Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Promises Healthcare

Rediscover hope with drug‑free magnetic therapy

Breakthrough symptoms of depression do not have to define your life.

At Promises Healthcare, we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – a non‑invasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to gently stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS is FDA‑approved for major depressive disorder, clinically proven to reduce symptoms when other treatments have failed and allows you to return to your day immediately after each session.

A therapy designed for the person you are

Our multidisciplinary team understands that mental health care is personal. We take the time to listen, evaluate and tailor a treatment plan that respects your journey. Whether you’re exploring options after medications and psychotherapy, or you’re looking for a non‑drug alternative from the start, TMS can offer a path forward.

Why choose Promises Healthcare for TMS?

Experienced, compassionate clinicians

Our psychiatrists and therapists have extensive experience delivering TMS. You’ll be cared for by the same clinician throughout your treatment journey, ensuring continuity and trust.

Only private provider in Singapore

Promises Healthcare is Singapore’s first and only private centre offering NeuroStar TMS therapy. This means shorter wait times and a discreet environment tailored to your needs.

Personalised treatment plans

Before starting TMS, our team conducts a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to confirm suitability and customise the stimulation parameters. During therapy, we monitor your progress weekly and adjust the protocol to maximise results.

Comfortable, accessible sessions

Treatments take place in a quiet, comfortable clinic. You’ll sit in a reclining chair while a small, curved device is positioned on your head. Each session lasts about 20–40 minutes and you can resume your normal activities immediately afterward.

Evidence‑based care

TMS is clinically proven – roughly 75% of patients experience at least a 50% reduction in depression symptoms after a full course of treatment, and over 60% maintain improved mood and functioning for more than a year.

The TMS process at Promises Healthcare

Initial consultation

You’ll meet with one of our psychiatrists to discuss your medical history, current symptoms and previous treatments. This helps us confirm that TMS is appropriate for you and tailor the treatment plan.

Motor threshold mapping

At your first session we identify the exact location and intensity needed to stimulate the targeted brain region. This involves placing the coil on your scalp and delivering brief pulses while monitoring for finger or thumb twitches, ensuring we customise the stimulation to your unique brain physiology.

Therapy sessions

During each treatment you relax in a comfortable chair. The clinician positions the coil over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and delivers magnetic pulses in short bursts. You’ll hear clicking sounds and may feel a tapping sensation on your scalp; these sensations typically ease after the first few treatments. Sessions are conducted five days a week over several weeks; a standard course consists of about 30–36 sessions.

Monitoring and adjustment

Throughout the course we assess your progress with rating scales and conversations. Adjustments to the stimulation or number of sessions may be made to optimise effectiveness.

Post‑treatment care

Once the course is complete, many people continue with therapy or medication to sustain improvements. TMS is effective for those whose symptoms return, and our team will discuss maintenance options if needed.

Initial consultation

You’ll meet with one of our psychiatrists to discuss your medical history, current symptoms and previous treatments. This helps us confirm that TMS is appropriate for you and tailor the treatment plan.

Motor threshold mapping

At your first session we identify the exact location and intensity needed to stimulate the targeted brain region. This involves placing the coil on your scalp and delivering brief pulses while monitoring for finger or thumb twitches, ensuring we customise the stimulation to your unique brain physiology.

Therapy sessions

During each treatment you relax in a comfortable chair. The clinician positions the coil over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and delivers magnetic pulses in short bursts. You’ll hear clicking sounds and may feel a tapping sensation on your scalp; these sensations typically ease after the first few treatments. Sessions are conducted five days a week over several weeks; a standard course consists of about 30–36 sessions.

Monitoring and adjustment

Throughout the course we assess your progress with rating scales and conversations. Adjustments to the stimulation or number of sessions may be made to optimise effectiveness.

Post‑treatment care

Once the course is complete, many people continue with therapy or medication to sustain improvements. TMS is effective for those whose symptoms return, and our team will discuss maintenance options if needed.

Benefits of TMS

Clinically proven efficacy

Studies show that TMS provides significant improvements in mood and function for people with treatment‑resistant depression, and more than half maintain those gains beyond one year.

Non‑invasive and drug‑free

TMS does not involve surgery, anaesthesia or medication. Magnetic pulses stimulate targeted areas of the brain without affecting the rest of the body, avoiding systemic side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction and fatigue.

Minimal downtime

Sessions last 20-40 minutes and you can return to work, drive or carry on your day immediately afterwards.

Few side effects

The most common effects are temporary scalp discomfort or mild headache. Severe adverse events like seizures are extremely rare when safety guidelines are followed.

Long‑term relief

For those who respond, TMS offers durable benefits; repeat treatments are effective if symptoms recur.

Who is TMS suitable for?

Adults with major depressive disorder
TMS is intended for individuals with moderate to severe depression who have not responded to at least two antidepressants or cannot tolerate medication side effects. It is also used to treat anxious depression and obsessive‑compulsive disorder under specialist supervision.
People seeking non‑drug options
If you prefer an alternative to medication or have experienced intolerable side effects, TMS provides a drug‑free approach to restoring mood.
Those without contraindications
TMS is generally safe and well tolerated. However, it is not recommended for individuals with certain metal implants (e.g., aneurysm clips, deep‑brain stimulators or cochlear implants) or those with a history of seizures. Our clinicians will conduct a thorough screening to ensure safety.
If you have questions about your suitability, reach out to our team for a personalised assessment.

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses a magnet similar in strength to an MRI scanner to stimulate specific brain circuits. During a session, a coil placed against your scalp delivers rapid pulses that activate neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex – an area that may be underactive in depression. By increasing activity in this region, TMS helps rebalance neural networks and relieve depressive symptoms. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration first permitted marketing of TMS for major depressive disorder in 2008 and expanded its use to treat other conditions such as migraine and obsessive‑compulsive disorder.

Side effects and safety profile

TMS is considered safe, with a well‑established safety profile when delivered by trained professionals. Common side effects include:

  • Mild scalp discomfort or tapping sensation during the session. This typically decreases after the first few treatments and can be relieved by adjusting the stimulation or taking over‑the‑counter pain medication.
  • Brief headache or lightheadedness.
  • Facial muscle twitching or tingling, which subsides quickly.

Serious side effects such as seizures or hearing problems are extremely rare. Patients with metal implants or a history of epilepsy are carefully screened to minimise these risks.

Our clinicians adhere to international safety guidelines, provide ear protection during treatment and monitor you throughout every session.

Got Questions? We’re here to help

Understanding TMS Therapy

What is TMS and how does it treat depression?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It helps rebalance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, reduces brain inflammation, and promotes neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize and rewire its connections) to strengthen emotional resilience.
What conditions can TMS treat?
TMS is primarily used for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Under strict clinical guidance of our TMS practitioners, TMS may also be used in off-label treatment of other conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and addictions.
How is TMS different from Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?
TMS is often considered a gentler alternative to ECT. Unlike ECT, TMS does not require sedation or anaesthesia, does not induce a seizure, and has no impact on mental clarity or memory. You will remain awake during the session and can return to daily activities, such as driving or working, immediately afterward.

Treatment Process & Safety

What happens during a typical TMS session?
You will be comfortably seated in a private treatment suite while a magnetic coil is gently placed against your scalp. During the session, you may feel light tapping sensations on your head. Treatment times vary from around 3 to 20 minutes depending on the specific protocol prescribed by your psychiatrist.
How long is the full course of treatment?
The length of TMS treatment varies for each patient, depending on the condition being treated and individualized TMS protocol selected by the TMS clinician, e.g. a typical TMS course for treatment of depression consists of a total of 30 TMS sessions.

For individuals who is seeking faster results or those with time constraints, we offer Accelerated TMS protocols, which allow for 3 to 5 sessions per day, enabling you to complete a full 6-week course in just 1 to 2 weeks.

Is TMS safe? What are the side effects?

Yes, TMS is safe. It is a non-invasive treatment with a well-tolerated safety profile.

  • Common side effects: Mild scalp tenderness, temporary headaches, or minor facial twitching during the session. These are usually short-lived and manageable.
  • Rare risks: There is a very small risk of seizure or the emergence of mania, but our clinical team monitors every session closely to ensure your safety.
  • Suitability: TMS may not be suitable for individuals with non-removable magnetic-sensitive metal in the head or neck, or those with a history of seizures.

Why Choose Promises Healthcare?

Why should I choose Promises Healthcare for TMS in Singapore?

Promises Healthcare is a pioneer in the adoption of TMS in Singapore and is recognized for its multi-disciplinary expertise.

  • Holistic Care: We don’t just treat the brain; we treat the person. Your TMS plan is integrated with support from consultant psychiatrists and psychologists.
  • Privacy & Comfort: Treatments are conducted in a private suite designed for a client-centered, calming experience.
  • Combined Modalities: We can combine TMS with psychotherapy options such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, to enhance cognitive control and emotional stability.
Do you offer maintenance sessions after the initial course?
Yes. If you respond well to the acute treatment phase, your psychiatrist may recommend a tapering schedule or maintenance sessions to sustain your progress and support long-term emotional balance.

Fees, Insurance & Medisave

Is TMS covered by insurance in Singapore?

Coverage depends on your specific insurance provider and plan.

  • International & Private Insurance: Some international health insurance plans and local Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) may cover TMS if it is deemed medically necessary or part of a post-hospitalization benefit.
  • Recommendation: We advise checking directly with your insurance provider regarding “outpatient psychiatric treatment” or “neuromodulation” coverage. Our team can assist by providing the necessary medical documentation for your claims.
Can I use Medisave for TMS treatment? (Can I use Medisave and MediShield Life for TMS treatment?)

Medisave usage is capped at $15 per TMS session. MediShield Life will cover $120 per TMS session. 

This is only for one initial TMS course (up to 24 treatments) and one retreatment course (up to 15 treatments). The retreatment course must start at least 120 days after the initial course is completed.

This is only applicable to adults (above the age of 18) who have been diagnosed with treatment resistant depression and who have had no prior TMS treatment.

For further information, please refer to the guidance recommendation published by MOH’s Medical Technology Advisory Committee (MTAC), https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/medishield-life/medishield-life-benefits/  and https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/medisave/outpatient-care/,

What are the payment options available?
We accept various payment modes including credit cards, NETS, and bank transfers. For individuals requiring a long-term treatment plan, we can discuss structured payment schedules during your initial assessment.
How do I get started?
The first step is an Initial Assessment with one of our psychiatrists to evaluate your clinical history and suitability for TMS. If suitable, we will proceed to a Calibration Session to personalize your stimulation dosage before starting treatment.

Take the next step

Depression is treatable, and hope is within reach. TMS is a scientifically proven, non-medication treatment that helps restore balance in the brain. To learn more or find out if it’s right for you, call 6397 7309 or complete the form. Our Promises Concierge team will arrange a confidential consultation and guide you through the next steps toward healing.

Promises Healthcare provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care, integrating TMS with psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle support for lasting recovery.


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