Introduction to TMS and Why It Matters
In 2026, mental health treatment is evolving rapidly, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) stands at the forefront of that transformation. For many people struggling with mood disorders, especially those who have not found relief from medications or therapy alone, TMS offers a scientifically validated, non-invasive treatment option that is reshaping how clinicians approach depression and other conditions. At Goolsby and Associates in Gainesville, GA, we are proud to offer accessible, evidence-based TMS therapy guided by the latest research, delivering hope and real results for patients.
What Is Standard TMS Therapy?
Standard TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted brain regions involved in mood regulation, most commonly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). During a TMS session, a magnetic coil is placed against the scalp, delivering brief magnetic pulses that gently increase neural activity in areas linked to depression. This stimulation encourages neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, healthier patterns of communication over time. Patients typically undergo daily sessions, five days a week, over a period of four to six weeks. The procedure is carried out in-office, requires no anesthesia, and does not produce the systemic side effects often associated with medications like weight gain, sedation, or sexual dysfunction. Research and expert consensus confirm that standard TMS is safe and effective, with a large body of evidence showing meaningful improvements in mood, even for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
How Standard TMS Works in Practice
At Goolsby and Associates, each TMS treatment begins with a thorough evaluation and individualized treatment planning. Sessions typically last between 5 and 30 minutes, during which patients remain awake and alert, and can resume their normal activities afterward. Most patients begin to notice improvements in mood, motivation, and sleep within the first weeks of treatment. The process is gentle, with the most common side effects being mild scalp discomfort or brief headaches that usually resolve quickly. Because standard TMS is FDA-cleared and widely studied, it remains the backbone of neuromodulation therapy offered in clinical settings.
Emerging Science
What’s Happening with Accelerated TMS (aTMS)?
As the field advances, researchers and clinicians continuously refine TMS protocols, and one of the most exciting developments is accelerated TMS, often referred to as aTMS. Traditional TMS requires one session per day over several weeks, but accelerated protocols aim to deliver multiple sessions per day over a shorter overall timeframe. The goal is to maintain or improve therapeutic benefits while reducing the time commitment and delivering relief more quickly, a meaningful advancement for anyone struggling with persistent depressive symptoms.Accelerated TMS involves two or more stimulation sessions each day over a condensed period, reducing the course of treatment. Research suggests that aTMS protocols can produce similar reductions in depressive symptoms to those achieved with standard TMS. The promising aspect of aTMS is not just that it works, but that it delivers results faster. By compressing the schedule, patients may experience symptom relief sooner, which can be especially beneficial for those with severe depression or acute distress. This has the potential to transform access to care, especially for busy adults or those who may struggle to attend daily sessions over multiple weeks.
What Research Says About aTMS
Although accelerated TMS is still an early area of study, multiple investigations support its safety and effectiveness. aTMS protocols have been found to be well-tolerated, with similar side effects to those of standard TMS and no increase in serious adverse events in most studies. Common side effects, such as mild headaches and scalp discomfort, are typically brief and manageable.Research has also shown that accelerated protocols can significantly reduce depressive symptom severity and achieve similar remission rates to standard treatment. In some pilot trials, accelerated schedules led to improvements in depression scores that were comparable to what would be expected from the longer weekly courses. Studies continue to refine the best way to deliver aTMS, including determining the optimal number of sessions per day, the spacing between sessions, and the total number of treatment days required to maximize benefits.
Why This Matters for Patients at Goolsby
At Goolsby and Associates, we are committed to bringing cutting-edge mental health care to our community, balancing innovation with trusted, evidence-based practice. Standard TMS remains a cornerstone of our mental health offerings, providing transformative improvement in mood and quality of life for many patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. We stay closely attuned to emerging research on accelerated protocols and other refinements so that our patients can benefit from the latest science as it becomes validated and available.
For patients seeking treatment in 2026, this means access to high-quality TMS care that is grounded in research, personalized to individual needs, and delivered with compassion every step of the way. Whether someone chooses standard TMS or explores accelerated approaches in collaboration with our clinical team, the focus is always on lasting relief, real improvement, and trusted support.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds
The future of mental health treatment is bright. In 2026, TMS stands not only as a powerful option for depression but also as a platform for ongoing innovation in neuromodulation. Standard treatment protocols will continue to help thousands find relief, while accelerated approaches are paving the way for faster and more flexible care. As research grows and protocols are refined, patients at centers like Goolsby and Associates will benefit from advancements that improve both outcomes and convenience.
Mental health care is evolving, and with TMS therapy leading the way, more people will have access to safe, scientifically validated treatments that bring real hope and lasting improvement to their lives.