Living with depression and anxiety can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms linger despite trying therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes. These conditions can impact how you think, feel, sleep, and interact with the world around you. At Goolsby and Associates in Gainesville, Georgia, we understand that mental health struggles are deeply personal, and we believe everyone deserves access to care that offers real hope. One treatment option that has brought meaningful relief to many patients is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, commonly known as TMS therapy.
TMS is an advanced, noninvasive treatment that targets the areas of the brain involved in mood and emotional regulation. For individuals who have not found enough relief with traditional approaches, TMS can be a powerful next step toward feeling better and regaining control of daily life.
Understanding Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health conditions, yet they are often misunderstood. Depression is more than feeling sad, and anxiety is more than everyday stress. These conditions can impact concentration, motivation, sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels. Many people also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue. In the United States alone, depression diagnoses have risen significantly in 2024 and 2025, with over 47 million Americans reporting having received or are currently receiving treatment.
While therapy and medication are effective for many, some individuals continue to struggle even after trying multiple treatment options. This does not mean treatment has failed or that improvement is impossible. It simply means a different approach may be needed, one that works directly with how the brain functions.
What Is TMS Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression and certain anxiety disorders. These pulses help activate neural pathways involved in regulating mood and maintaining emotional balance.
TMS does not involve surgery, anesthesia, or medication. During treatment, a specialized coil is placed against the scalp, and magnetic pulses are delivered in a controlled and precise manner. The process is safe, well studied, and cleared by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder, with growing evidence supporting its benefits for anxiety symptoms as well.
How TMS Helps the Brain Heal
In people with depression and anxiety, certain regions of the brain may not communicate effectively. This can lead to persistent negative thoughts, emotional numbness, excessive worry, or difficulty experiencing joy. TMS works by encouraging healthier brain activity in these areas, helping the brain reconnect and function more efficiently.
Rather than masking symptoms, TMS supports the brain’s natural ability to regulate mood. Over time, this improved communication can lead to lasting symptom relief. Many patients report improved mood, clearer thinking, increased energy, and a greater ability to handle daily stressors.
Why TMS Is an Effective Treatment Option
One of the reasons TMS is such a valuable option is that it offers a non-medication-based approach. For individuals who experience side effects from antidepressants or prefer to avoid additional medications, TMS provides an alternative that works directly on the brain. Additionally, TMS can be used safely in conjunction with your current treatment protocols.
TMS is also highly targeted. Unlike medications that affect the entire body, TMS focuses on the specific brain regions associated with mood and anxiety. This precision contributes to its effectiveness and its favorable side effect profile. Most patients tolerate TMS well and can continue their normal routines during treatment.
Research shows that TMS can be especially helpful for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, meaning they have tried multiple medications without adequate improvement. Many patients who felt stuck or discouraged have found renewed hope through TMS therapy.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
At Goolsby and Associates, TMS therapy begins with a thorough evaluation to determine if it is the right fit for your needs. If TMS is recommended, a personalized treatment plan is created based on your symptoms and medical history.
Treatment sessions typically take place five days a week over several weeks. Each session at Goolsby and Associates typically lasts between 5 and 30 minutes. During the session, you will sit comfortably in a chair while the magnetic coil is positioned against your head. You remain awake and alert the entire time. We are also excited to offer Accelerated TMS (aTMS). This innovative approach consists of several sessions throughout the day, decreasing the duration of the standard TMS protocol.
There is no downtime after treatment, and most people return to work or daily activities right away. Some patients notice improvements within the first few weeks, while others experience more gradual changes. Every individual responds differently, and the care team closely monitors progress throughout the process.
TMS for Anxiety and Depression Together
Depression and anxiety often occur together, and TMS can be especially helpful in these cases. By improving brain function in areas responsible for emotional regulation, TMS can reduce both depressive symptoms and anxious thought patterns.
Many patients report feeling calmer, more emotionally balanced, and better able to manage stress. As mood improves, confidence and motivation often follow, making it easier to engage in therapy, relationships, and self-care.
Why Choose Goolsby and Associates in Gainesville
Choosing where to receive mental health care is an important decision. At Goolsby and Associates, patients receive compassionate, respectful, and individualized attention. Dr. Goolsby and the clinical team take time to understand each patient’s story and work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that feels right.
The practice is committed to providing evidence-based care in a supportive environment. Patients are never rushed and are encouraged to ask questions and share concerns. From the first consultation through each TMS session, the focus remains on safety, comfort, and meaningful progress.
As a trusted mental health provider in Gainesville, Georgia, Goolsby and Associates is proud to offer advanced treatment options, such as TMS, while maintaining a warm, patient-centered approach.
Finding Hope and Moving Forward
Living with depression or anxiety can make the future feel uncertain, but effective help is available. TMS therapy offers a science-backed option for individuals who are ready to explore a new and hopeful approach.
At Goolsby and Associates, we believe recovery is possible and that every patient deserves care that supports both healing and dignity. If depression or anxiety has kept you from living the life you want, TMS therapy may be an important step forward.
Reaching out for help takes courage, but you do not have to face this journey alone. With the right support and treatment, relief and renewed hope are within reach. If TMS sounds like a treatment option you would like to explore, please reach out to our office. We will begin with an initial consultation to discuss TMS with you and help you discern if TMS is right for you. Help is just a phone call away.