TMS THERAPY FOR
OCD
IN PROVO, UTAH
When medication and therapy haven't silenced the intrusive thoughts and compulsions, Deep TMS offers a breakthrough. FDA-approved specifically for OCD, it reaches the deeper brain structures that drive the obsessive-compulsive cycle — without pills or surgery.
2.5M
US adults affected
2018
FDA-approved for OCD
18min
Per session
0
Medication side effects
Understanding OCD
OCD is not about being "neat" — it's a neurological condition
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects approximately 2.5 million adults in the United States. It's not a personality quirk or a preference for cleanliness — OCD involves measurable dysfunction in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC).
When these circuits are hyperactive, your brain gets stuck in a loop: an intrusive thought triggers intense anxiety, and a compulsive behavior temporarily relieves it — only for the cycle to repeat, often hundreds of times per day. Traditional treatments like SSRIs and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy help many people, but roughly 40-60% of OCD patients don't achieve adequate relief from medication alone.
This is called treatment-resistant OCD — and Deep TMS was specifically FDA-approved to address it.
Common OCD Symptoms
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause significant distress
Compulsive rituals (hand-washing, checking, counting, arranging)
Contamination fears and excessive cleaning behaviors
Repeated checking of locks, stoves, or other items
Need for symmetry, order, or "just right" feelings
Mental rituals — counting, praying, or repeating words silently
Fear of harming yourself or others (despite no desire to)
Avoidance of situations that trigger obsessive thoughts
Deep TMS vs. Standard TMS
Why OCD requires a different kind of TMS
Standard TMS uses a figure-8 coil that stimulates the brain's surface — effective for depression, but OCD involves deeper brain structures that a figure-8 coil can't reach. Deep TMS uses BrainsWay's patented H7 coil, which generates broader magnetic fields that penetrate 3-4 cm below the skull, directly targeting the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex where OCD's compulsive loop originates.
Standard TMS (Figure-8 Coil)
- • Penetrates ~1.5 cm below the skull surface
- • Targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
- • FDA-approved for depression, not specifically for OCD
- • Focused, narrow stimulation pattern
- • Cannot reach the deeper brain structures involved in OCD
Deep TMS (BrainsWay H7 Coil)
- Penetrates 3-4 cm below the skull — reaching deeper structures
- Targets the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)
- FDA-approved specifically for OCD (August 2018)
- Broader, deeper magnetic field stimulation
- Directly addresses the neural circuits driving the OCD loop
How Deep TMS Works for OCD
Breaking the obsessive-compulsive loop at its source
Deep TMS delivers focused magnetic pulses deep into the brain's anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex — the regions where OCD's hyperactive circuits are stuck in a repetitive loop. By modulating activity in these areas, Deep TMS helps normalize the brain's error-detection and decision-making signals, reducing the intensity and frequency of obsessions and compulsions.
Deep Brain Stimulation
The H7 coil reaches the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex — the hyperactive regions responsible for OCD's obsessive loop — without surgery or implants.
Circuit Modulation
Repeated stimulation normalizes the overactive CSTC circuit, reducing the brain's false "danger" signals that drive intrusive thoughts and the urge to perform compulsive rituals.
Sustained Improvement
Deep TMS creates lasting neuroplastic changes that persist after treatment ends. Many patients report continued improvement in symptoms for months following their treatment course.
Treatment-Resistant OCD
Tried medication and therapy without relief? There's a new option.
Treatment-resistant OCD means your symptoms haven't adequately responded to first-line treatments — typically SSRIs (like fluoxetine or fluvoxamine) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. If you've tried multiple medications, endured difficult side effects, and still struggle with intrusive thoughts and compulsions, Deep TMS offers a fundamentally different approach.
Medication Limitations
- ✕ Only 40-60% of OCD patients respond adequately to SSRIs
- ✕ High doses required often cause significant side effects
- ✕ Takes 8-12 weeks to assess effectiveness — longer than for depression
- ✕ Symptoms often return if medication is discontinued
- ✕ Clomipramine can cause sedation, weight gain, and cardiac effects
Deep TMS Advantages
- Targets the specific brain circuits causing OCD symptoms
- No systemic side effects — stimulation stays in the brain
- Can be used alongside existing medications and ERP therapy
- FDA-approved specifically for OCD since 2018
- Improvement often continues after treatment course ends
Your Treatment Journey
What to expect during Deep TMS treatment for OCD
Free Consultation
We evaluate your OCD history, current treatments, and symptoms. We discuss how Deep TMS works for OCD specifically and verify your insurance coverage.
Personalized Setup
Your first session includes fitting the H7 coil helmet and calibrating stimulation intensity. We identify the precise treatment parameters for your brain.
Treatment Course
29 sessions over 6 weeks. Each session is approximately 18-20 minutes. You may be asked to engage in brief provocation exercises to activate OCD circuits during treatment, enhancing effectiveness.
Lasting Freedom
Most patients notice a reduction in intrusive thoughts and compulsive urges within the first few weeks. Improvements often continue after treatment ends. Maintenance sessions are available if needed.
FAQ
Common questions about Deep TMS for OCD
How is Deep TMS different from standard TMS for OCD?
Standard TMS uses a figure-8 coil that stimulates the outer surface of the brain (about 1.5 cm deep). Deep TMS uses BrainsWay's patented H7 coil, which reaches structures 3-4 cm beneath the skull — specifically the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. These deeper regions are directly involved in OCD's compulsive loop, making Deep TMS significantly more effective for OCD than standard TMS.
Is Deep TMS FDA-approved for OCD?
Yes. The FDA cleared BrainsWay's Deep TMS system with the H7 coil for OCD treatment in August 2018. This was based on a multicenter, sham-controlled clinical trial that showed significant improvement in OCD symptoms. RSLNT Wellness uses this same FDA-approved Deep TMS protocol.
How effective is Deep TMS for OCD?
In the pivotal clinical trial, approximately 1 in 3 patients achieved a meaningful response (at least a 30% reduction in symptoms), and many continued to improve after the treatment course ended. Real-world data suggests even higher response rates when combined with ongoing therapy. Most patients notice a reduction in the intensity and frequency of intrusive thoughts within the first few weeks.
How long does a Deep TMS treatment course for OCD take?
A standard Deep TMS course for OCD consists of 29 sessions over 6 weeks (5 sessions per week for the first 4 weeks, then sessions taper). Each session lasts approximately 18-20 minutes. During sessions, you may be asked to engage in brief exposure-related exercises to activate OCD circuits, which enhances treatment effectiveness.
Can I continue my OCD medications during Deep TMS?
Yes. Deep TMS can be used alongside SSRIs, clomipramine, and other OCD medications. Many patients find that Deep TMS enhances the effectiveness of their existing medication regimen. Some patients are eventually able to reduce their medications under their psychiatrist's guidance after completing treatment.
Does insurance cover Deep TMS for OCD?
Coverage for Deep TMS for OCD varies by insurance plan. Many major insurers are beginning to cover it, especially when previous treatments (medication and therapy) have been insufficient. We verify your specific coverage before starting treatment and work with you to maximize your benefits.
What does a Deep TMS session feel like?
You'll sit in a comfortable chair and wear a padded helmet containing the H7 coil. When the device activates, you'll feel a tapping sensation on your head. Some patients find it mildly uncomfortable at first, but most adjust within the first few sessions. You remain fully awake and alert throughout, and can drive yourself home and return to normal activities immediately after.
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Ready to break free from the OCD cycle?
Your free consultation is a confidential, no-pressure conversation about your OCD and whether Deep TMS is right for you.
1200 Towne Centre Blvd, STE 1120 — Provo, UT 84601