Accelerated TMS for PTSD

Off-label 4-day theta-burst protocol targeting trauma-related symptoms. 40 sessions in 4 days. San Antonio & Houston.

What It Targets

Our PTSD protocol delivers theta-burst TMS to brain regions involved in emotional regulation and threat response. Patients with PTSD often report improvements in sleep, hyperarousal, and intrusive symptoms following accelerated stimulation.

The Protocol

Day — Screening & Setup: Psychiatric evaluation, trauma history review, and motor threshold mapping
Days 1–4 — Treatment: Approximately 10 short theta-burst sessions per day with 50-minute spacing
Week 1 Follow-Up: Symptom check-in and optional qEEG re-scan
Month 1 Follow-Up: Final evaluation and optional qEEG re-scan

What to Expect

Some patients notice improvements in sleep quality and reduced hyperarousal within the first few days. Other symptoms — such as intrusive thoughts or emotional numbing — may take longer to shift. Outcomes vary significantly between individuals. Many patients pair the protocol with ongoing trauma-focused psychotherapy for best results.

Important: Eligibility and likelihood of benefit are determined after a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Patients with implanted metal devices, seizure disorders, or active substance use may not be eligible. TMS is not a substitute for trauma-focused psychotherapy or evidence-based PTSD treatments.

Pricing

$3,500

40 sessions over 4 days • all-inclusive • cash-pay

Combined PTSD + MDD dual-target protocol available at $5,000 (80 sessions, 4 days)

Book Your Screening

The Science Behind TMS for PTSD

PTSD involves dysregulation of brain networks that govern fear processing, threat detection, and emotional control — most prominently the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala, and their connections. TMS targets cortical regions that modulate this circuitry. While TMS for PTSD remains an off-label use, a growing body of randomized and accelerated-protocol research supports its therapeutic potential.

rTMS effect on PTSD symptoms

Meta-analyses of rTMS for PTSD

Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials suggest rTMS produces moderate-to-large reductions in PTSD symptom severity (e.g., on PCL-5 or CAPS) compared with sham, with effects often persisting beyond the active treatment period.¹

Combat-related PTSD

Veterans and active-duty populations

A double-blind sham-controlled trial in veterans with combat-related PTSD found that 5 Hz rTMS to the right DLPFC produced significantly greater symptom reduction than sham over 4–6 weeks of treatment.²

Accelerated protocols for PTSD

Compressed-schedule iTBS

Pilot and feasibility studies of accelerated iTBS for PTSD — delivering multiple sessions per day over a few days — have demonstrated favorable tolerability and meaningful symptom reductions, though larger randomized trials are needed.³ Our 4-day, 40-session protocol applies the same compressed-schedule logic adapted from accelerated depression research.

Combined PTSD + depression

Targeting comorbidity

PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder co-occur in roughly half of patients with PTSD. Trials have explored whether TMS protocols designed for depression also reduce PTSD symptoms in this comorbid population, with promising results.⁴ Our dual PTSD + MDD protocol (80 sessions, $5,000) was created with this comorbidity in mind.

References

Belsher BE, Beech EH, Reddy MK, et al. Advances in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric Research. 2021;138:598-606. PubMed: 33990024
Kozel FA, Motes MA, Didehbani N, et al. Repetitive TMS to augment cognitive processing therapy in combat veterans of recent conflicts with PTSD: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2018;229:506-514. PubMed: 29351885
Philip NS, Barredo J, Aiken E, et al. Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2019;176(11):939-948. PubMed: 31230462
Petrosino NJ, Cosmo C, Berlow YA, Zandvakili A, van 't Wout-Frank M, Philip NS. Transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2021;11:20451253211049921. PubMed: 34733479

References are provided for educational purposes. Citation does not constitute endorsement by the cited authors. TMS for PTSD remains an off-label use; individual treatment outcomes may differ from published trial results. Always consult a board-certified psychiatrist before pursuing any treatment.

PTSD FAQ

Is TMS FDA-cleared for PTSD?

No. TMS is not separately FDA-cleared for PTSD. Use of TMS for PTSD is considered off-label, which is legal and a recognized part of clinical practice but has not been evaluated by the FDA for this specific indication.

Should I continue therapy alongside TMS?

Most patients benefit from combining TMS with trauma-focused psychotherapy (such as EMDR, CPT, or PE). TMS may make therapy work feel more accessible by reducing baseline hyperarousal, but it does not replace evidence-based trauma psychotherapy.

What about combined PTSD and depression?

For patients with both PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, we offer a dual-target protocol of 80 sessions over 4 days for $5,000 that addresses both conditions in a single treatment course.

Where is treatment delivered?

At either of our two Texas clinics: San Antonio (7800 I-10 Suite 624) or Houston (6105 Beverly Hill Suite 101). You select your preferred location during booking.

Ready to Begin?

Start with a free 10-minute screening with a board-certified psychiatrist.