What Is rTMS? Treatment, Side Effects, Costs, and Getting rTMS in Taiwan

Did you know that medication isn't the only way to treat depression?

If medication hasn't worked well for you or its side effects are hard to manage, rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is another option used in clinical practice today. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain and help improve symptoms of depression.
 

This article explains what rTMS is, how it's done, what side effects it may cause, and how much it costs. It also walks you through how patients living abroad can come to Taiwan for rTMS.
 

In this article, you'll learn:
 

• What rTMS is and who it may help
• How treatment works and how many sessions you may need
• Common side effects and precautions
• How standard and accelerated rTMS differ
• How patients living abroad can get evaluated before coming to Taiwan
• How rTMS costs compare in Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan
   

What Is rTMS?

rTMS, short for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique commonly used to treat major depressive disorder. It uses strong magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The stimulation can change nerve cell activity in those areas and help regulate mood.
 

It doesn't require surgery or anesthesia, and it's generally considered safe. You can return to your normal daily routine after each session.
 

To learn more about how rTMS works, visit TMS page.

Why Choose rTMS Treatment?

rTMS is most commonly used to treat major depressive disorder. It may be especially suitable for people who haven't responded well to medication or whose side effects are hard to manage.
 

In clinical practice, rTMS is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar depression, and other psychiatric or neurological conditions.
 

However, everyone's situation is different. A psychiatrist will need to evaluate you first to decide whether rTMS is right for you and how to plan your treatment.
 

Is rTMS Right for You?

Although rTMS is noninvasive and relatively safe, let your psychiatrist know before treatment if any of the following apply to you. They can then assess whether the treatment is safe and likely to help.

• Metal or electronic implants in your brain
• A history of epilepsy or seizures
• Recent brain surgery or a serious brain condition
• Pregnancy or other significant health conditions
• A history of mania or hypomania
• Alcohol use disorder or use of addictive substances, such as stimulants
   

What Happens During rTMS Treatment?

rTMS treatment generally involves four steps:

1.Psychiatric evaluation: 

Your psychiatrist reviews your symptoms, medical history, and past treatments to see whether rTMS is a good fit.
 

2.Mapping and calibration: 

The target brain area is located, and the stimulation intensity is set based on your motor threshold and individual needs.
 

3.Treatment sessions: 

A coil is placed on your head to deliver magnetic stimulation. Each session typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, and no anesthesia is needed.
 

4.Ongoing follow-up: 

Your psychiatrist tracks changes in your symptoms to assess progress. If needed, they'll adjust the treatment protocol or intensity.
 

How Many rTMS Sessions Will You Need?

Standard rTMS typically requires 20 to 30 sessions.
 

After your evaluation, your psychiatrist will schedule a full course of treatment over several weeks.
 

However, the actual number and frequency of sessions vary depending on your symptoms, the stimulation method, and how you respond to treatment. Your psychiatrist will determine the details.
 

If you're traveling to Taiwan for a short stay, you may want to discuss whether accelerated rTMS could be an option before your trip. This can help you understand the expected treatment schedule and whether further evaluation is needed.

What Are the Side Effects of rTMS?

As a noninvasive treatment, rTMS is relatively safe. Its side effects tend to be mild and short-lived.

Common side effects include:
 

• Discomfort on the scalp or at the treatment site
• Involuntary twitching of facial or head muscles
• Headache or dizziness

In rare cases, rTMS may trigger seizures or symptoms of mania or hypomania. Your psychiatrist will review your medical history and medications before treatment to assess these risks. Hearing protection may also be considered during treatment.

Is There Clinical Evidence Supporting rTMS?

A 2025 international consensus review found substantial evidence supporting the use of rTMS for depression, including in some patients who have not responded adequately to medication [1].
 

A 2022 meta-analysis of sham-controlled trials also found evidence that rTMS can help reduce depressive symptoms [2].

Blossom Medical analyzed data from 739 patients who received rTMS. After completing a certain number of sessions, nearly 90% of them showed improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms, along with better overall mental health.

Please note that these data come from clinical statistics within a single health care system. They're meant to help patients understand possible outcomes and don't mean every patient will see the same results.

Further reading: The Numbers Speak for Themselves: A Complete Analysis of rTMS Outcomes in 739 Blossom Medical Patients

Can Patients Living Abroad Prepare for rTMS Treatment in Taiwan?

rTMS typically requires multiple visits to a clinic. For patients living in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, or elsewhere, finding enough time in Taiwan for treatment can be a challenge.
 

Before traveling, it's helpful to contact a medical provider to learn more about:

• Whether rTMS may be appropriate for your condition
• Your medical history, previous treatments, and medications
• The expected number of treatment sessions
• Whether accelerated rTMS may be an option
• How long you may need to stay in Taiwan

Understanding these factors in advance can help you plan your trip and reduce uncertainty about your treatment schedule.
 

What Is Accelerated rTMS?

Standard rTMS generally involves 20 or more treatment sessions, which can be challenging for patients who can only stay in Taiwan for a short period.
 

Accelerated rTMS involves scheduling treatment sessions more intensively over a shorter period. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a newer stimulation technique with shorter individual sessions, making it suitable for certain accelerated treatment protocols.
 

In 2018, the U.S. FDA cleared a TMS system using iTBS for major depressive disorder through the 510(k) process.
 

However, accelerated treatment is not appropriate for everyone. The treatment protocol and number of sessions depend on individual needs and a psychiatrist's evaluation.
 

Further reading: What Is Accelerated rTMS Treatment?
 

Can I Find Out Whether rTMS Is Right for Me While I'm Still Abroad?

Yes.
 

If you live abroad, you can book an online consultation with a psychiatrist through FundaTalk.
 

Your psychiatrist will review your current symptoms, medical history, and past treatments. They'll then assess whether rTMS is suitable for you and discuss a treatment plan for when you return to Taiwan.
 

Can I Get rTMS If I'm Only in Taiwan for One or Two Weeks?

Possibly, but you'll need an evaluation by a psychiatrist first.
 

Standard rTMS usually takes several weeks to complete. If your time in Taiwan is limited, ask your psychiatrist whether accelerated rTMS is an option.
 

It's best to get evaluated online before you come to Taiwan. Then plan how long to stay based on your psychiatrist's advice.
 

How Is Standard rTMS Different From Accelerated rTMS?

The biggest differences are the length of treatment and how close together the sessions are.
 

Standard rTMS is usually spread over several weeks, while accelerated rTMS fits more sessions into a shorter period.
 

Still, it isn't suitable for everyone. Your psychiatrist will consider your symptoms, medical history, and past treatments, along with safety, to decide whether it's an option for you.
 

rTMS Cost Comparison: Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan

Here's an overview of rTMS treatment costs in Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan.
 

Beyond the price per session, consultation fees, the number of sessions, and insurance coverage can all affect your total cost.
 

If you're coming to Taiwan from abroad for treatment, also factor in airfare, accommodation, and living expenses during your stay.
 

*In the U.S., a typical course is 30 sessions. In Japan, treatment is limited to 30 sessions. In Taiwan, a full course is typically 20 to 30 sessions.
 

Note: All amounts are in U.S. dollars. Amounts originally in New Taiwan dollars or Japanese yen were converted using the average August 2026 exchange rate. Actual amounts may vary as exchange rates change.

Sources:

• Is rTMS Expensive? How Many Sessions Does It Take to Work? (2022) [in Chinese]
• What Is TMS Therapy and How Much Does It Cost? (2024)
• Minutes of the 108th Advanced Medical Care Council (Joint Meeting) – Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2022) [in Japanese]
• Pros and Cons of TMS Treatment in Naka Ward, Yokohama – Besli TMS Yokohama Clinic [in Japanese]
• rTMS Therapy – Niji to Umi Hospital, Saga [in Japanese]
   
   

Will My Private Insurance Cover rTMS Treatment Abroad? 

Some private insurance plans may cover rTMS treatment received abroad. Coverage varies by insurer and policy, and some plans may require prior authorization.
 

If you plan to file an insurance claim, you can ask your healthcare provider about obtaining medical documents, such as diagnostic reports and treatment summaries in Chinese or English.
 

Before scheduling treatment, check with your insurance company about coverage for overseas medical care, eligibility requirements, and the documents needed to submit a claim.

 

How Can Patients Living Abroad Book an Online Consultation on FundaTalk?

1. Book an appointment with a psychiatrist and complete payment on FundaTalk.
2. Check your email for a confirmation with a video call link.
3. At your scheduled time, join the video call for a one-on-one consultation with your psychiatrist.
4. If rTMS is a good fit, discuss with your psychiatrist when to return to Taiwan and how to plan your treatment.
    

An online consultation lets you talk with a psychiatrist about whether rTMS is right for you and start planning before you return to Taiwan.
 

The consultation is mainly meant to help you understand your condition. Booking one doesn't mean you have to commit to treatment. Feel free to ask your psychiatrist any questions before deciding on your next step.
 

Final Thoughts:  

rTMS is a noninvasive brain stimulation treatment that may offer another option for patients who have not responded adequately to medication or have difficulty tolerating its side effects.
 

Author: Dr. Jou Cheng-Ruey

Reference

• [1] Trapp NT, Purgianto A, Taylor JJ, et al. (2025).
  Consensus Review and Considerations on TMS to Treat Depression: A Comprehensive Update.
  Clinical Neurophysiology, 170, 206–233.
  DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.12.015
   

  This 2025 international TMS consensus review covers the effectiveness and safety of TMS for depression, stimulation protocols, motor threshold, treatment dosage, and clinical procedures.
   

• [2] Dalhuisen I, van Bronswijk S, Bors J, et al. (2022).
  The association between sample and treatment characteristics and the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in depression: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of sham-controlled trials.
  Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 141, 104848.
   

  This meta-analysis included 65 randomized controlled trials involving 2,982 participants. The findings support the effectiveness of rTMS in reducing depressive symptoms and improving treatment response and remission rates in patients with major depressive disorder.
   

• [3] Blumberger DM, Vila-Rodriguez F, Thorpe KE, et al. (2018).
  Effectiveness of theta burst versus high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with depression (THREE-D).
  The Lancet, 391, 1683–1692.
   

  This study compared 3-minute intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) with conventional 37.5-minute, 10 Hz rTMS. The results showed that iTBS was non-inferior to conventional rTMS in treating depression.