Mariela Padro, MD · TMS evaluation referral
TMS Therapy in Miami
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a noninvasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic stimulation to influence areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Mariela Padro, MD works with patients exploring TMS through Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture in South Miami. A clinical evaluation is required to determine whether TMS may be appropriate.
Eligibility is never assumed from this page. A clinician must review your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, medications, and safety considerations before any recommendation.
Defining the treatment
What is TMS?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses, delivered through equipment positioned near the head, to influence areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
TMS does not involve surgery or anesthesia. A typical course involves repeated outpatient sessions. The specific protocol and schedule depend on the device, the indication, and the individual patient.
A clinical evaluation is required to determine eligibility. TMS does not “rewire” or “reset” the brain, it is not a cure, and it does not work at a “root cause.” It may be considered alongside other care depending on the patient — it does not always replace medication, and no one should stop or change medication based on this page.
Reasons to ask
Who may consider a TMS evaluation?
You may discuss TMS with a clinician when:
Only a qualified clinician who reviews your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, medical history, medications, and safety considerations can determine whether TMS may be appropriate. This page does not determine candidacy and does not promise acceptance, insurance approval, or treatment.
- Depressive symptoms continue despite prior treatment
- Medication has not provided sufficient benefit
- Medication side effects are a concern
- A clinician recommends considering a noninvasive treatment option
- You want to understand available treatment alternatives
What it is cleared for
Conditions and regulatory status
TMS devices have received U.S. FDA clearance for specific uses. The most established clearance is for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults who have not achieved adequate benefit from prior antidepressant medication.
Additional clearances apply to particular devices and indications — such as smoking cessation and certain depressive presentations that include anxiety symptoms — and are tied to specific devices. The specific device, protocol, and indications used by the treating practice should be confirmed directly with Mind & Soul Therapy.
FDA clearance means a device meets regulatory requirements for its cleared use; it does not guarantee effectiveness for any individual.
This page does not present TMS as a general treatment for anxiety, ADHD, addiction, migraines, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
The evaluation
What happens during a TMS evaluation?
A TMS evaluation may include:
- Discussion of current symptoms
- Diagnosis and treatment history
- Previous medication and therapy experiences
- Relevant medical history
- Current medications
- Safety screening
- Discussion of potential benefits, limitations, risks, alternatives, schedule, and costs
- Insurance-benefit verification where applicable
An evaluation does not guarantee approval, insurance coverage, a particular treatment protocol, a particular number of sessions, symptom improvement, or treatment without medication.
The experience
What treatment sessions may feel like
- Treatment is generally delivered in an outpatient setting
- You remain awake during treatment
- Equipment is positioned near your head
- You may hear clicking and feel tapping or scalp sensations
- Session duration and protocol vary by device and individual
- You receive specific instructions from the treating team
Your treating team will provide specific instructions, including about activities after sessions. This page does not claim that every patient can immediately drive or resume all activities.
Balanced information
Benefits, limitations, and possible side effects
Some appropriately selected patients may benefit from TMS, but results differ and improvement is not guaranteed. A full course and follow-up may be required, and some people do not respond. TMS has possible side effects and safety considerations, and the treating clinician should explain risks, alternatives, and contraindications.
TMS is not described here as “safe” in absolute terms, and this page does not compare TMS favorably with antidepressants using unsourced claims.
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Headache
- Discomfort or pain at the stimulation site on the scalp
- Muscle twitching, tingling, or twitching of facial muscles
- Lightheadedness
Rare but serious risks, including seizure, have been reported. TMS may not be appropriate for people with certain metal implants or devices near the head. The treating clinician should review all contraindications and risks before treatment.
For prospective patients
Questions to ask before beginning TMS
- What condition is being treated?
- Which TMS device and protocol will be used?
- Is the proposed use FDA-cleared for my condition?
- What results are realistic?
- What side effects and risks should I understand?
- How many visits may be needed?
- What happens if I miss a session?
- Will I continue my current medication or therapy?
- How will progress be measured?
- What costs could I be responsible for?
- Will the practice verify insurance benefits?
- What happens after the initial treatment course?
For practice-specific financial questions, contact Mind & Soul Therapy directly at 305-456-1014.
Where treatment is provided
TMS care through Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture
South Miami, Florida
Evaluation, scheduling, benefit verification, and treatment occur through Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture. Mariela Padro, MD is a co-founder of the practice.
Coverage and patient responsibility vary by plan and clinical circumstances. Contact Mind & Soul Therapy to discuss benefit verification.
Phone: 305-456-1014
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is TMS therapy?
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses, delivered through equipment positioned near the head, to influence areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It does not involve surgery or anesthesia.
Who may be considered for TMS?
A person may discuss TMS with a clinician when depressive symptoms continue despite prior treatment, medication has not provided sufficient benefit, or medication side effects are a concern. Only a qualified clinician who reviews your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history, medical history, medications, and safety considerations can determine whether TMS may be appropriate.
Is TMS the same as electroconvulsive therapy?
No. TMS is noninvasive and does not use electrical stimulation to deliberately induce a seizure. ECT is a different treatment that is typically delivered under anesthesia. They are distinct procedures.
Does TMS require anesthesia?
No. TMS is generally delivered while the patient is awake in an outpatient setting.
Does TMS replace medication or psychotherapy?
Not necessarily. TMS may be considered alongside other care depending on the individual. Please do not stop or change medication without guidance from the prescribing clinician.
How many TMS sessions are needed?
The number of sessions, schedule, and duration depend on the device, indication, and individual. A typical course involves repeated outpatient sessions over several weeks, but the specific protocol is determined by the treating practice.
What side effects can occur?
Commonly reported side effects include headache and discomfort at the stimulation site; less commonly, muscle twitching, tingling, or lightheadedness. Rare but serious risks, including seizure, have been reported. The treating clinician should review all risks and contraindications before treatment.
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Coverage and patient responsibility vary by plan and clinical circumstances. Contact Mind & Soul Therapy to discuss benefit verification.
Where is TMS treatment provided?
TMS evaluation and treatment are provided through Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture in South Miami, Florida. Mariela Padro, MD is a co-founder of the practice.
How do I request a TMS evaluation?
You can request an evaluation through Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture using the referral link on this page, or call 305-456-1014.
This information is educational and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. This website is not monitored continuously, and forms are not suitable for emergencies.
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Learn moreFor general questions not specific to TMS, you can contact PadroMD.
Sources and further reading
- FDA — Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Systems: guidance
- NIMH — Brain Stimulation Therapies
- Mayo Clinic — Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Accessed August 25, 2026.
Explore whether TMS may be appropriate for you
Request a TMS evaluation through Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture in South Miami, or call to speak with the practice.
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