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Salubrio Health Care Launches Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment for Depression and Other Conditions

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 7:08 GMT by KRQE Blogs

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Salubrio Health Care Launches Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment for Depression and Other Conditions

Salubrio Health Care, a growing network of clinics across New Mexico, has added a cutting‑edge therapy to its mental‑health roster: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The new service is part of the hospital’s strategy to offer comprehensive, evidence‑based treatment for patients struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other neuro‑psychiatric disorders.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non‑invasive procedure that uses rapidly changing magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. When a coil is placed against the patient’s scalp, it delivers brief magnetic pulses that induce tiny electric currents in the underlying neural tissue. These currents can either excite or inhibit brain activity, depending on the frequency and pattern of the stimulation.

TMS is most commonly used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) that has not responded to medication or psychotherapy—a condition known as treatment‑resistant depression. The FDA approved the first TMS device in 2008, and subsequent studies have shown that the therapy can produce remission rates of 40‑50 % for patients who have tried at least two antidepressant medications without success.

In addition to depression, researchers are exploring TMS for anxiety disorders, obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD), post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and even some forms of epilepsy. The therapy’s minimal side‑effect profile—most common being mild scalp discomfort and headaches—makes it an attractive option for patients who prefer to avoid systemic medications.

Why Salubrio Chose TMS

Salubrio Health Care’s decision to add TMS to its suite of services is rooted in a broader commitment to “integrated, patient‑centered care.” According to a spokesperson for the health system, the move aligns with the growing demand in New Mexico for accessible, high‑quality mental‑health treatments.

“We see a lot of patients who have tried multiple medications and still feel hopeless,” the spokesperson said. “TMS provides a proven, drug‑free option that can be offered safely in a clinic setting.” The facility has partnered with a local university’s neuroscience department to ensure that the TMS protocol follows the latest research findings and best practices.

The addition also serves to address the state’s mental‑health workforce shortage. New Mexico has long faced a scarcity of psychiatrists and psychologists in rural areas. By offering TMS at multiple Salubrio sites—Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Farmington—the system hopes to bring cutting‑edge care closer to underserved communities.

How the TMS Program Works at Salubrio

The TMS program is fully integrated into Salubrio’s electronic health record (EHR), allowing clinicians to track treatment progress, side‑effects, and response rates in real time. Patients undergo a diagnostic evaluation that includes a detailed psychiatric interview, a baseline symptom questionnaire, and a brief neuropsychological test to rule out contraindications such as metallic implants or seizure history.

Once a patient is deemed eligible, the treatment schedule typically involves daily 20‑minute sessions, five days a week, for approximately four to six weeks. Each session is supervised by a licensed therapist or clinical nurse specialist trained in TMS operation. The patient sits in a reclined chair, with a magnetically shielded room to minimize external interference.

“Patients often describe the sensation as a gentle tapping on the scalp,” one therapist told the local news outlet. “Most report no pain, and it’s easy to continue daily activities between visits.”

After completing the initial course, patients may receive “maintenance” sessions—often monthly—to sustain remission. Salubrio offers a discounted maintenance plan for patients with prior TMS success, encouraging long‑term adherence.

Insurance Coverage and Cost

One of the main barriers to accessing TMS has historically been insurance reimbursement. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends that TMS be covered for treatment‑resistant depression, and many state Medicaid programs have begun to adopt that stance. In New Mexico, Medicaid covers TMS for patients who have documented failure of at least two antidepressants.

For those with private insurance, Salubrio’s billing team works directly with providers to submit prior authorization requests. The average cost of a full TMS course (20 sessions) is about $6,000–$8,000, but many plans cover up to 20 sessions without out‑of‑pocket expenses for eligible patients.

“Cost is a concern for many,” the spokesperson admitted, “but we’ve seen a significant drop in the number of patients citing financial reasons after we clarified the coverage options.” Salubrio also offers a sliding‑scale payment plan for uninsured patients, ensuring that the therapy is accessible to a broader demographic.

Success Stories

The article highlighted a few patient anecdotes to illustrate the program’s impact. One woman in her 40s, who had battled chronic depression for more than a decade, reported a dramatic improvement after just a few weeks of TMS. She said she was “finally able to smile again” and that the therapy had helped her return to work part‑time.

Another patient, a veteran suffering from PTSD, noted that TMS reduced his nightly nightmares and improved his overall mood. He added that the “non‑pharmaceutical” nature of the treatment made it easier for him to discuss mental health openly with his family.

While individual experiences vary, a review of the clinic’s internal data shows a remission rate of 47 % for depression patients and an improvement in anxiety scores for 35 % of participants—a figure consistent with national TMS outcomes.

Additional Resources and Links

Salubrio’s article includes several hyperlinks that provide further context:

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Overview – a concise fact sheet that explains how TMS works, its FDA approval status, and typical treatment protocols.
• American Psychiatric Association Guidelines – a PDF outlining the recommended criteria for TMS eligibility, including duration of depressive episodes and medication trials.
• New Mexico Medicaid Coverage for TMS – a page detailing the state’s specific coverage rules, prior authorization steps, and cost‑sharing information.
• Patient Testimonials – a collection of written and video stories from individuals who have undergone TMS at Salubrio or other facilities in the region.

By following these links, readers can verify the therapy’s evidence base, understand insurance nuances, and hear directly from patients about the real‑world benefits and challenges of TMS.

The Future of TMS at Salubrio

Looking ahead, Salubrio plans to expand its TMS offerings to include research‑grade protocols for OCD and chronic pain, leveraging its partnership with the university’s neuroscience lab. The health system is also exploring tele‑consultation models so that patients can receive follow‑up care without needing to travel for each session.

“In the next year, we anticipate offering TMS across all our primary care sites,” the spokesperson stated. “Our goal is to normalize this therapy as part of routine mental‑health care rather than a last‑resort option.”

For New Mexico residents facing the silent struggle of depression or other neuro‑psychiatric disorders, Salubrio’s new TMS program represents a hopeful, science‑backed path toward recovery—one that promises relief without the side‑effects associated with many psychotropic drugs. As the state continues to address mental‑health disparities, the addition of TMS is a step toward making advanced, personalized care a reality for more patients.