TMS Therapy Coming to Chautauqua County — Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Depression & More
No medication. No sedation. No systemic side effects. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is FDA-cleared, clinically proven, and coming soon to Lakeside Medical Practice in Lakewood and Dunkirk, NY.
ABOUT THIS TREATMENT
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses brief, precisely targeted magnetic pulses — similar in strength to those used in MRI machines — to stimulate specific regions of the brain involved in mood regulation. The most commonly targeted area is the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in people living with depression.
What makes TMS distinct is what it isn’t. There’s no medication entering your bloodstream, no sedation, no seizure, and no systemic side effects. TMS works directly on the neural circuits underlying depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD — from the outside. You remain awake throughout. You can drive yourself to and from appointments. You can return to your day immediately after.
TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and OCD, and is increasingly supported by strong clinical evidence for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar depression. It’s particularly valuable for patients who haven’t found lasting relief from medications — or who want to reduce or avoid them entirely. We’re bringing this therapy to Chautauqua County because our patients deserve access to it without a long drive to Buffalo.
The People Behind Your Care
What to Expect — Step by Step
Evaluation & Waitlist Enrollment
Join our waitlist now. When scheduling opens, our team will reach out to complete your candidacy evaluation - reviewing your diagnosis, treatment history, and goals.
Brain Mapping
Your provider uses standardized measurements to precisely locate the target brain region for your treatment. This ensures every session is accurate and personalized to your anatomy.
Treatment Sessions
TMS is typically administered 5 days per week for 4-6 weeks. Each session runs 20-40 minutes. You sit comfortably in a reclining chair — no sedation, no prep.
During Sessions
You'll feel a light tapping or clicking sensation on your scalp. Most patients read, listen to music, or simply rest. There are no driving restrictions after each session.
Progress Monitoring
Symptom tracking at regular intervals throughout your treatment course. Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first 2-4 weeks.
Completion & Follow-Up
After your initial course, your provider reviews your response and discusses maintenance options. Some patients benefit from periodic maintenance sessions; others achieve lasting results from the initial course alone.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Lakeside for TMS Therapy?
Bringing TMS to Chautauqua County
TMS is not widely available in our region - most patients have had to travel to Buffalo oi beyond to access it. We're changing that. Join our waitlist to be among the first.
No Medication. No Side Effects.
TMS is one of the only effective treatments for depression that works without altering your body chemistry systemically. No weight gain, no sexual side effects, no cognitive fog — just targeted brain simulation.
Integrated Mental Health Care
TMS is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. At Lakeside, it won't be offered in isolation — it will be part of how we look at your mental health as a whole.
Often Covered by Insurance
TMS for depression meets coverage criteria under many major insurance plans when prior antidepressant failures are documented. Our team will verify your benefits before you begin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
What conditions does TMS treat?
TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and smoking cessation. It’s also used off-label — with strong and growing clinical evidence — for generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, bipolar depression, and ADHD. It is especially well-suited for people with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded adequately to two or more antidepressant medications.
Does TMS hurt?
Most patients feel a light tapping or clicking sensation on their scalp during the magnetic pulses. Some experience mild discomfort in the first few sessions — particularly around the scalp or jaw — that typically resolves within the first week of treatment. There is no pain during or after the session, and no recovery time is needed.
How is TMS different from ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)?
TMS and ECT both stimulate the brain electrically or magnetically, but the similarity ends there. ECT requires general anesthesia, induces a controlled seizure, and is associated with temporary memory side effects. TMS requires no anesthesia, produces no seizure, and has a minimal side effect profile. TMS is significantly less intensive and appropriate for a much broader patient population — including outpatients with no need for hospitalization.
Will TMS be covered by my insurance?
TMS for depression is covered by many major insurance plans — including Highmark, Excellus, Aetna, Humana, and others — when specific criteria are met (typically, documented failure of two or more antidepressant medications). Our team will verify your specific benefits and help you understand your coverage before treatment begins.
When will TMS be available at Lakeside?
We’re actively working to bring TMS therapy to our Chautauqua County locations. Join our waitlist today, and we’ll be in touch as soon as scheduling opens — along with information about your candidacy and coverage eligibility.
Can TMS be used alongside other treatments like ketamine or Spravato?
Yes — TMS and ketamine-based therapies address depression through different mechanisms and are sometimes used in combination or sequence. Some patients transition from ketamine to TMS, or use both as part of a structured treatment plan. Your provider will help you understand what approach makes the most sense for your history and goals.
Be the First to Know When TMS Arrives.
Join our waitlist today and get priority scheduling when TMS therapy opens at Lakeside Medical Practice in Chautauqua County.