FAQs

What is TMS of Westchester and what services do you offer?

TMS of Westchester is a leading psychiatric practice in Mt Kisco, NY specializing in advanced mental health care. We have been serving the Westchester community since 1996 and were the first practice in Lower Westchester to offer TMS Therapy. Our services include TMS Therapy, MeRT, Accelerated TMS, One-D TMS, TMS for Chronic Pain, Spravato (esketamine) and genetic testing, medication management, and psychotherapy for a wide range of mental health conditions.

What mental health conditions do you treat?

We treat a broad spectrum of mental health conditions including depression (including treatment-resistant depression), anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, OCD, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, phobias, conduct disorders, and more. Visit our Additional Expertise page for a full list, or call us at (914) 241-0758 to discuss your specific situation.

What is TMS Therapy and how does it work?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses precisely targeted magnetic pulses — similar in intensity to those used in MRI machines — to stimulate underactive areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. It is performed in our Mt Kisco office without sedation or anesthesia, requires no downtime, and patients can resume normal daily activities immediately after each session. TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and OCD. Learn more on our TMS Therapy page.

Who is a good candidate for TMS Therapy?

TMS Therapy is most commonly recommended for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved adequate relief from at least one antidepressant medication, or who cannot tolerate medication side effects. It is also FDA-cleared as an adjunct treatment for OCD. TMS has shown promise for anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and other conditions. Our team will determine your candidacy during a comprehensive evaluation.

What is the difference between TMS Therapy, Accelerated TMS, and One-D TMS?

All three use the same core magnetic stimulation technology, but differ in schedule and intensity. Standard TMS Therapy involves one session per day, five days per week for approximately six weeks. Accelerated TMS (the FDA-approved SAINT protocol) compresses the full course into five days with 8–10 sessions per day. One-D TMS is our most advanced option — delivering a complete TMS protocol in a single structured day. Our team will help you determine which schedule is best suited to your needs and lifestyle.

What is MeRT and how is it different from standard TMS?

MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) combines rTMS with qEEG (brain wave mapping) and EKG data to build a completely individualized treatment protocol based on each patient’s unique neural signature. Standard TMS uses a fixed protocol for all patients; MeRT is calibrated specifically to your brain’s own natural frequency. This makes it especially effective for complex conditions like PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant depression. We offer MeRT for patients of all ages, including children as young as 3.

Is TMS Therapy covered by insurance?

Many major commercial insurance plans and Medicare now cover TMS Therapy for qualifying patients with depression. At TMS of Westchester, we handle insurance verification and authorization on your behalf — you do not need to navigate this process alone. Simply ask our staff and we will confirm your eligibility and benefits before treatment begins. Call (914) 241-0758 for assistance with your specific plan.

Does TMS Therapy have side effects?

TMS Therapy has a very favorable side effect profile compared to antidepressant medications. It does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, or sedation because it is non-systemic — it targets only the brain, not the whole body. The most commonly reported side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache during the first week of treatment, which typically diminish significantly as treatment continues. TMS does not cause memory loss or cognitive impairment.

How many TMS sessions will I need?

A standard TMS course involves approximately 30 sessions delivered over six weeks — five sessions per week. Each session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes. Patients who choose Accelerated TMS complete the equivalent number of sessions in just five days. One-D TMS patients complete their full protocol in a single day. Your specific treatment plan will be determined during your initial consultation at TMS of Westchester.

What is Spravato (esketamine) and who is it for?

Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray treatment for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. It is derived from ketamine and works through the NMDA receptor system — a completely different mechanism than traditional antidepressants — allowing it to produce relief significantly faster, often within hours to days. Spravato is administered in our Mt Kisco office under clinical supervision. It may be covered by insurance for qualifying patients. Learn more on our Additional Treatments page.

What is pharmacogenomic (genetic) testing and do I need it?

Pharmacogenomic testing analyzes your genetic makeup to determine how your body metabolizes specific psychiatric medications. This allows our team to make more informed prescribing decisions, reduce the time spent on trial-and-error medication adjustments, and minimize the risk of adverse reactions. It is particularly valuable for patients who have had poor responses to multiple medications in the past. Ask our team at TMS of Westchester whether genetic testing makes sense as part of your care plan.

Do I need a referral to become a patient at TMS of Westchester?

In most cases, no referral is required. You can contact us directly at (914) 241-0758 or request an appointment through our New Patients page. We recommend checking with your insurance provider, as some plans may have referral requirements for psychiatric care. Our staff is happy to help you navigate any insurance-related questions.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your first visit at TMS of Westchester will include a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation conducted by one of our experienced psychiatrists. We assess physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, and social factors to build a complete and accurate picture of your mental health. After the evaluation, we will review your results with you in detail, answer your questions, and collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan. Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any prior mental health records if available. Learn more on our New Patients page.

Does TMS of Westchester treat children?

Yes. Through our MeRT program, we treat children as young as 3 years old. MeRT has demonstrated meaningful improvements for children with autism spectrum disorder, including better eye contact, focus, communication, and social engagement. Our team is experienced in working with pediatric patients and tailors all evaluation and treatment approaches to each child’s developmental stage and individual needs.

Can TMS or MeRT be combined with medication or therapy?

Absolutely. TMS, MeRT, and Spravato can all be used alongside medication management and psychotherapy as part of a comprehensive, integrated treatment plan. In many cases, combining treatment modalities produces better outcomes than any single approach alone. Our team at TMS of Westchester will evaluate your full clinical picture and recommend the combination of treatments most likely to deliver the best results for you.

What happens if the treatment I start with does not work?

Not every treatment works for every patient on the first attempt — and at TMS of Westchester, we expect and prepare for this. If your initial treatment approach does not produce adequate results, our team will conduct a thorough review of your progress and recommend alternative options. With our extensive range of therapies — including Accelerated TMS, One-D TMS, MeRT, Spravato, and genetic-guided medication adjustments — we have more options to offer than almost any other practice in the region.

How long has TMS of Westchester been treating patients?

TMS of Westchester has been serving the mental health needs of Mt Kisco, NY and the greater Westchester community since 1996 — nearly three decades. Under the leadership of Medical Director Lorraine Innes, MD, we were the first practice in Lower Westchester to introduce TMS Therapy and have since delivered over 20,000 treatments. Our longevity, outcomes, and reputation reflect a sustained commitment to clinical excellence and genuine patient care.

Where is TMS of Westchester located and what areas do you serve?

TMS of Westchester is located at 280 N Bedford Rd Suite 304, Mt Kisco, NY 10549. We serve patients throughout Westchester County, the greater New York metropolitan area, and also welcome out-of-state and international patients who travel to our practice for our specialized TMS and MeRT expertise. Call (914) 241-0758 or visit our Contact page for directions and additional location information.

How do I schedule an appointment at TMS of Westchester?

Scheduling is easy. You can call us directly at (914) 241-0758, use the online appointment request form on our New Patients page, or visit our Contact page to send us a message. Our team will respond promptly and guide you through the next steps to get your evaluation scheduled at a time that works for you.