond Edge TMS
Welcome to Diamond Edge TMS, where Dr. Jerald Block brings over 25 years of psychiatric experience and three combat deployments to the treatment of mental health conditions. Our practice offers FDA-cleared NeuroStar TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression and OCD.
TMS is a non-invasive, medication-free treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is an excellent option for patients who have not found relief through traditional medications or psychotherapy.
We proudly accept TRICARE insurance and are committed to serving active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families.
How TMS Works
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) delivers focused magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation. These pulses stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, helping to restore normal brain activity patterns associated with depression and OCD.
The standard treatment protocol involves daily sessions over approximately 7 weeks, for a total of 36 visits. Each session is brief, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
- You will be seated comfortably in a specialized treatment chair
- A device is positioned next to your head to deliver magnetic pulses
- Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes
- The treatment is completely non-invasive
- You can talk, watch TV, or listen to music during the session
- You can drive yourself to and from appointments
- There is no downtime or recovery period after each session
- Some patients experience mild scalp discomfort, which is temporary and typically resolves quickly
Free Depression Screenings
We offer free depression screenings that are online, confidential, and require no insurance. If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of depression, this is an easy first step toward getting help.
5-Day Accelerated Treatment Plan
For patients who need rapid results, we offer a 5-day accelerated TMS treatment plan. This intensive protocol involves 10 treatments per day for 5 consecutive days, with each treatment lasting approximately 5 minutes.
This approach is similar to the Stanford SAINT Protocol and is particularly well-suited for:
- Pilots who cannot take traditional psychiatric medications
- Active-duty military members with limited availability
- First responders who need to return to duty quickly
The accelerated plan is entirely confidential. Please note that some insurers may not cover accelerated protocols, so please contact us to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, TMS therapy is covered by TRICARE. It does require prior approval from TRICARE before treatment can begin. Generally, patients need to have tried and not found adequate relief from three or more psychotropic medications to qualify for TMS coverage under TRICARE.
Research demonstrates that TMS is highly effective for treatment-resistant depression. Studies show that TMS patients are 2.5 times more likely to achieve a 50% or greater reduction in symptoms compared to those who do not receive TMS. Additionally, TMS patients are 5.5 times more likely to achieve full resolution of their depressive symptoms. Approximately 4 out of 5 patients who completed TMS treatment experienced a 50% or greater reduction in their symptoms.
Yes, TMS therapy requires in-person visits. The treatment is delivered using a specialized NeuroStar device that must be operated on-site at our Vancouver, WA office. TMS cannot be administered remotely or via telehealth.
Getting started with TMS is easy. You can call our office at (360) 838-3654 or request an appointment online. We will schedule a consultation to determine if TMS is the right treatment option for you.