TMS therapy on the NHS: is treatment available?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation was approved by NICE in 2015. However, TMS treatment on the NHS is only available in selected areas according to strict criteria. To see if you can get TMS on the NHS, read our guide below, and also see how you can receive TMS therapy at one of our nationwide clinics.

Smart TMS welcome patients who are unable to get TMS therapy on the NHS.

We have nationwide clinics and ensure that your doctor and healthcare team are fully informed about your treatment, if you cannot get TMS on the NHS.

As Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is still relatively new to the UK, the TMS is not available on the NHS as standard.

Despite awareness of TMS therapy increasing, the number of local NHS Trusts providing treatment is still very small, which means that TMS is not available on the NHS in most areas.

Where the NHS do offer TMS treatment, the Trusts also have strict criteria that patients are required to meet before receiving treatment. This usually includes:

• Multiple unsuccessful courses of antidepressants and even ECT
• Patients must be living within the catchment area for the Trust
• Referral from your GP or psychiatrist

Even where patients meet these criteria, there is usually a long waiting list for TMS treatment on the NHS. It’s also worth noting that the NHS only offer TMS treatment for depression and/or anxiety, whereas we offer it for a range of conditions.

If your GP or psychiatrist isn’t aware of how TMS therapy can change the lives of patients with mental health conditions, our clinical team are happy to discuss the treatment and we can send further written documentation to them, too. We also have a special form for professional referrals including those referring TMS treatment from NHS doctors.