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Treating Depression and Other Illnesses Since 2011
Treating Depression with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS is a medication-free treatment capable of helping 70% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD). No medication is used.
Side effects are mild and generally limited to headache and tiredness. Improvements last an average of two years beyond the end of a standard treatment course. TMS is FDA-approved for depression, covered by most insurance plans, and recommended by countless trusted sources on the management of depression.
Symptoms
Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is more serious than just “feeling down.” It can be diagnosed if you have one or both of the following primary symptoms:
- Low mood, including constantly feeling sad, lonely, worthless, guilty, fearful, or easily angered or annoyed.
- Inability to feel pleasure, or lack of interest in things that usually give you pleasure. Life feels flat, uninteresting, or empty.
Because depression is a brain regulation disturbance, there are usually secondary symptoms. These may include sleep disturbance, low energy, low motivation, difficulty functioning (at work, at home, or in relationships), decreased or increased appetite or weight, inability to think clearly or concentrate, suicidal thoughts or impulses, slower than normal body and facial movements, and body aches and pains.
Cognitive Issues
Lack of concentration is a common problem when you suffer from depression.
Sleep
Excessive sleepiness or restless sleep is another symptom common to depression.
Irritability
Another common symptom in depression is being easily irritable.
Suicidal
Daily or frequent suicidal thoughts are typical in people who suffering from depression.
Anxiety
Anxiety symptoms such as excessive crying or panic attacks are typical for people who suffer from depression.
How we are treating
depression with TMS?
TMS is a very effective treatment for depression. With just a few simple steps you can find out if you are a good candidate, what the cost will be, and what your treatment schedule would look like.
Step 1
Contact us and provide your history of depression treatments. We will interview you at no cost to see if you meet medical necessity criteria and obtain prior authorization from your insurance company.
Step 2
Come to our clinic for about 15 minutes for a 3 minute treatment five times per week, for six weeks. After each treatment session, you can return immediately to work or family life. No medication is used.
Step 3
Participate in our life skills classes, acupuncture or acupressure, and our biofeedback program sessions at no added cost. TMS works best as part of a comprehensive care package. Weekly psychotherapy with your own therapist is also strongly encouraged and typically leads to better outcomes.
Our experts
Doctors Profile
John l Fleming, MD. DLFAPA.
Medical Director of SCTMSC, LLC, John is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He has over 40 years’ experience treating depression and related conditions and is recognized as a leader in the psychiatric profession. Since 2011 he has been a certified Provider Trainer and TMS provider for three different TMS treatment systems. His experience base includes psychopharmacology of complex conditions. psychotherapy of individuals and couples and the medical aspects of psychiatric illness. He has annually been selected by his peers as one of America’s Best Doctors since 2005.
Melissa Hammock, M.A., M.Ed., LMFT
Services Director of SCTMSC, LLC, Melissa received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University and her master’s in special education from California State University, Los Angeles. Melissa is a Certified Life Coach and a member of the International Positive Psychology Association. Melissa is also a Certified TMS Provider.
Melissa has been in private practice in Colorado Springs since 1981, working with adults, adolescents, and couples. Melissa specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-based disorders. She has received training in EMDR, Cognitive Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Energy Therapies, Interpersonal Therapy and Accudetox. Melissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been involved with TMS treatment since 2011.
Joe Hammock, M.A., PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Director of SCTMSC, LLC and Certified TMS Provider since 2011, Joe is a licensed psychologist and member of the American Psychological Association. He is a graduate of Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, and additionally holds an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is certified by the International EMDR Association and is a Certified TMS Provider.In his thirty years of practice in Colorado, he has specialized in the treatment of trauma-based disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and dissociative disorders. He also has extensive experience in psychological evaluations, CBT, EMDR, forensic psychology, and is frequently consulted as an expert witness.
Mental Health Assessment
Do you believe that you suffer from depression or anxiety? Check out our online assessments for a quick online self-assessment to see if you suffer from a mental health related issue and to see if you qualify for treatment with TMS.
What the Patients Think
Cindy – 22
The Southern Colorado TMS Center is truly the most caring, compassionate mental health facility I have ever known. You always hear stories about why people have gone into the mental health field, but these folks truly live it. Everyone who works for SCTMSC (and I mean everyone), exudes warmth and empathy. They walk the walk. One of my family members utilized several of their services, and I got to witness firsthand how they deal with patients. I would highly recommend them to anyone suffering from depression, because they not only offer treatments but expect patients to participate fully in their recovery.
Pam – 25
Dear TMS staff, I want to express my thanks for all your sincere help while I went through a very difficult time. Every time I went to the center the staff was so kind and understanding. The educational classes in the evening were wonderful and I have learned so much about depression. I still look at the handouts you provided. I have gotten into meditation and continue to educate myself about depression and anxiety. If I watch “Friends” on the TV, I will always think of my experience at the Southern Colorado TMS Center!! Thank you for doing your job so well.
Barb – 46
All the staff at SCTMSC are very caring during all of the components of the TMS treatment. From dealing with insurance companies to adjusting one’s treatment time due to conflicts with your schedule; they are all wonderful. I would recommend TMS treatments to any person suffering MDD, as I have for many years. From my experience, TMS helped me far more than an anti-depression medication or CBT.
FB – 35
Dear TMS Team, I just wanted to say that 6 months after treatment, I am doing well. I have a new life and I am living it up. It is like being young again as I am finding my way again. I am so grateful to Dr. Fleming, Camice, Dawn and all the folks who helped me to get here! But especially to Dr Fleming.
Michelle – 37
Dear Dr. Hammock, I am so incredibly grateful and appreciative for all the time and attention you gave to my husband and me. Thank you, thank you for caring so much abut the individual person. I am also grateful that you took the time to help us separate out how we view ourselves in relation to our understanding of God’s love for us verses our symptoms of major depression; neither of us had realized or thought about that. That was incredibly insightful of you and so thoughtful of you to help us get to the root of it. Thank you for helping so many people. I can tell, that you and your team do a lot of good with very sincere hearts. It shines through unmistakably.
Jomaque C
I personally believe TMS should be the first line of treatment for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder – no medication changes and essentially no side effects! My treatment at Southern Colorado TMS Center is my second round of TMS therapy. The first round resolved my depressive symptoms for several years but when started feeling the depression come back, I knew exactly what to do. Southern Colorado TMS was able to get me scheduled quickly and started with therapy almost immediately. The staff worked on my behalf to have the treatment covered by insurance. I cannot speak highly enough about TMS therapy and Southern Colorado TMS. The therapy has improved my mood in just 8 weeks and the staff are top-notch! I felt welcome on each visit and appreciated the extra touches like a drink and snack after treatment. Southern Colorado TMS Staff – thank you so much for all your help!
Drug free solutions for optimized brain function
We focus on delivering real solutions for our patients. We know that patients can have real life-changing results through applying TMS.
Other Conditions
Depression in Bipolar Disease
TMS can effectively treat depression in patients with bipolar disease and reduce problems with antidepressant use.
Depression in Bipolar Disease
TMS can help by treating the “depressive phase of” bipolar disease with no medication.
Post Partum
depression
Many mothers can suffer depression as a result of hormonal changes during or after pregnancy. TMS can help treat this type of depression effectively.
Post Partum
depression
TMS effectively treats depression during and after pregnancy, without the use of medication.
Depression in
Adolescents
TMS can effectively treat depression in teens.
Depression in
Adolescents
As a teen goes through difficult changes in their adolescent years, they can experience serious depression. TMS can help teens who suffer from depression.