Medication and therapy haven’t fully worked against depression. That isn’t a personal failure; it’s often a sign the treatment needs to change. Placid Psychiatry offers TMS treatment in Fullerton, an FDA-approved, non-invasive, drug-free option designed for adults whose depression has not responded to standard treatment.
Every session is efficient and comfortable, administered by Jaehyun Cho, PA-C, a board-certified provider serving the local community with a focus on evidence-based treatment. Schedule your TMS consultation today and take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.
Here, treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Every patient who comes to us for depression care is met with a thorough evaluation, an honest conversation about what has and has not worked, and a plan built around their specific needs.
When medication alone hasn’t given you the results you need, we offer TMS therapy using EXOMIND, an FDA-cleared form of non-invasive brain stimulation that uses precise magnetic pulses to re-engage the brain’s mood centers, restoring balance without medication in sessions of just 30 minutes. Our goal is simple: we want patients to leave every visit feeling informed, respected, and confident in their care.
Getting insurance-approved TMS therapy is easier than you think. We work directly with most major insurance providers to verify your coverage and handle pre-authorization on your behalf. Reach out today, and we’ll check your benefits for free, with no obligation.
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to gently stimulate the areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. During each session, a treatment coil is positioned near the scalp, and short magnetic pulses pass painlessly through the skull to activate underactive neural circuits linked to depression. Over a course of sessions, this stimulation supports the brain’s natural ability to rebuild healthier patterns of activity, a process known as neuroplasticity. Patients typically resume normal activities immediately after each session.
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TMS is used for treating Major Depressive Disorder, including cases where anxiety symptoms are also present, for patients still searching for real relief. It requires no medication and no invasive procedures. TMS is especially helpful for adults who haven’t found relief, offering a different path to lifting mood and restoring emotional stability.
In patient reports, most people noticed real improvement within the first month of treatment: nearly 9 in 10 felt less depressed and calmer, and almost 3 in 4 reported feeling happier overall.
Each session begins with the treatment coil positioned comfortably near the scalp. Patients stay seated, awake, and relaxed, and can talk, listen to music, or rest during treatment. Most describe the sensation as a light tapping rather than pain.
Mild scalp discomfort or a brief headache are the most common side effects, usually in early sessions, and typically fade as treatment continues. There are no driving restrictions afterward, and most patients return to work or their normal routine the same day.
TMS is built for adults who’ve tried antidepressants without lasting results, or who want to avoid the side effects of long-term medication use. It’s equally effective for those simply seeking a non-medication option within their care plan. One consultation is all it takes to confirm candidacy. Jaehyun Cho reviews treatment history, current symptoms, and personal goals to determine if TMS is right for you.
Not intended for emergencies. If experiencing a crisis, please call 911.
EXOMIND uses ExoTMS, a technology built on decades of research into magnetic brain stimulation. Research shows it works as a safe, non-invasive treatment for depression, with no medication or surgery needed.
We use EXOMIND because patients consistently find it more comfortable than older TMS systems, making it easier to stay relaxed and complete the full course of treatment.
EXOMIND often requires fewer total sessions than traditional TMS, helping patients see meaningful improvement without a long, drawn-out treatment timeline.
With sessions under 30 minutes, patients can walk in, complete treatment, and get back to their day without disrupting work or family commitments.
Jaehyun Cho is a board-certified physician assistant with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry, bringing over ten years of clinical experience to our practice. He personally evaluates every TMS candidate and oversees each patient’s treatment plan from the first session through the last, adjusting the approach based on how each patient responds.
His background in general medicine and urgent care also allows him to identify medical factors that may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms alongside the psychiatric ones, before recommending TMS as part of a treatment plan.
When weighing TMS against medication, talk therapy alone, or older-generation TMS devices, patients want to know what actually sets EXOMIND apart. Here’s how the options compare:
| Feature | EXOMIND (TMS) | Antidepressants | Traditional TMS | Talk Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Non-Invasive |
Yes |
Yes (oral) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Drug-Free
|
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Session Time |
~30 minutes |
Daily dosing, ongoing |
50–60+ minutes |
50–60 minutes |
|
Common Side Effects |
Mild, temporary scalp discomfort |
Weight gain, fatigue, sexual side effects, withdrawal |
Similar to EXOMIND, often more pronounced |
None (not a medical procedure) |
|
Time to Notice Results |
Progressive over treatment course |
Weeks to months, inconsistent |
Progressive over treatment course |
Varies widely |
|
Daily Life Disruption |
Minimal, no downtime |
Ongoing management required |
Minimal, but longer sessions |
None |
TMS is one part of a broader care plan, not an isolated add-on. At our practice, TMS treatment is offered alongside medication management and other psychiatric services under one roof, so patients aren’t left coordinating care between separate providers.
Scheduling is kept simple, most patients can begin treatment shortly after their initial evaluation, and our team stays available throughout the course of care to answer questions.
Many patients who complete a course of TMS treatment report meaningful improvement in their mood, energy, and overall sense of well-being. Because TMS works gradually, by supporting the brain’s natural ability to rebuild healthier activity patterns, most patients notice changes progressively over the course of treatment rather than after a single session.
Have questions about our psychiatry services? We have answers.
Treatment plans are personalized, but most patients complete a full course over several weeks, with sessions lasting under 30 minutes. With EXOMIND, many patients need fewer total sessions than traditional TMS.
Yes. TMS treatment can often be used alongside medication or ongoing therapy as part of a broader treatment plan. Jaehyun Cho will review your current treatment history to determine the best combined approach.
Most patients describe a light tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment. It is not typically described as painful, and patients remain fully awake and alert throughout the session.
TMS is a well-studied treatment with a strong safety profile. Side effects tend to be mild and temporary, and Jaehyun Cho will monitor progress closely throughout the course of care.
Most patients begin noticing changes gradually over the course of treatment rather than immediately. Improvement typically builds session by session as the brain responds to consistent stimulation.
No. Most patients describe TMS as a mild tapping sensation on the scalp. There’s no anesthesia, no downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately after each session.
If depression has been holding you back and medication alone hasn’t been enough, TMS treatment may be the next right step. Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through the process, and help you decide if TMS is right for you. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward feeling better.
