Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has arrived in Humboldt County, offering a non-invasive treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The therapy, approved by the FDA, is now available at two local providers, reducing the need for patients to travel hundreds of miles for care.
The arrival of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Humboldt County marks a significant shift in mental health care for residents struggling with treatment-resistant depression. For years, patients like Mariel Bosserman, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Humboldt Counseling Connection (HCC), faced logistical hurdles in accessing the therapy, which requires 30 sessions over seven weeks. It was just impossible because of the logistics,
Bosserman said, citing the need for extended time off work and lodging costs that insurance often didn’t cover. Now, with two local providers offering TMS, patients can receive treatment without leaving the area.
How TMS Works and Its Growing Role in Depression Treatment
TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, targeting areas associated with mood regulation. The procedure, approved by the FDA for major depressive disorder, anxious depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, involves placing a coil on the scalp and delivering short pulses to specific brain regions. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which often require trial and error with multiple medications, TMS offers a non-invasive alternative. I’ve seen people that have tried like 10 medications in the same class and there’s really no data supporting the efficacy for that,
Bosserman said. Having another treatment that’s non-invasive is really, really powerful.
The technology, first invented in 1985, has evolved into a standardized treatment. At HCC, the process begins with a brain scan to map the target area, followed by precise coil placement. It’s not entirely understood why it works, but the procedure is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder,
a source reported. The treatment’s effectiveness is tied to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Dr. Garrett Spradley, a psychiatrist and director of UToledo Health’s TMS program, explained that each treatment gives the area a series of magnetic pulses. Over many treatments, we’re trying to strengthen the brain networks that help regulate mood, motivation and negative thinking.
Patient Experiences: From Struggle to Relief
Avery Roach, a 20-year-old nursing student from Oregon, Ohio, exemplifies the impact of TMS. After years of trying medications without lasting relief, Roach underwent the therapy at UToledo Health. I’m actually not taking any antidepressants now,
she said. Right now, I only take one medication, Adderall. Before, there were times I was on three or four medications.
Roach’s experience aligns with clinical data: of the six patients who completed the full course at UToledo Health, all showed meaningful improvement, with two achieving full remission. My overall outlook on life is better. I feel happier, I feel I can look forward to things,
she added.
At HCC, the first 16 patients began treatment in August, with staff emphasizing the importance of addressing local mental health gaps. Our mental health system is not quite as robust as it is in some other areas,
Bosserman said. By adding an option for TMS referrals, we’re really kind of bringing our county up to par with [better-resourced areas].
The therapy’s accessibility is particularly critical in regions like Humboldt County, where mental health resources are limited. We want to not just throw resources at something, but think very intentionally about how we’re meeting the needs of our community,
said Joselyn Legacy, director of operations at HCC.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite its promise, TMS is not a universal solution. Studies show that about 30% of patients respond to their first antidepressant, with response rates dropping for subsequent medications. TMS, however, has a higher success rate for treatment-resistant cases, with half of patients experiencing a clinically meaningful response. Still, the therapy requires commitment: the six-week regimen and potential maintenance treatments can be daunting for some.
The arrival of TMS in Humboldt County reflects a broader trend in mental health care: the push for non-invasive, targeted therapies. As providers refine protocols and expand access, the hope is that more patients will find relief without the barriers of cost, travel, or side effects. For now, the therapy stands as a beacon of possibility for those who have exhausted other options.
