For Military Members, Veterans, and Their Families
For Military Members, Veterans, and Their FamiliesIf you or a loved one is struggling with depression and exploring treatment options through TRICARE®, this page is designed to give you clear, straightforward information—without pressure or promises. We work with military families to help them determine whether TRICARE may cover FDA-approved Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and outline next steps.
No obligation. This helps us understand your benefits and options.
Overcome Depression and Reclaim Your Life
If you’re struggling with depression and haven’t found enough relief from medication or therapy, TMS offers a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that may help improve symptoms.
TMS does not require anesthesia or surgery and is performed while you’re awake. Many patients pursue TMS after traditional treatments have not provided meaningful improvement.
We have worked with military members, veterans, and their families seeking treatment for depression, and our clinical team is experienced in guiding patients through the TRICARE process.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions involved in mood and emotion regulation.
During treatment:
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You remain awake and alert
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Sessions are typically brief
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There is no recovery time
What Makes TMS Different
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FDA-approved treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
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Non-invasive and drug-free
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Performed in an outpatient setting
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May provide lasting improvement for some patients
How We Personalize TMS Treatment
While TMS follows FDA-approved treatment protocols, care is not one-size-fits-all. As part of the evaluation process, clinicians may use an EEG (electroencephalogram) to better understand individual brain activity and help guide treatment planning. This allows stimulation to be delivered as precisely as possible, while still using FDA-approved TMS for depression.
TRICARE Coverage for Depression Treatment
Brain Treatment Center San Diego is a TRICARE-approved mental health provider.
TRICARE may cover FDA-approved TMS for Major Depressive Disorder when a patient meets certain medical criteria. Coverage decisions are made by TRICARE and depend on factors such as diagnosis, prior treatment history, and authorization.
Our role is to help you understand:
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Whether TMS may be covered under your plan
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What documentation you may need to provide
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What your next steps could look like
“What it has been able to do for my sleep, my patience, has been amazing.”
— Retired Marine
What to Expect from the Process
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Initial conversation with our New Patient Coordinator
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Review of diagnosis and TRICARE coverage considerations
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You decide whether and how to proceed
There is no obligation to move forward.
Experiences From Military Patients
Below are a few reflections from military patients who have undergone TMS treatment.
Within four days, I was sleeping through the night. My anger subsided, I was enjoying things again,
and my focus improved significantly. My chronic headaches stopped, my balance returned,
and my tinnitus resolved.”— Marine EOD Tech
I can concentrate longer without distraction, and my memory has significantly improved.
I’m enjoying the little things again, getting out, being active—and sleeping through the night
without waking up with my heart racing for the first time in a long time.
My spouse has noticed too.”— T.W., Active Duty Navy
The treatment completely changed my life. I began sleeping through the night without medication,
my nightmares faded, and my anxiety eased quickly. I could enjoy everyday things again—working out,
cooking, reading—and my focus and mood improved.
My fiancé and family said it felt like they had their ‘old Sarah’ back.”— Army Veteran
TRICARE Plans We Work With
We accept:
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TRICARE West
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TRICARE Prime
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TRICARE Select
Referrals & Authorization
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TRICARE Prime: Referral from your primary care provider is typically required
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TRICARE Select / Reserve: Referral is generally not required
Our team can help explain what may be needed and assist with paperwork.
Get Help Navigating TRICARE Coverage
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer questions about:
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TRICARE coverage considerations
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The treatment process
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Scheduling a consultation
We understand how challenging it can be to navigate mental health care, and we aim to provide clear, respectful guidance throughout the process.