Finding the best treatment for depression in Sacramento can be a confusing process. There are a lot of Sacramento psychologists and Sacramento therapists with different degrees and treatment philosophies. One of the questions I ask patients when I am evaluating them for TMS is “What kind of psychological treatments have you had for depression?” Although many patients have worked with a Sacramento psychologist for a number of years many are not aware of the type of treatment they are receiving or if it has been studied for the treatment of depression.

Most patients, if they have been working with their Sacramento psychologist for a number of years, will report that they “like” their therapist and that the therapist “helps” them. Beyond these responses many patients remain somewhat uninformed about what the approach is and the scientific basis supporting the treatment. Not to minimize the importance of the relationship between the therapist and patient, but other therapy factors are important as well when considering a Sacramento psychologist to treat depression.

In the next few posts, I will review the types of psychological therapies that have been studied for depression. Additionally, there are common factors that each of these specialized psychological treatments share that seem to be instrumental in their effectiveness for depression.

Neuronetics (device maker for the Neurostar TMS Therapy system) announced several important gains in insurance coverage for TMS in the last month. These are case by case coverage decisions that have gone in TMS’s favor in the last month. Although TMS is FDA approved it can 2-3 years for new treatments to get written into insurance policies.

• Aetna: 2 (no appeals)
• Medicare IL: 1 (first win here)
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield of RI: 1
• United Secure Horizon: 1
• United Behavioral Health: 1
• Oxford Healthcare: 1
• Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield: 1 (first win here)
• Cigna: 1 (first win here without appeal)
• Nevada Victim: 1
• MHN Pilot Program: 3
• QualCare: 3

These wins add to the growing list of patients who have successfuly appealed to their insurance companies for TMS coverage. To date over 44 insurance plans have covered TMS on a case by case basis. Typically patients pay for TMS up front and then once the claim is denied, they work with Neuronetics Care Connection program and their TMS physician to appeal the insurance denials. Although the process can take months, the Care Connection Program has successfully secured insurance reimbursement in approximately 75% of cases that have gone to external appeal.

Many Sacramento psychiatrists and Sacramento psychologists have asked about the limited access that patients have to TMS. Sacramento psychiatrists and Sacramento psychologists are frustrated that TMS is not more universally covered for major depression. Increased insurance coverage for TMS provides new hope for Sacramento patients who are suffering from treatment resistant depression.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was named as one of the “Top 10 Breakthrough Innovations of 2009” by CNN. This exciting new therapy treats individuals with clinical depression who have seen no reprieve from conventional antidepressant medications and other treatments. The procedure is safe, noninvasive and FDA-cleared approved, which is perhaps why everyone is talking about it. Before you decide to come in for the 40-minute sessions five times per week for 4-6 weeks, you will need to find a Sacramento psychiatrist who knows all about the pros and cons of this treatment and who is willing to work with you to determine whether this is an ideal solution for your condition particular situation.

You can find more than one Sacramento psychiatrist specializing in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy at the Sacramento TMS division of Mindful Health Solutions. Since TMS is so newly available, there is only one Neurostar TMS device in all of Sacramento, with the next nearest device located in Berkeley. It’s not unusual to hear about people driving for hours just to reach a treatment center.

Here you may speak with Richard A. Bermudes, M.D., an associated physician who earned his medical degree from the University of California – San Diego and completed his residency training at the University of Cincinnati. He has completed his fellowship in cognitive therapy and cognitive therapy supervision at The Academy of Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia. He is certified by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. Dr. Bermudes is more than just a Sacramento psychiatrist: he is a doctor you can trust.