GC Specialists Clinic

TMS - Patient Information

  • What Is TMS?

    Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - A Gentle, Effective Approach: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. It uses gentle magnetic pulses — similar to those used in an MRI — to stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood. There are no drugs, no anaesthesia, and no hospital stay required. When the magnetic pulses are delivered repetitively, its called Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).

    TMS is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and supported by a strong body of clinical evidence. It has been used worldwide for over two decades and is now covered by Medicare for eligible patients with treatment-resistant depression.

    During the session you will be seated in a comfortable recliner. A small device (magnetic coil) will be placed against your head, gently touching your scalp. The device makes a clicking noise during treatment and you will be given ear-muffs or plugs to reduce the noise. Each session takes around 20 to 40 minutes and you will be supported by our trained clinician throughout the session. There is no requirement for sedation. You can read listen to music, talk to the nurse or simply relax. You should be able to drive home afterwards and carry on with your day.

  • Who Can Benefit from rTMS?

    rTMS may be right for you if you have been living with depression that has not responded well to medication — sometimes called treatment-resistant depression.

    Conditions we treat with TMS include:

    • Major depressive disorder (MDD) — our primary focus
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)


    Medicare Eligibility

    Your Psychiatrist will determine your eligibility to receive rTMS but to receive Medicare funded rTMS services, you should

    • Be at least 18 years of age;
    • Be diagnosed with major depressive episode;
    • Failed to show satisfactory improvement despite an adequate trial of 2 different classes of antidepressants, unless contra indicated;
    • Have also undertaken psychological therapy unless inappropriate; and
    • Have not received rTMS treatment previously in either a public or private setting.

  • What to Expect?

    We make the entire rTMS journey clear and comfortable, from your first consultation to your final follow-up.

    Step 1: Initial Consultation

    You will meet with one of our psychiatrists for a comprehensive initial assessment that can take up to an hour. This will include a review of your current symptoms, mental health history and previous treatments to determine whether rTMS is the right option for you. 

    Step 2: Personalised Treatment Mapping

    Before your first treatment session, we map the precise area of your brain to target. This involves a brief, painless process using the rTMS device itself. Your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you — because no two brains are alike.

    Step 3: Treatment Sessions

    A typical course of rTMS involves daily sessions on weekdays over four to six weeks. Each session takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes. You will be comfortably seated the entire time — many patients listen to music or simply close their eyes and relax. There is no sedation and no downtime. You can return to work, study, or your daily routine immediately afterwards.

    Step 4: Progress Reviews and Follow-Up

    Throughout your treatment, we monitor your progress with regular check-ins and validated mood assessments. After completing your course, we schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your improvement is maintained and to discuss any next steps in your care.

  • What are the side effects?

    rTMS is very well tolerated. Importantly, rTMS does not cause the systemic side effects associated with many psychotropic medications. There is no memory impairment, no weight gain, no sexual dysfunction, and no withdrawal symptoms.

    • The most commonly reported side effects are mild scalp discomfort or a tapping/tingling sensation at the treatment site during stimulation. Transient headaches are typically mild and most common during the first few sessions. They usually resolve spontaneously as patients habituate to treatment.
    • Very rarely one may experience facial twitching or feel faint (syncope)
    • The most serious potential adverse event is the induction of seizure. This is extremely rare, occurring in fewer than 0.01% of treatment sessions. Comprehensive safety protocols are in place at all times
    • The other rare, but potentially serious adverse effect is that of inducing a manic or hypomanic episode. These episodes can occur, most commonly in patients with a pre-existing diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder. In clinical experience they appear less common / quite rare in patients receiving mood stabilising medication whilst undertaking rTMS (The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists)

  • Medicare and Fees

    We believe that effective mental health treatment should be accessible. That is why we offer rTMS under Medicare for eligible patients.

    If you meet the Medicare eligibility criteria for rTMS (Factsheet), your treatment sessions are bulk-billed — meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost to you for the rTMS sessions themselves. Your initial consultation and follow-up appointments however may attract a gap fee, which we will explain upfront before your first visit.

    Other Funding Options

    • DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) — accepted
    • WorkCover — accepted
    • Private health funds — coverage varies by insurer; please check with your insurer
    • Private / self-funded patients

  • Why Choose GC Specialist Clinic for TMS?

Specialist psychiatric expertise

Your TMS treatment is prescribed and supervised by Dr Shail Bethi and Dr Manisha Mishra, both Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP). We bring deep psychiatric knowledge to every treatment decision.

Whole-patient care

We do not just treat a diagnosis — we treat you. Our comprehensive psychiatric assessments ensure we understand the full picture of your mental health, so TMS fits within a holistic treatment plan.

Evidence-based and personalised

Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique brain and circumstances, guided by the latest research and clinical best practice.

Warm, supportive environment

From your first phone call to your final follow-up, our team treats you with respect, compassion, and genuine care. We know that seeking help takes courage, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Convenient Gold Coast location

Our clinic is located in the Robina/Mudgeeraba area, easily accessible from across the Gold Coast with ample parking.

Shorter wait times

We understand that when you are ready to try something new, waiting weeks or months can feel overwhelming. We work hard to see you as soon as possible.

  • Get Started

    You deserve to feel better. If depression has not responded to the treatments you have tried so far, rTMS may offer the relief you have been looking for.

    Taking the first step is simple. Ask your GP for a referral to GC Specialist Clinic for a TMS assessment, or contact us directly to learn more. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

    Download Our TMS Information Sheet

    Contact Us

    Phone: (07) 5636 6666

    Email: info@gcspecialists.com.au

    Address: HQ@Robina, Suite 51, Level 5, 58 Riverwalk Avenue, Robina QLD 4226

    Referrals: GP or psychiatrist referral accepted. Enquiries welcome.