If you’ve found relief from depression after Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, you may wonder—can TMS help you stay well long term? For many people, depression is a chronic condition with ups and downs. Even after initial recovery, symptoms can return. That’s where TMS maintenance therapy comes in.
TMS and relapse prevention go hand in hand when looking at long-term depression care. At NorTex Psychiatry, serving Allen, McKinney, Frisco, and Dallas, Texas, our mental health experts use TMS not just for active treatment, but also as a tool to prevent depression relapse.
“For patients who respond well to TMS, maintenance therapy can help prolong remission and reduce the risk of future depressive episodes,” says Dr. Clayton L. Allison, M.D., psychiatrist and fellowship-trained mental health specialist.
Let’s explore how TMS helps with relapse prevention and what maintenance therapy looks like.
How TMS Maintenance Therapy Supports Long-Term Depression Recovery
After a full course of TMS therapy—typically five days a week for 4 to 6 weeks—many patients report a major reduction in symptoms. But depression can be cyclical, so a long-term plan is important.
Maintenance TMS refers to ongoing sessions after the initial treatment is complete. These may be spaced out weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on the patient’s needs. The goal is to support brain function and reduce the chance of symptoms returning.
Benefits of TMS maintenance therapy:
- Keeps depressive symptoms from returning
- Stabilizes mood over time
- Avoids medication side effects
- Offers a drug-free, non-invasive option for chronic depression
“TMS offers an alternative therapy maintenance path for those looking to avoid traditional medications or who haven’t found success with them,” adds Brittany Huckaby, PHNP.
Who Might Need Ongoing TMS Therapy Plans?
TMS for recurrent depression is ideal for individuals who:
- Have had multiple episodes of depression
- Do not tolerate antidepressants well
- Relapsed after stopping medication
- Want to stay proactive in their mental health care
If you’ve had success with your initial TMS treatments and want to avoid another depressive episode, you may be a strong candidate for maintenance.
Is TMS Effective in Avoiding Future Depressive Episodes?
Yes. Clinical research and real-world data show that TMS maintenance therapy can extend the benefits of initial treatment. Many patients report long-term relief when they continue with regular TMS sessions.
Key reasons why it works:
- TMS stimulates areas of the brain linked to mood control
- It helps “reset” neural pathways that contribute to depression
- Ongoing stimulation keeps these pathways active and balanced
What to Expect from a Maintenance TMS Plan
At NorTex Psychiatry, every TMS maintenance plan is tailored to the individual. We begin with a consultation to review your progress and current symptoms. From there, we schedule periodic treatments based on your needs.
Your plan may include:
- Monthly or biweekly TMS sessions
- Progress monitoring and mood tracking
- Adjustments based on symptom patterns
We focus on making your care easy, effective, and personalized.
Action Steps to Prevent Depression Relapse with TMS
If you’re managing chronic depression or have had multiple episodes in the past, here’s what you can do:
- Book a TMS consultation to discuss your history and options
- Ask about TMS maintenance therapy near you if you’re in the Dallas area
- Look for long-term depression care services that offer non-drug options
- Consider ongoing TMS therapy plans to stay ahead of symptoms
- Schedule a TMS maintenance session when you start noticing early signs of relapse
“With the right maintenance strategy, TMS can be a powerful tool in managing chronic depression and helping patients feel more like themselves again,” says Dr. Allison.
Take the Next Step Toward Long-Term Wellness
At NorTex Psychiatry, we offer expert-led TMS maintenance therapy for individuals in Allen, McKinney, Frisco, and Dallas. Whether you’re recovering from your first episode or managing recurring depression, we’re here to support your long-term mental health.
Ready to protect your progress?
Call us today to book your TMS consultation or schedule your next maintenance session. Let’s work together to prevent depression relapse—because your wellness matters.
