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Live Webinar

The Neuroscience of Change: Understanding TMS

Allison Duggan
Megha Chadha, MD
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Information

Date & Time

Description

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive neuromodulation treatment for major depressive disorder that uses focused magnetic pulses to modulate activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Despite more than fifteen years of clinical availability and a substantial evidence base, TMS remains underutilized — in large part because the clinicians and referral partners best positioned to identify appropriate candidates often have limited exposure to how it works, who benefits, and what the treatment course actually involves. This session provides a practical, non-technical introduction to TMS for a mixed behavioral health audience. Dr. Megha Chadha will review the neurobiological rationale for TMS in depression, walk through the patient experience from consultation to the standard treatment course, and summarize current efficacy and safety data, including response and remission rates in treatment-resistant populations. The presentation then turns to co-occurring presentations commonly seen in behavioral health settings: anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and substance use disorders, and examines what the evidence does and does not yet support for these populations. Attendees will leave able to recognize appropriate TMS candidates on their own caseloads, describe the treatment accurately to patients and families, and understand when and how to make a referral.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the mechanism of action of transcranial magnetic stimulation and the neurobiological rationale for targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the treatment of major depressive disorder.

  • Identify at least three clinical criteria that characterize an appropriate TMS candidate, including treatment-resistance thresholds.

  • List the primary contraindications and safety considerations that would exclude a patient from TMS.

  • Summarize current efficacy and safety evidence for TMS in treatment-resistant depression, including approximate response and remission rates and the most common adverse effects.

  • Explain the evidence base for TMS in patients with depression and co-occurring anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorders, and differentiate between FDA-cleared indications and off-label or emerging applications.

  • Apply knowledge of the TMS treatment course: session length, frequency, duration, and accelerated protocols, to accurately counsel patients and initiate a referral.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to increase behavioral health clinicians' and referral partners' working knowledge of transcranial magnetic stimulation as an evidence-based treatment option for patients who have not responded to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The goal is improved identification of appropriate TMS candidates and more accurate, confident patient education and referral within the continuum of care.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Dietitian
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Allison Duggan
Allison Duggan is a healthcare leader specializing in strategic partnerships, clinical outreach, and expanding access to innovative mental health care. At Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, she works to develop meaningful relationships across the behavioral health community, connecting providers, organizations, and patients with advanced treatment options such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). With a strong focus on collaboration and strategic growth, Allison is passionate about building partnerships that bridge gaps in care, strengthen the continuum of behavioral health services, and ultimately improve patient access and outcomes.
Megha Chadha, MD
Megha Chadha, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist in Austin, Texas, specializing in the treatment of mood disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, postpartum mental health conditions, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. She also specializes in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment option for individuals with depression who have not found relief with traditional treatments. Dr. Chadha graduated from medical school in India and completed her Psychiatry residency at Loyola University Medical Center in 2011.  Her career has taken her from Chicago to the Greater Seattle area, and in 2023 to the Austin Area. As an immigrant, Dr. Chadha has a unique understanding of the cultural and personal challenges that can impact mental health, particularly for immigrants and other marginalized communities. She strives to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and supported. Her goal is to build strong therapeutic partnerships and to develop personalized treatment plans that help each patient achieve lasting wellness. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, crocheting, solving puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. She also loves Austin’s cultural diversity, vibrant food scene, and outdoor lifestyle.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Discovery Behavioral Health