If you are a patient in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, or anywhere in South Florida preparing for your first NeuroStar TMS session at New Sunrise Mental Health, this guide walks you through exactly what happens — from the moment you arrive to the moment you drive home.
Before You Arrive — No Preparation Needed
No special preparation is required for your first TMS session. You do not need to fast, adjust your medications, or arrange for someone to drive you. Wear comfortable clothing — standard metal jewelry is typically fine but avoid large metal items near your head if possible. Your physician will advise on any preparations specific to your health history.
Motor Threshold Mapping — Only on Day One
Your first session at our Boca Raton clinic is slightly longer than subsequent ones because it includes motor threshold mapping — the process of determining the minimum magnetic intensity needed to activate your specific brain tissue. This personalized calibration is what makes NeuroStar TMS precise rather than generic. The technician locates the area of your scalp over the left prefrontal cortex and records the exact coordinates used for every future session.
During the Session
You sit in a reclined treatment chair in a quiet clinical room. The curved magnetic coil is positioned against your scalp at the mapped location. When treatment begins you hear a rapid clicking sound and feel a rhythmic tapping sensation on your head. The sensation is localized to the treatment site and does not affect the rest of your body. You are completely awake and alert throughout. Sessions run 19 to 37 minutes depending on your prescribed protocol.
After Your Session — Immediate Return to Normal Life
When the session ends you stand up and walk out. There is no waiting room, no recovery period, no grogginess, and no impairment of any kind. South Florida patients drive themselves home, back to the office, or wherever their day takes them — immediately and without restriction every single session.
What to Expect Regarding Sensation
The tapping sensation is the most common thing patients want to know about beforehand. For most people it is manageable from the very first session. If it feels uncomfortable, let your provider know — small adjustments can be made. For the vast majority of Fort Lauderdale and Miami patients, any initial discomfort diminishes significantly within the first week.
Getting Started at Our Boca Raton Clinic
New Sunrise Mental Health serves patients from across South Florida. Call 561-944-0077 Monday through Thursday, 10AM to 6PM, or submit a consultation request online. Our office at 950 Peninsula Corporate Circle, Suite 1011 in Boca Raton is the closest certified NeuroStar TMS provider to Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare anything for my first TMS session?
No special preparation is required. You do not need to fast, adjust medications, or arrange for a driver. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid metal jewelry near your head if possible. Your physician will advise on any individual-specific preparations.
What does the tapping sensation feel like during TMS?
Most patients describe a rhythmic tapping or woodpecker-like sensation on the scalp during sessions. It is localized to the treatment site. For most patients it is manageable from the first session and diminishes significantly within the first week.
Can I drive myself to and from TMS appointments?
Yes. There is no sedation or anesthesia involved. Patients are fully alert throughout every session and drive themselves to and from each appointment — including their very first one.
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