TMS Therapy in Melbourne: A Breakthrough Treatment Now Backed by Medicare

TMS therapy is fast becoming a sought-after treatment for people living with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. If you’re searching for effective, drug-free mental health support in Melbourne, TMS therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for—especially now that a new Medicare rebate makes it more accessible than ever.

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is particularly effective for people with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not responded to antidepressant medication or therapy.

Unlike medication, TMS doesn’t involve systemic side effects, and it doesn’t require anaesthesia, making it a convenient and well-tolerated option for many patients.

Who is TMS Therapy For?

TMS therapy is typically recommended for:

• Individuals with treatment-resistant depression
• Those who have not responded well to medications
• People who prefer a non-medication approach

Individuals with depression who experience intolerable side effects from medications

Other emerging uses include TMS for anxiety, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and PTSD, although Medicare rebates currently focus on major depressive disorder.

TMS Therapy in Melbourne

In Melbourne, neurocare Clinics Australia offers advanced TMS therapy services through its locations in East Melbourne and Hawthorn. As part of a global network founded in the Netherlands, neurocare brings world-class treatment protocols and German-engineered device technologies to local clinics. Their approach goes beyond standard TMS—personalising care by addressing co-existing issues like poor sleep, which often accompanies conditions such as depression and OCD.

The teams in East Melbourne and Hawthorn include trained professionals in psychology and psychiatry who apply evidence-based methods and are supported by ongoing international research and clinical development. Patients benefit from this global expertise of the neurocare group and a local, supportive environment focused on effective outcomes.

Through its network of clinics and commitment to research, neurocare is contributing to the global advancement of neuromodulation treatments. Their psychology and psychiatry teams in Australia, including in Melbourne, are closely connected to international clinical developments, ensuring that patients receive cutting-edge, evidence-based care.

neurocare's leading TMS clinics in Melbourne also collaborate with GPs and psychologists to provide a fully integrated approach to care.

“There’s sometimes a misconception that TMS is like ECT or ‘electroshock therapy,’” explains Dr. Trevor Brown, a neurocare neuroscientist who has trained psychiatry teams across Australia in the safe and effective delivery of TMS. “But patients are often surprised at how straightforward and comfortable the treatment is—and that they can even drive themselves to and from appointments.”

Dr. Brown notes that many patients travel from across Victoria to access TMS treatment at one of neurocare’s Melbourne clinics. “We offer patients a way to get this treatment without needing to go through the hospital system, which removes a major barrier for many,” he says.

“The introduction of a Medicare rebate has also made a huge difference, making TMS more accessible to more people—which is a really positive step forward.”

Is TMS Medicare Rebated in Australia? 

A key development in Australian mental health care was the introduction of a Medicare rebate for TMS therapy in November 2021.

To be eligible for the rebate:

• The patient must be diagnosed with major depressive disorder
• They must have failed to respond to at least two different classes of antidepressants
• Treatment must be prescribed by a psychiatrist

This means that Medicare card holders in Australia who have depression and haven’t responded to at least two different prescribed medications may be eligible for a referral from their psychiatrist for TMS therapy, with much of the cost covered through the Medicare rebate.

The rebate covers up to 35 initial sessions of TMS and up to 15 maintenance sessions, significantly reducing the out-of-pocket costs for eligible Australians.

This rebate has made affordable TMS treatment in Melbourne more accessible, especially for those living with treatment-resistant depression.

Benefits of TMS Therapy

Some of the reasons why patients are choosing TMS to treat depression or OCD, for example are:

• it's a medication-free and non-invasive approach
• there are minimal side-effects, especially when compared to medications
• there is a high success rate, even for patients who have not been helped by other treatments
• The sessions are quick and easy and you can drive yourself to and from outpatient clinics
• TMS can be administered in neurocare's outpatient clinics, it does not require hospitalisation
• TMS is now partially funded through Medicare (for eligible patients)

What to Expect During TMS Treatment

A standard session takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on the protocol administered. Patients remain awake and seated comfortably while a magnetic coil is placed on the scalp. Most people report a tapping sensation during treatment but no pain.

Treatments are typically administered five days a week for four to six weeks, depending on individual needs. Some people begin to notice improvements after just a few sessions.

How to Get Started with TMS in Melbourne

If you think TMS might be right for you or a loved one, start by speaking with your GP or mental health provider. You’ll need a referral to a psychiatrist who offers TMS therapy and is approved to provide Medicare-funded treatment.

With more clinics offering Medicare-rebated TMS in Melbourne, now is an excellent time to explore this life-changing treatment.

Next Steps

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression or haven't responded to other treatments, TMS therapy at neurocare Clinics in Melbourne could be a helpful option. 

If you are considering TMS Therapy for Depression or OCD treatment in Melbourne, speak with our expert team in Melbourne to find out more by calling 1300 149 300

Learn more about TMS treatment at neurocare clinics Australia