Magnetic Treatment for Depression in Vancouver, WA
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Welcome to Diamond Edge TMS in Vancouver, WA, where Dr. Jerald Block offers innovative NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) services for treatment-resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
With 25+ years of experience in psychiatry, Dr. Block is widely published, has served in the military with three OIF/OEF combat deployments, and finds fulfillment in working closely with patients. His board-certified practice is dedicated to providing individualized, high-quality care, rooted in his psychoanalytic training and years of experience.
Dr. Block is excited to provide cutting-edge treatment using NeuroStar TMS – a means to treat depression and/or OCD in people for which multiple medications have not helped.
The NeuroStar TMS device uses magnetic fields, is FDA-cleared, and works remarkably well.
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Block is currently accepting new patients to use the NeuroStar TMS device. Reach out today to explore how TMS can make a significant difference in your mental health journey.
TMS Therapy Options Near Portland
Innovative TMS Treatment for Resistant Depression & OCD
At Diamond Edge TMS in Vancouver, WA, we are proud to offer NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) services for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression and OCD. TMS is a cutting-edge and non-invasive procedure that utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate specific nerve cells in the brain, providing significant relief from depressive symptoms and OCD. In most areas of the United States, TMS is in short supply and difficult to obtain.
How TMS Works
NeuroStar TMS works by delivering magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain that are involved in mood regulation. The stimulation helps activate neural pathways and improve brain function, offering an effective alternative for those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Our standard TMS treatment protocol involves daily treatments over roughly 7 weeks for a total of 36 visits. In select patients, we are exploring accelerated models of care which would occur over one week and provide similar results.
What to Expect During Your TMS Treatment
During your TMS treatment period, here’s what you can expect:
- You will be seated comfortably in a specialized treatment chair.
- A trained technician will position a specialized device next to your head. When triggered, the device will deliver magnetic pulses to specific regions of your head.
- Each session typically lasts about 20 minutes.
- The procedure is non-invasive. You can talk, watch TV, or listen to music while engaged in treatment. There is no medication involved and, as a result, you can come alone and drive to and from appointments. You can return to your normal activities immediately after each session without any downtime.
- You may experience mild scalp discomfort or headache during or after the session, but these side effects are generally temporary.
5-Day Treatment Plan Option
For some patients seeking a more intensive or rapid approach, we are offering an accelerated 5-Day Treatment Plan:
- This option involves 10 treatments in a day for 5 consecutive days. Each treatment is short, at around 5 minutes.
- The treatment is less established in the scientific literature than the 36-day version. As a result, many insurers will not cover it.
- Treatment is entirely confidential.
- The treatment is similar to the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) Protocol, designed to deliver the benefits of TMS in a condensed, five-day treatment schedule. However, it does differ from the SAINT protocol in some significant ways.
- This intensive plan may be suitable for individuals, such as pilots, active military, or first responders, looking for rapid care without using medications.
Dr. Jerald Block brings 25+ years of experience in psychiatry to ensure that you receive the highest quality, most confidential, and individually personalized care throughout your TMS journey. His board-certified care and dedication to his patients’ well-being make him uniquely qualified to guide you through this transformative treatment. Reach out today to learn more about our NeuroStar TMS services and how they can make a significant difference in your mental health journey.
Listen to two AI's discussing TMS and seizures. Surprisingly, they got it right!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMS covered by Tricare insurance?
Yes, TMS is covered by Tricare insurance, as held by active duty military, their families, and many Veterans. As with other insurers, Tricare requires prior approval before they agree to cover the cost of care. Generally, if a person has tried and failed at least three psychotropic medications for depression and/or OCD, insurance will approve the treatment.
Over three combat deployments, Dr. Block served as a psychiatrist in Iraq and Afghanistan for the US Army. As a result, we proudly continue to offer care to those (and their families) who have put their lives on the line – whether they be Soldiers, First Responders, Police, Firemen, or other medical providers. Naturally, we accept Tricare.
How effective is TMS for treating depression and OCD?
TMS has been shown to be highly effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and OCD.
In an article published August 7th, 2024 in The American Journal of Psychiatry by Dalhuisen et. al., TMS was compared to the results obtained with optimized medication. Both groups also got psychotherapy. All the patients studied had previously experienced inadequate responses to at least two prior treatments. The investigators found that TMS was two-and-a-half more likely to get a reduction of 50% or more in symptoms. It was five-and-a-half more likely to lead to a full resolution of the depression.
In another study by Roth et. al. in Psychiatry Research (10/23), differing TMS protocols were used. At the end of the study, about 4 out of 5 patients had a 50% or more reduction in symptoms; around half were no longer depressed.
In short, many patients experience significant reductions in their symptoms, and some achieve complete remission. However, results can vary, and it usually takes several weeks to notice improvements. Dr. Block suggests having at least 20 TMS sessions before determining whether it is “working.”
Do I need to come to my TMS appointments in person?
Yes, TMS appointments must be conducted in person since the NeuroStar device is essential to the treatment.
How can I get started with transcranial magnetic stimulation near me?
It’s easy to reach out to Dr. Block and the team at Diamond Edge. Just give us a call, or request an appointment using our online contact form.