Major Depressive Disorder affects many patients seeking behavioral healthcare treatment. According to AltaPointe Health, a system serving 45,000 patients, research indicates that many patients do not achieve remission with first-line antidepressants and continue to struggle despite multiple treatments.
AltaPointe’s private practice branch, BayView Professional Associates, has introduced a BrainsWay Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation system to expand treatment options for patients with depression—especially those who have not responded to traditional therapies. The system is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain’s mood circuits. Unlike medication, which affects the entire body, this therapy targets specific brain regions and does not cause systemic side effects.
Clinical Efficacy and Treatment Details
Recent clinical studies show that about one in three patients who receive Deep TMS achieve complete remission—even after failing traditional therapies. Treatments are outpatient and typically last about 20 minutes per session over several weeks. The technology uses a specialized H-Coil design to provide deeper, broader stimulation of targeted brain structures. The treatment is generally well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort and no need for anesthesia or recovery time.
Access and Coverage
With Medicare and many private insurers covering TMS treatment for depression, providers report that the new machine increases access to evidence-based care. According to Dr. Sandra Parker, AltaPointe Health’s Chief Medical Officer, “Depression doesn’t always look the way people expect—it can be quiet, hidden, and carried behind a smile.” Dr. Parker emphasized that help is available and that “reaching out for support is a powerful first step toward hope and recovery.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/altapointe-health-now-providing-breakthrough-214600001.html