TMS for PTSD: Lasting Relief From Depression When Medication Hasn't Worked

FDA-cleared, non-invasive, drug-free TMS therapy in Manhattan. Sessions 20–30 min. Most patients feel improvement within 3–5 weeks. In-network with major insurance.

Or call (646) 817-2835 — speak with our team now

Rated 5.0

On Google reviews

FDA-Cleared

Safe & evidence-based

In-Network

Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United

Board-Certified

Psychiatrists, 25+ years

verified Google Reviews

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SCIENCE-BACKED TREATMENT

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS — Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation — is an FDA-approved for depression and has shown promising results for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. It is especially effective for those who haven’t found relief with medication or exposure therapy.

By stimulating specific parts of the brain, such as the medial prefrontal cortex, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) helps regulate the fear response, lessen intrusive thoughts, and promote emotional stability. In recent clinical trials, participants experienced significant improvement in both depressive symptoms and trauma-related distress.

Each session uses a magnetic coil to deliver painless, high-frequency pulses or theta burst stimulation (TBS) to targeted brain areas. These pulses reactivate neural networks that have become dysregulated after a traumatic event. The process, called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), lasts only minutes but promotes long-term healing by strengthening cortical excitability and long-term potentiation. Using advanced mapping, our team ensures stimulation accuracy while minimizing scalp discomfort and optimizing treatment response.

Science-Backed & FDA-Cleared

TMS has received FDA clearance for major depressive disorder, OCD, anxious depression, and smoking cessation. Decades of peer-reviewed clinical research support its safety and efficacy.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment NYC

No

Anaesthesia

No

Systemic Side-Effects

20-30

Min per session

Drive

Yourself home

OUR APPROACH

TMS Treatment We Offer

We offer IV, IM, and Spravato under one roof, so your psychiatrist can match the
right approach to your situation.

FDA-CLEARED

Standard rTMS

Repetitive TMS (rTMS) uses a figure-8 coil to deliver focused magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This is the primary FDA-cleared protocol for major depressive disorder and the most extensively studied form of TMS therapy in clinical literature. It is the foundation of treatment for most patients with depression.

FDA-CLEARED OCD & MORE

Deep TMS (dTMS)

Deep TMS uses an H-coil to reach deeper and broader brain circuits than standard rTMS. It holds FDA clearance for OCD, anxious depression, and smoking cessation, in addition to major depression. For patients whose primary challenge is OCD or treatment-resistant anxious depression, dTMS provides a more targeted therapeutic pathway.

IV INFUSION

Intramuscular (IM) Injections

Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) delivers the same therapeutic magnetic targeting in significantly shorter session times — sometimes under 10 minutes — while maintaining comparable efficacy to standard rTMS protocols. Accelerated TMS schedules allow multiple sessions per day, compressing the overall treatment course for patients who need a faster pathway to relief.

SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

How TMS Compares to Medication and ECT

A clear look at how TMS for PTSD differs from antidepressant medication and
electroconvulsive therapy — helping you make an informed decision with your care
team.

Treatment How It Works Common Side Effects Anesthesia / Downtime Best suited for
TMS Therapy
Targeted magnetic pulses
stimulate underactive
prefrontal brain circuits
linked to mood regulation
Mild scalp discomfort /
headache at treatment site,
typically fades after first
sessions
None. Drive yourself home.
Return to normal activities
immediately.

20–30 min per session

Treatment-resistant
depression, OCD,
anxious depression,
PTSD; patients seeking a
drug-free path
Antidepressant
Medication
Alters neurotransmitter
levels (serotonin,
norepinephrine, dopamine)
systemically throughout
the body
Weight gain, sexual
dysfunction, insomnia,
fatigue, nausea; vary by
drug class
None, but systemic effects on
the whole body; typically 4–8
weeks to evaluate effectiveness.
Daily oral dosing
First-line care for mild-
to-moderate depression;
may be combined with
TMS
ECT
(Electroconvulsive
Therapy)
Electrical current passes
through the brain under
general anesthesia to
induce a controlled seizure
Short-term memory loss,
confusion, headache,
muscle aches; anesthesia
risks
General anaesthesia required
every session; recovery period
post-procedure
Typically inpatient / day-hospital
Severe, acute, or life-
threatening treatment-
resistant depression;
immediate crisis
situations

WHY VILLAGE TMS

Why Patients Choose
TMS for PTSD
At Village TMS

Drug-Free & Non-Invasive

No medication, no systemic side effects, no anaesthesia, no needles. TMS works directly on
the brain — your body stays entirely out of the equation.

Clinically-Proven Results

Backed by decades of peer-reviewed research and FDA-cleared for multiple conditions. Our protocols are selected by board-certified psychiatrists with 15–25+ years of experience.

Covered By Most Insurance

In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United, Empire BCBS, Oxford, and Medicare. We verify coverage for free — most patients pay $0–$50 per session with insurance.

No Downtime

Sessions are 20–30 minutes. You drive yourself to and from the clinic. Read, listen to music, or rest during treatment. Your day continues exactly as planned.

Free insurance verification — know your cost before your session.

YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY

How TMS Therapy Works Step-by-Step

15-MIN FREE

Free Consultation

We review your history, answer
your questions, and verify your
insurance coverage — at no
cost and no obligation.

1 VISIT

Custom Treatment Protocol

Relax in a cozy chair while the device emits a light tapping sensation. Each appointment lasts around 20 minutes, allowing you to relax while the therapy engages specific nerve cells in the medial prefrontal cortex.

20–30 MIN · 4–6 WK

Treatment Sessions

A typical treatment session involves 5 weekly sessions over 4-6 weeks, with many noticing brighter moods and renewed energy by week 3. 

CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Lasting Relief

Most individuals maintain a significant reduction in depression symptoms and anxiety for a year or longer, with optional maintenance sessions available.

*Source: Carpenter et al., Depression and Anxiety, 2012; multi-site clinical trial of 307 patients with treatment-resistant
depression.

Ready to see if TMS for PTSD is right for you?

THE PATIENT JOURNEY

What to Expect During Treatment

Starting TMS is straightforward. Here is a clear, honest account of
what your treatment course at Village TMS looks like from the first
session through completion.

Your First Session: Brain Mapping

Before your first treatment pulse is delivered, your clinician performs motor threshold determination — a brief, precise calibration process that identifies the optimal magnetic intensity for your individual brain anatomy. A small test pulse is used to locate your motor cortex, and settings are adjusted from there. This personalisation step ensures your protocol is tailored to you, not applied as a generic setting. It adds approximately 15–20 minutes to your first session only.

During Each Session

You sit in a comfortable, reclining treatment chair. The TMS coil is positioned against the left side of your scalp. You will feel a light tapping or clicking sensation at the treatment site — most patients describe it as a noticeable but manageable rhythm. Sessions last approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the protocol. You are free to read, listen to music, use your phone, or simply rest. No sedation is required. When the session ends, you stand up, collect your belongings, and drive yourself home. Most patients schedule sessions in the morning and go directly to work afterward.

Your Course of Care

A standard course of TMS at Village TMS consists of approximately 36 sessions delivered over roughly six weeks — around five sessions per week. This schedule follows the evidence-based treatment protocol and can be adjusted based on your clinical response and schedule. Some patients begin to notice shifts in mood, energy, or sleep as early as weeks two or three; others experience the most meaningful changes in weeks four through six. Your psychiatrist tracks progress with validated clinical measures throughout and adjusts your protocol as needed.

After Your Intiial Course

When your initial treatment course ends, your psychiatrist will evaluate your response and discuss next steps. Some patients benefit from periodic maintenance sessions — scheduled as clinically indicated — particularly if symptoms begin to re-emerge over time. There is no dependency, no withdrawal, and no systemic medication to manage. Many patients remain in remission for an extended period after a single course, and return for a booster course if and when they feel it is needed.

Ready to see if TMS for PTSD is right for you?

SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY

Is TMS for PTSD Safe?
Side Effects & What to Know

Our New York City clinicians follow strict safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation guidelines established by leading research bodies. Each patient is thoroughly screened for inclusion criteria, including seizure history or metal implants. Throughout the process, your care team monitors every pulse frequency and ensures maximum comfort and safety.

While widely known for major depression, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation also supports recovery for PTSD patients, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and other mental disorders.

It’s especially beneficial for those recovering from traumatic experiences, such as combat veterans or survivors of natural disasters. Ongoing pilot studies suggest that Deep TMS may further enhance the effect of TMS on mood regulation, especially in those with treatment-resistant depression or comorbid substance use disorder.

Personalized Protocols: Our clinicians design individualized treatment plans using high-frequency stimulation, theta burst, and low-frequency settings to match each patient’s clinical profile.

Expert Collaboration: We integrate cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, or eye movement desensitization when appropriate.

Starting is simple: Schedule a free consultation to explore if TMS for PTSD aligns with your goals. We’ll review your history, answer questions, and craft a roadmap to resilience.

No Systemic Side Effects

No weight gain, no sexual side effects, no fatigue — none of the systemic effects associated with antidepressant medication.

No Memory Effects

Unlike ECT, TMS does not affect memory. Patients consistently report no cognitive changes attributable to TMS.

Very Low Seizure Risks

The risk of seizure is very low. Thorough pre-treatment screening identifies and excludes any patients for whom TMS is not appropriate.

Screening Is Essential

TMS is not appropriate for patients with certain metallic implants near the head. Our pre-treatment screening process ensures you are a safe candidate before any treatment begins.

Conditions We Treat

TMS & Ketamine therapy and evidence-based care for:

Major Depressive Disorder

Including treatment-resistant depression —
the primary FDA-approved use of TMS.

More about depressive disorder →

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

FDA-approved deep TMS protocol for OCD
when therapy alone hasn't worked.

More about OCD →

Anxious Depression

FDA-approved for depression with co-
occurring anxiety symptoms.

More about anxious depression →

PTSD

Evidence-based TMS protocols for trauma-
related symptoms.

More about ptsd →

ADHD (Adjunct Care)

Supportive treatment alongside standard
ADHD care.

More about adhd →

Smoking Cessation

FDA-approved deep TMS protocol for
nicotine addiction.

More about smoking cessation →

Most Insurance Plans Cover TMS Therapy

TMS is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and
covered by most major insurance plans. We handle the verification
and paperwork, so you can focus on getting better.

AETNA

BCBS

CIGNA

UNITED

EMPIRE BCBS

OXFORD

MEDICARE

+ MORE CARRIERS

Takes 2 minutes. No commitment.

Meet Your Care Team

Board-certified psychiatrists with decades of experience treating depression, OCD,
and anxiety.

Dr. Yuli Fradkin, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist · 25+
Years Experience

I founded Village TMS because so many of my patients had been failed by
standard treatment paths. My approach is unhurried, evidence-driven, and centred on what each person actually needs to feel like themselves again.

Dr. Elena Bruck, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist · 15+ Years Experience

I came to TMS after watching patients
cycle through medications that didn't fit them. My focus is precision, matching the right protocol to the right person, and adjusting as we go.

Sofia Dro, MA

Psychotherapist & Coach ·
Couples Therapy

I help adults and couples build self-awareness, deepen relationships, and create more meaningful lives. My work is grounded in Gestalt therapy and informed by EMDR, mindfulness, and transpersonal psychology. I combine deep emotional exploration with practical tools, working in a warm, collaborative space where clients feel genuinely seen and supported.

Common Questions About
TMS For PTSD NYC

Everything you need to know before your free consultation.

How Does TMS for PTSD Work?

TMS for PTSD uses repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to rewire neural networks associated with fear and trauma. Theta burst stimulation enhances cortical excitability, helping restore emotional control and resilience.

Is TMS Safe for PTSD Patients?

Yes. TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation method with a strong safety record. Sham treatment and clinical trials consistently show no major risks, and side effects like mild scalp discomfort fade quickly.

How Long Before I See Results?

Most patients experience significant improvement within two to four weeks. Continued sessions can yield a significant difference in focus, mood, and sleep quality.

Can TMS Help Veterans or Trauma Survivors?

Absolutely. Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation has shown success among combat veterans and individuals who’ve experienced trauma from natural disasters or violence.

Is TMS Covered by Insurance?

Many insurance plans recognize the benefits of TMS for depression and PTSD. Our team can verify coverage and discuss affordable options during your consultation.

Still have questions? We're here to help.

Or call (646) 817-2835

INSIGHTS

Learn More About TMS & Mental
Health

VISIT US

TMS Therapy Across The NYC Area

We proudly serve patients throughout Manhattan and the greater New York area.

Manhattan

Greenwich Village ·
Chelsea · West Village ·
East Village · SoHo ·
Tribeca · Flatiron ·
Midtown

Brooklyn & Queens

Williamsburg · Brooklyn
Heights · Park Slope ·
Long Island City · Astoria
· Forest Hills

New Jersey

Hoboken · Jersey City ·
Weehawken · Edgewater
· Fort Lee

Village TMS

80 5th Ave, Office 1405, New York, NY 10011
Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Sat by appointment