Research shows more than 18 million Americans each year suffer from a depressive episode, and more than 2.2 million Americans face challenges related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While the most common treatment for both conditions is antidepressants and other prescription drugs, less well-known and less invasive treatments are available.

Relief TMS in Oak Brook, which opened earlier this year, offers a noninvasive solution to depression, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses without the use of medication, side effects, or invasive procedures. For those interested in coming off of their antidepressants or avoiding the drugs, TMS can be a godsend.

“I’ve seen so many things that work and didn’t work, and people are always looking for alternatives,” says Susan Mueller, founder of Relief TMS. “I’ve had friends and family members who’ve gotten better through TMS and had a better quality of life without the side effects of other treatments.”

Mueller, who worked in the mental health field for more than a decade before launching Relief TMS, says those who suffer from OCD and depression don’t always get access to resources that explain the full range of treatments available.

“The companies that provide the medical devices we use don’t have massive advertising budgets like big pharma has to promote drugs like Prozac,” she says. “The conversation about mental health is super important. What treatments are out there? What are the options?”

The TMS treatment involves using a magnet that is placed on the head with a machine that looks similar to an old-fashioned hair dryer. The session lasts less than 20 minutes and depending on what condition is being treated, stimulates various parts of the brain. The clinicians who dispense the treatments at Relief TMS are hands on and always interacting with patients.

“When they come in we engage with them, checking on depression scales, and patients love it,” says Mueller. “It definitely requires a commitment but when people are looking for alternative treatments, they’re already committed.”

While TMS is more popular in other parts of the country, it’s beginning to take off in the Midwest. Relief TMS is one of the few facilities that focuses exclusively on TMS, and they take the time to make sure patients have resources during and after their treatment for continued wellness. They are one of the few facilities that treats OCD with an FDA-approved device.

“We’ve already have a steady stream of patients in a short time, which is an indicator that people are looking for ways to get better,” Mueller says. “We treat a lot of OCD patients because there just aren’t that many places that get it right.”

TMS is FDA-approved and many insurance plans cover the treatment, but it might not be for everyone. The most important thing for staff at Relief TMS is that individuals get the right help they need.

“The medical device we use is definitely ahead of the game and we use the latest technology,” she says. “But we won’t treat a patient if it’s not right for them. I have a whole network of therapists and doctors I can refer someone to, and I’m always willing to help someone whether I treat them or not.”

Relief TMS is located at 1100 Jorie Boulevard, Suite 172 in Oak Brook, 630-974-6602, relieftms.com.