Walking Into the Unknown
So you’ve booked your first TMS appointment. Congratulations on taking this massive step toward better mental health.
Please note: All patients require a GP referral before embarking on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation depression treatment. If you haven’t organized this yet, contact your GP first to discuss TMS and obtain the necessary referral.
You’re probably wondering what actually happens during that first visit. Will it hurt? How long does everything take? Should you bring anything special?
Here’s the reality. Your first TMS Sydney appointment is mostly talking, not treatment. Think of it as a thorough chat with a psychiatrist who specialises in brain stimulation therapy.
Before You Even Walk Through the Door
Choosing Your Location
Sydney TMS makes getting to appointments pretty convenient with clinics spread across the city. We have locations in Bondi Junction, St Leonards, Castle Hill, and Campbelltown. Whether you’re coming from the Inner West, working in the CBD, or living out in the Eastern Suburbs, there’s likely a clinic that fits your commute.
Pick the location that makes regular appointments feel manageable rather than stressful. You’ll potentially be visiting multiple times per week once treatment starts.
What to Bring
Your Medicare card is essential. Remember, that initial consultation is bulk-billed, so you won’t pay anything out of pocket if you’ve got Australian Medicare coverage.
Bring any psychiatric reports or medication lists from your current doctor. The more information your TMS psychiatrist has about your treatment history, the better they can assess whether TMS suits your situation.
A list of questions helps too. Write them down beforehand because nerves can make you forget important things you wanted to ask.
What Actually Happens During Your First Visit
The Consultation Deep Dive
Expect to spend about an hour talking through your mental health history. This isn’t a quick chat. Your psychiatrist wants to understand everything that’s brought you to this point.
They’ll ask about medications you’ve tried, side effects you’ve experienced, and how depression affects your daily life. Be honest about what’s working and what isn’t. This information directly influences whether TMS is recommended for you.
Family history matters too. Depression patterns in relatives help paint a clearer picture of your individual situation. Don’t worry if you don’t know every detail about family mental health history.
Medical Screening
Not everyone is suitable for TMS. Your psychiatrist will check for conditions that might make treatment unsafe or less effective.
They’ll ask about any metal implants near your head, history of seizures, or brain injuries. Certain medications can also affect TMS safety. This isn’t about judging your medical history but ensuring TMS is the right fit.
Pregnancy is another consideration for women. TMS hasn’t been extensively studied in pregnant women, so alternative treatments might be recommended if you’re expecting or trying to conceive.
Understanding TMS Suitability
Who Benefits Most
TMS works particularly well for treatment-resistant depression. If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants without success, you’re exactly the type of person TMS was designed to help.
Those who should consider TMS, are people who’ve had no response or partial response after trying several medications and other treatments.
Anxiety disorders that occur alongside depression often improve with TMS too, though depression remains the primary target for treatment.
When TMS Might Not Be Right
People with acute psychosis or someone who is actively suicidal or at risk at home are not suitable for TMS treatment with Sydney TMS. We are an outpatient clinic and patients attend their booked sessions accordingly, which is not a service suitable for anyone at immediate risk. Also, those with severe psychotic symptoms are unlikely to achieve results with TMS treatment.
Those people with significant active substance abuse are not recommended for TMS treatment as there is a high risk or seizure.
Some medical conditions simply make TMS unsafe. Your psychiatrist will be completely upfront if this applies to your situation.
Questions You Should Ask
Treatment Logistics
How often will you need appointments? Most people start with a minimum of three sessions per week for a course of 35 sessions. Understanding this commitment upfront helps with planning.
Which clinic location works best for regular visits? You might choose differently for ongoing treatment than you did for the initial consultation based on parking, public transport, or work proximity.
What happens if you miss sessions? It is very important to not plan any holidays during TMS treatment. If you break the treatment for seven days or more you will need to start again. It is important to attend at least 3 sessions a week. If you think you might need to cancel or miss a session it is important to contact your clinic and speak to your treating nurse so they can organise a make up session for you.
Expected Outcomes
When might you notice improvements? Most people don’t feel changes for several weeks. Knowing this prevents discouragement when progress feels slow initially.
What percentage of people respond to treatment? Success rates help set realistic expectations while maintaining hope for improvement.
How long do benefits typically last? Some people need occasional maintenance sessions, others maintain improvements long-term without additional treatment.
Practical Considerations
Can you work on treatment days? Absolutely. Most people schedule appointments around work commitments without issues.
Are there any activities to avoid during treatment? Generally no restrictions, though your psychiatrist might have specific recommendations based on your situation.
What about side effects? Mild headaches or scalp tenderness are common initially but usually resolve quickly.
Getting Ready for Treatment
Mental Preparation
TMS requires commitment but isn’t overwhelming. Think of it like going to physiotherapy. Regular appointments, gradual improvement, manageable side effects.
Set realistic expectations. TMS helps most people with treatment-resistant depression, but it’s not instant. Improvement builds over weeks rather than days.
Plan your support system. While TMS doesn’t require someone to drive you home like ECT does, having people who understand what you’re going through helps maintain motivation.
Practical Planning
Consider your schedule over the next couple of months. Daily appointments for several weeks require some juggling, but most people find it manageable.
Think about which clinic location works best for regular visits. Your choice might differ from where you had your consultation based on convenience factors.
Budgeting helps too. While Medicare provides rebates, there are often gap payments to consider. Understanding costs upfront prevents financial stress later.
What Happens Next
If TMS Is Recommended
You’ll schedule your mapping session next. This determines the optimal stimulation intensity for your brain. It’s not treatment yet, just calibration.
Using measurement techniques, our psychiatrist will identify the precise location for stimulation and create a TMS treatment plan.
Once the mapping session has been completed you can commence booking your treatment sessions. Daily appointments are booked in 30 minute sessions.
If TMS Isn’t Right for You
Don’t panic. Your psychiatrist will explain why and suggest alternative approaches.
Other brain stimulation options might be considered. ECT for more severe cases, or newer techniques still being researched.
Medication reviews often help too. Sometimes fresh eyes on your treatment history reveal options that haven’t been tried yet.
Taking the Next Step
Your first TMS Sydney appointment is really about gathering information. Most people leave feeling more hopeful and better informed about their options.
The conversation continues beyond that first visit too. Treatment planning is collaborative, with your input valued throughout the process.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concerns. The team wants you to feel completely comfortable before starting treatment.
Ready to book your consultation? Contact Sydney TMS to arrange your bulk-billed initial appointment and take the first step toward potentially life-changing treatment for your treatment-resistant depression.
Remember, that first appointment is just the beginning of your journey toward better mental health. With convenient locations across Sydney and experienced psychiatrists who understand treatment-resistant depression, you’re in excellent hands for whatever comes next.