Apollo TMS Therapy: How It Works and Who It Helps
When antidepressant medications don’t do enough, TMS is often the next conversation. A Journal of Affective Disorders study of 435 people with treatment-resistant depression, covered by U.S. Pharmacist in 2023, found that 31% responded and 23% reached remission. Apollo TMS therapy is one treatment option for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Here’s what to know before you ask about it.
What Is Apollo TMS Therapy and How Does It Work?
Apollo TMS therapy is a TMS treatment made by MAG & More in Germany. A magnetic coil rests against your scalp and creates a magnetic field. Each magnetic pulse reaches brain cells tied to mood regulation. You’re awake the whole time, and there’s no surgery or anesthesia.
Is Apollo TMS Therapy Effective for Depression?
Often, yes, though not for everyone. A review of studies through March 2025 found accelerated and standard TMS gave similar response and remission rates, and about 46.3% of patients were still responding at 12 months. Keep in mind those numbers cover TMS in general, not Apollo alone.
What Conditions Is Apollo TMS Therapy FDA-Cleared to Treat?
The Apollo TMS Therapy System received FDA clearance in 2018 for adults with major depression who hadn’t improved on antidepressant medications. Neurocare Group has since announced clearances for adolescent depression and for adjunctive treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. Worth knowing: the FDA clears these devices rather than granting FDA approval.
What Happens During an Apollo TMS Therapy Session?
Plan on roughly 19 to 37 minutes per visit, according to MAG & More. You sit back in a chair, awake, while the coil does its work. Treatment sessions usually run five days a week for four to six weeks, and you can get back to normal activities right afterward.
What Are the Apollo TMS Therapy Side Effects?
Apollo TMS therapy side effects are usually mild. The common side effects are a headache or some scalp discomfort, and both tend to fade after the first few sessions. Serious problems are extremely rare. Before you start, tell your provider about any metal near your head or any history of seizures.
How Much Does Apollo TMS Therapy Cost, and Does Insurance Cover It?
Without insurance, expect about $300 to $500 per TMS session, according to HealingMaps in 2026. Most major insurers cover TMS for the treatment of depression once medications have failed, usually after prior authorization. Scottsdale TMS lists $2,000 to $15,000 for a full course.
Asking About Apollo TMS Therapy in Scottsdale TMS
Scottsdale TMS sits at 7287 E Earll Drive, Suite 1, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, and offers TMS treatment for adults with depression and OCD. Sessions run about 20 minutes. The team handles prior authorization at no cost to you, and Medical Director Dr. Michael Vines brings more than 25 years of psychiatric practice. If Apollo is on your radar, ask which device and protocol would fit you.
Dr. Vines has practiced psychiatry in Arizona for for over 25 years and has experience working with diverse populations that include children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics, SMI patients, and the chemically dependent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to start TMS treatment in Scottsdale?
No. Scottsdale TMS doesn't require a referral, and same-day appointments are available. Walk-ins are welcome too, though a quick call to (480) 841-9279 helps the team get ready for you. Care is offered in English and Spanish for adults 18 and older.
What should I bring to my first TMS visit?
Photo ID, your insurance card or cards, and any medical records you have. Your first visit is a 60-minute evaluation. A licensed medical provider goes over your history and current symptoms with you, then recommends a treatment plan that fits.
Can TMS be combined with talk therapy?
Yes. Scottsdale TMS offers therapy-assisted TMS, which pairs talk therapy with the brain stimulation itself. Master's-level licensed counselors work in-house alongside the medical providers, so your care stays coordinated and you aren't juggling separate offices.
What if TMS does not work for me?
Other mental health treatments are available. Scottsdale TMS also offers Spravato, a prescription esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, given in supervised sessions once or twice a week. Providers can also adjust your plan through psychiatric medication management if TMS alone isn't enough.
Does Scottsdale TMS offer accelerated TMS?
Yes. Accelerated TMS protocols are on the clinic's list of services, designed for faster, more intensive treatment. Whether one suits you depends on your symptoms, your schedule, and your insurance coverage, so bring it up at your evaluation.
October 26, 2026