Consultation
Dr. Bayliss performs a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, reviews your treatment history, and determines the optimal TMS protocol for your condition.
Exomind TMS Therapy in Augusta, GA
FDA-Cleared Brain Stimulation
Treatment Time:Under 30 minutes per session
Sessions:6 treatments over 1-3 weeks
Recovery:Zero downtime
Results:Improvement in as few as 6 sessions
FDA Status:FDA-cleared for depression
Anesthesia:None required
The Challenge
When Traditional Treatments Fall Short
Understanding Treatment Resistance
Living with treatment-resistant depression or OCD can feel isolating and exhausting. You may have tried multiple medications, each with its own set of side effects, only to find that your symptoms persist. Many patients in Augusta and the surrounding communities of Evans, Martinez, and North Augusta experience this frustrating cycle. The emotional toll of ineffective treatments can erode hope and make daily life feel overwhelming, affecting your relationships, career, and overall well-being.
Exomind TMS therapy at Ivy Collaborative Healthcare offers a fundamentally different approach. Instead of altering brain chemistry through medication, BTL's patented ExoTMS technology uses targeted magnetic pulses to directly stimulate the brain regions responsible for mood regulation and emotional processing. This FDA-cleared treatment requires no sedation, no medication, and no recovery time. In as few as six sessions, patients experience measurable improvements in depressive symptoms and regain a sense of control over their mental health.
Understanding Your Treatment
What Is Exomind TMS Therapy?
Patented ExoTMS Brain Stimulation
Exomind is an advanced transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device manufactured by BTL that uses patented ExoTMS technology to treat major depressive disorder. FDA-cleared for depression, Exomind delivers focused magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region critically involved in mood regulation, emotional processing, and cognitive function. Unlike traditional antidepressant medications that alter brain chemistry systemically, Exomind targets the specific neural circuits where dysfunction occurs.
During each session, the Exomind device generates precisely calibrated magnetic fields at a frequency of 12 to 18 Hz that penetrate the skull painlessly and stimulate neurons in the prefrontal cortex. This process, known as neuroplasticity enhancement, strengthens the connections between neurons and restores healthy patterns of brain activity. The result is improved communication within the neural networks that govern mood, motivation, and emotional resilience. Patients remain fully awake and comfortable throughout the treatment, experiencing only a gentle tapping or mild tingling sensation on the scalp.
Treatment Timeline
Treatment Time
Under 30 minutes per session
Protocol
6 treatments over 1-3 weeks
First Signs
Improvement noted within initial sessions
Recovery
Zero downtime — resume activities immediately
A New Approach to Depression Treatment with Exomind TMS in Augusta, GA
Watch the video below to learn how Exomind TMS therapy uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain regions responsible for mood regulation, offering a drug-free, non-invasive path forward for patients with treatment-resistant depression and OCD. With results in as few as six sessions and zero downtime, Exomind TMS provides an alternative when medication and therapy alone are not enough. Contact Ivy Collaborative Healthcare to find out if TMS is right for you.
Treatment Advantages
Benefits of Exomind TMS
Why Patients Choose TMS
- 01
Non-Invasive Treatment
No surgery, no anesthesia, and no sedation required during any session
- 02
Drug-Free Approach
Treats depression without adding medications or their systemic side effects
- 03
Rapid Protocol
Results achieved in as few as 6 treatments, each lasting under 30 minutes
- 04
Zero Downtime
Return to work, driving, and daily activities immediately after every session
- 05
Clinically Proven
Backed by decades of TMS research with response rates of 50-60% for treatment-resistant depression
- 06
Comfortable Experience
Patients report only a gentle tapping sensation with no pain or discomfort
Exomind TMS vs. Alternatives
Compare Your Options
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time | Results | Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exomind TMS | Magnetic pulses to prefrontal cortex | Under 30 min/session | Improvement in as few as 6 sessions | Long-lasting with maintenance | None | Treatment-resistant depression, OCD |
| Antidepressant Medication | Alters brain chemistry systemically | Daily oral dose | 4-8 weeks for initial effect | Ongoing daily use required | None | Mild to moderate depression |
| Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) | Electrical stimulation under anesthesia | 5-10 min under sedation | Often rapid response | 2-4 weeks of sessions | 1-2 days recovery per session | Severe, life-threatening depression |
| Traditional TMS Systems | Magnetic pulses to brain regions | 20-40 min/session | 4-6 weeks (20-36 sessions) | Long-lasting with maintenance | None | Treatment-resistant depression |
Is TMS Right for You?
Who Is a Good Candidate for Exomind TMS?
Candidacy and Considerations
Exomind TMS therapy is designed for adults who have not found adequate relief from traditional depression or OCD treatments. Dr. Bayliss conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation to determine whether TMS is the right fit for your unique clinical profile.
Ideal Candidates for Exomind TMS Therapy
- Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded to at least one antidepressant medication
- Patients with treatment-resistant depression seeking a non-pharmacological alternative
- Individuals with OCD symptoms that persist despite medication and behavioral therapy
- Patients who experience intolerable side effects from antidepressant medications
- Adults in good general health who are motivated to complete the full treatment protocol
Who Should Wait or Avoid Exomind TMS
- Individuals with metallic implants in or near the head, including cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, or metal plates
- Patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy
- Those with implanted cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators
- Individuals with aneurysm clips or coils in the brain
- Patients with unstable medical conditions that require stabilization first
During your initial consultation, Dr. Bayliss will review your complete medical history, current medications, and treatment goals to ensure Exomind TMS is both safe and appropriate for you.
Your Experience
Exomind TMS Treatment Overview
Preparation
You are comfortably reclined in a spa-like treatment chair while Dr. Bayliss calibrates the EXOMind device to your individual motor threshold.
Stimulation
The EXOMind applicator is positioned over the left prefrontal cortex, delivering gentle magnetic pulses at a precisely targeted frequency for under 30 minutes.
Completion
The session ends and you are free to leave immediately. There is no recovery period — patients drive themselves home and resume all normal activities.
Safety Information
Side Effects and Safety
What to Know About TMS
Exomind TMS therapy has an excellent safety profile supported by decades of clinical research on transcranial magnetic stimulation. The most commonly reported side effects are mild and temporary, including slight scalp discomfort or a tingling sensation at the treatment site during the session. Some patients experience a mild headache following their first few treatments, which typically resolves on its own or with over-the-counter pain relief.
Serious adverse events are exceedingly rare. The risk of seizure during TMS is estimated at less than 0.1% when treatment is administered within established safety guidelines. Exomind TMS does not cause the systemic side effects commonly associated with antidepressant medications, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, or sedation. There is no impact on memory or cognitive function.
Dr. Bayliss screens all patients thoroughly before treatment to identify any contraindications, including metallic implants, seizure history, or cardiac devices. This careful evaluation ensures that each patient receives TMS safely and within the parameters of FDA clearance.
Investment
Exomind TMS Therapy Cost in Augusta
Pricing Information
The cost of Exomind TMS therapy varies based on your individual treatment plan. A standard Exomind protocol consists of 6 sessions, which is significantly fewer than traditional TMS systems that typically require 20 to 36 sessions.
Typical TMS Investment
A full course of TMS therapy in the United States generally ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 without insurance. Exomind's streamlined 6-session protocol may reduce overall treatment costs compared to traditional TMS systems requiring 30 or more sessions.
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers TMS for severe major depressive disorder when deemed medically necessary. Recent policy changes require patients to have tried only one antidepressant before qualifying for TMS coverage.
Flexible financing available through Cherry.
Contact Ivy Collaborative Healthcare at (706) 364-3461 to discuss payment options for Exomind TMS therapy.
Your TMS Provider
Why Choose Ivy Collaborative Healthcare
Expert Psychiatric TMS Care in Augusta
Double Board-Certified Psychiatrist
TMS administered under the direct supervision of a dual-certified psychiatric specialist
Integrated Treatment Plans
TMS seamlessly combined with medication management and psychiatric evaluation
Compassionate Environment
Spa-like setting designed to ease anxiety and promote comfort during sessions
Personalized Protocols
Each treatment plan calibrated to your specific neurological needs and treatment history
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Common Questions
Exomind TMS Therapy FAQ
Answers About TMS Treatment
01 What is TMS therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions involved in mood regulation. EXOMind uses patented ExoTMS technology by BTL to deliver targeted stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, helping restore healthy neural activity in patients with depression and OCD.
02 How does TMS work for depression?
TMS delivers magnetic pulses that activate underperforming neurons in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region most associated with mood, motivation, and emotional processing. Over the course of treatment, these repeated stimulations strengthen neural connections and restore normal patterns of brain activity, leading to measurable improvements in depressive symptoms.
03 What is Exomind TMS and how is it different from traditional TMS?
Exomind is a next-generation TMS device manufactured by BTL that uses patented ExoTMS technology. Unlike traditional TMS systems that require 20 to 36 sessions over 4 to 6 weeks, Exomind's FDA-cleared depression protocol delivers results in as few as 6 treatments. Sessions are also shorter, lasting under 30 minutes, and patients consistently report greater comfort.
04 How many TMS sessions are needed?
The standard EXOMind protocol for depression consists of 6 treatments, typically administered twice per week over 1 to 3 weeks. Dr. Bayliss may recommend additional sessions or maintenance treatments based on your individual response and clinical needs.
05 What are the side effects of TMS therapy?
The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including slight scalp discomfort or tingling at the treatment site and mild headache after the first few sessions. Serious side effects are extremely rare, with seizure risk estimated at less than 0.1%. Unlike antidepressants, TMS does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, or cognitive impairment.
06 Is TMS therapy safe?
Yes, TMS is considered very safe when administered by a qualified provider within established guidelines. It has been extensively studied for over three decades and is FDA-cleared for the treatment of depression. Dr. Bayliss conducts a thorough screening to ensure TMS is appropriate for each patient before beginning treatment.
07 Does TMS therapy work for OCD?
Research supports the effectiveness of TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Clinical studies have shown that TMS produces a moderate therapeutic effect on OCD symptoms, with patients approximately three times more likely to respond compared to sham treatment. Dr. Bayliss can evaluate whether TMS is appropriate for your specific OCD symptoms.
08 How does TMS compare to antidepressants?
Antidepressants work by altering brain chemistry systemically and typically take 4 to 8 weeks to show initial effects, often with side effects like weight gain or sexual dysfunction. EXOMind TMS directly stimulates the brain region responsible for mood regulation, produces results in fewer sessions, requires no daily medication, and avoids systemic side effects. TMS can also be used alongside existing medications.
Location2100 Central Avenue, Suite 6
Augusta, GA, 30904
Augusta, GA, 30904
Phone(706) 364-3461
Ready to Start?
Schedule Your Exomind TMS Therapy Consultation
References
- Rakesh G, Cordero P, Khanal R, Himelhoch SS, Rush CR. Optimally combining transcranial magnetic stimulation with antidepressants in major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2024;358:432-439. (PMID: 38740269) - Active TMS combined with antidepressants demonstrated greater efficacy for MDD treatment than sham TMS with the same medications across 10 RCTs involving 654 participants.
- Patel S, Silvi S, Desai S, et al. Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Depression, Schizophrenia, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: An Umbrella Meta-Analysis. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2023;25(5). (PMID: 37788803) - For treatment-resistant depression, rTMS demonstrated significantly higher response rates with an odds ratio of 3.27 compared to sham treatment across 28 meta-analyses.
- Steuber ER, McGuire JF. A Meta-analysis of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2023;8(11):1145-1155. (PMID: 37343662) - TMS exhibited a moderate therapeutic effect (g = 0.65) on OCD symptom severity with a 3-fold increased likelihood of treatment response compared to sham conditions.
- Roth Y, Barnea-Ygael N, Carmi L, et al. Real-world efficacy of deep TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder: Post-marketing data collected from twenty-two clinical sites. J Psychiatr Res. 2021;137:296-303. (PMID: 33183769) - Among 167 OCD patients across 22 clinical sites, approximately 73% achieved initial response and 52% sustained response with deep TMS treatment.
- Taylor R, Galvez V, Loo C. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) safety: a practical guide for psychiatrists. Australas Psychiatry. 2018;26(2):189-192. (PMID: 29338288) - TMS functions as a well-tolerated treatment with common side effects being mild, and serious complications including seizures are infrequent when safety guidelines are followed.