Brain Treatment Center of Dallas

Dr. Spencer Miller MD

veteran with family

rTMS Treatment for Military and Veterans

FDA-cleared, non-invasive, drug-free therapy for depression and related conditions.

TRICARE may cover rTMS for depression when medical criteria are met.

check your tricare coverage

Depression After Military Service Is More Common Than You Think

Transitioning to civilian life—or continuing to serve while managing chronic stress—can take a serious toll on mental health. Many active-duty service members, veterans, and military families experience depression that doesn’t fully respond to medication or therapy alone.

For some, symptoms persist despite trying multiple antidepressants. For others, side effects make medications hard to tolerate. When depression continues to interfere with daily life, work, relationships, or sleep, it may be time to consider another option.

What Is rTMS?

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-cleared treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, including treatment-resistant depression.

rTMS uses gentle magnetic pulses applied to specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. These pulses help stimulate underactive neural pathways associated with depression — without medication, anesthesia, or surgery.

Key points:

  • Non-invasive
  • Drug-free
  • Performed while awake
  • No systemic side effects like weight gain or sedation

rTMS has been studied extensively and is now considered a standard treatment option when depression does not adequately respond to antidepressants.

Why rTMS May Be a Good Fit for Military-Affiliated Patients

Many military and veteran patients prefer treatments that:

  • Do not rely on long-term medications
  • Avoid cognitive dulling or emotional blunting
  • Allow them to stay alert and functional
  • Are backed by strong clinical research

rTMS meets these needs and has been successfully used in both civilian and military populations with depression.

We provide rTMS treatment on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to continue work and daily responsibilities throughout care.

Humana/Tricare logo

TRICARE Coverage for rTMS

rTMS is FDA-cleared for depression, and TRICARE may cover treatment when specific medical criteria are met.

At this time, TRICARE is the primary insurance plan we work with for rTMS treatment.

Coverage typically requires:

  • A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
  • Inadequate response to at least two antidepressant medications
  • No medical contraindications to rTMS

Coverage is not guaranteed, but our team has experience working with TRICARE beneficiaries and understands the authorization process.

How We Help You Navigate Next Steps

Our New Patient Coordinator can help you by:

  • Reviewing eligibility requirements
  • Explaining TRICARE authorization steps
  • Answering questions about treatment and scheduling
  • Helping you decide whether rTMS is worth exploring

There is no pressure and no obligation to proceed.

What to Expect From rTMS Treatment

  • Sessions are typically Monday through Friday
  • Each visit lasts about 30–45 minutes
  • You remain fully awake and alert
  • Most patients drive themselves to and from appointments
  • A full course of treatment usually lasts 4–6 weeks

Some patients begin noticing improvements in mood, sleep, or energy within the first few weeks, though response varies.

Talk With Someone Who Can Help

If you’re active duty, a veteran, or a family member struggling with depression, and medications haven’t been enough, rTMS may be worth discussing.

Call our New Patient Coordinator:

(214) 225-1657

Or fill out the form below to request more information.

Tricare Contact Form

  • If you meet the above criteria, please provide us with more information so that we may contact you.

  • Absolute Contraindications

    Absolute contraindications for cortical TMS and MeRT treatment: Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Vagal Nerve Stimulator, VP Shunt/ Magnetic intracranial shunts, Deep Brain Stimulator, Epidural Cortical stimulator, Steel shunts/stents, Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel, excluding titanium), Cochlear implant, Aneurysm clips, coils, pipelines flow diversion, Pregnant or breastfeeding, Primary brain cancer / metastatic legions in brain (unless palliative care), Magnetic dental implants, Implanted cardio-verter defibrillators (ICD), Ocular implants, Suicide attempts.

  • Relative Contraindications

    Relative contraindications: These require closer protocol attention and may or may not disqualify someone from receiving cortical TMS or MeRT treatment, depending on the doctor’s discretion and the person’s individual condition. These include: History of Seizure or seizure disorder, Titanium shunts/stents, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Hearing aids, Ferrous cortical implants, Magnetic ink tattoo, Bipolar Disorder Type I/II, Baha Implant, Suicide ideation.