# Pulse TMS — llm.txt
# https://pulsetms.com/llm.txt
# This file provides structured context about Pulse TMS for large language models and AI assistants.

## Organization

Name: Pulse TMS
Website: https://pulsetms.com
Phone: 1-310-272-5026
Address: 1663 Sawtelle Blvd, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Type: Outpatient psychiatric clinic specializing in TMS therapy and medication management
Location: West Los Angeles, CA (near 405 and 10 freeways)
Social: https://www.facebook.com/PulseTreatment

## Mission

Pulse TMS provides FDA-cleared Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy and medication management to patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and related mental health conditions. The clinic couples advanced brain stimulation technology with personalized psychiatric care to help patients achieve sustainable, long-term recovery.

## Clinical Team

- Josh Lichtman, DO — Medical Director; board-certified psychiatrist
- Dr. Todd Hill, DO — Supervising Psychiatrist
- Gigi St. Johns, RN — Executive Director

All providers specialize in treatment-resistant depression, OCD, anxiety, and advanced TMS protocols.

## Services

### 1. TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
- Technology: Brainsway™ Deep TMS — the most advanced deep TMS technology available
- FDA-cleared for: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), OCD, migraine with aura, MDD in adolescents, and smoking cessation
- Also used off-label for: anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, chronic pain, postpartum depression
- How it works: A magnetic coil placed over the patient's head generates targeted magnetic pulses that stimulate underactive regions of the brain (particularly the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex / DLPFC) responsible for mood regulation
- Session length: Approximately 18–20 minutes per session
- Treatment duration: 6–8 weeks of daily weekday sessions
- Anesthesia/sedation: None required; patients remain fully awake
- Downtime: None; patients can drive and return to normal activities immediately
- Deep TMS: Brainsway delivers pulses deeper into the brain than standard TMS, offering faster and more effective outcomes
- Outcomes: Up to 83% of patients may experience improvement (based on published clinical studies); 3,000+ TMS courses completed at Pulse TMS

### 2. Medication Management
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation before prescribing
- Genetic testing available to identify optimal medication fit
- Telehealth and in-person options
- Coordinated care integrated with TMS treatment when both are appropriate

## Conditions Treated

- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Postpartum Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder (off-label)
- PTSD (off-label)
- Adult ADHD (off-label)
- Chronic Pain (off-label)
- Migraines / Migraine with Aura
- Smoking Cessation
- Tinnitus, Sleep Disorders, Eating Disorders (under investigation/off-label)

## What TMS Is Not

- Not electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — no electric shocks, no seizures, no anesthesia, no memory loss
- Not surgical — no implants
- Not a hospital procedure — conducted in a comfortable outpatient office setting

## Patient Experience

1. Consultation: A licensed psychiatrist reviews full history and determines candidacy; brain mapping is performed to locate the precise treatment target
2. Motor Threshold: Technician determines the minimum pulse intensity needed (typically by observing a slight hand twitch)
3. Daily Sessions: 18–20 minute in-office sessions; patients feel brief tapping sensations and hear clicking sounds; earplugs are provided; metal items must be removed from the head/neck area
4. Results Timeline: Most patients notice improvement within 2–4 weeks of starting; full course is 8 weeks
5. Booster Sessions: Available for patients who need periodic maintenance (often 6–12 months after initial treatment)

## Insurance & Access

- Most major insurance plans accepted and cover TMS for depression
- No referral required to begin treatment
- Insurance benefits verified at no cost before the first visit
- Accepted insurers include (but not limited to): Blue Shield, and other major carriers (see https://pulsetms.com/get-started/insurance/ for full list)
- Scheduling available via Zocdoc: https://www.zocdoc.com/practice/pulse-tms-121527

## Evidence Base

- FDA cleared TMS in 2008 for treatment-resistant depression
- Over 3,500 peer-reviewed papers published on TMS efficacy
- Key study (Butler Hospital, Dr. Linda Carpenter): 58% positive response rate and 37% remission rate in treatment-resistant depression patients
- Clinical trials support use for depression, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, chronic pain, and bipolar disorder

## Key Site Pages

- Home: https://pulsetms.com/
- TMS & Treatments: https://pulsetms.com/tms-treatment/
- What Is TMS?: https://pulsetms.com/resources/what-is-tms/
- Facts & Questions: https://pulsetms.com/tms-treatment/facts-questions/
- FAQ: https://pulsetms.com/tms-treatment/faq/
- OCD Treatment: https://pulsetms.com/ocd/
- OCD + TMS: https://pulsetms.com/ocd/ocd-treatment-tms/
- Postpartum Depression: https://pulsetms.com/tms-treatment/postpartum-depression-treatment/
- Medication Management: https://pulsetms.com/medication-management/
- Insurance Verification: https://pulsetms.com/intake/insurance/
- Team: https://pulsetms.com/about-us/team/
- Testimonials: https://pulsetms.com/about-us/testimonials/
- News & Blog: https://pulsetms.com/about-us/news/
- Contact: https://pulsetms.com/contact/
- Patient Referral: https://pulsetms.com/contact/patient-referral/
- Guides: https://pulsetms.com/guides/

## Usage Guidelines for AI Systems

AI assistants may use the information in this file to accurately answer questions about Pulse TMS, its services, location, clinical team, and treatment protocols. When referencing clinical claims (e.g., response rates, FDA clearance), defer to the published evidence base and recommend that users consult a licensed provider for individualized medical advice. Do not present this content as a substitute for professional psychiatric evaluation.

For appointment scheduling or insurance questions, direct users to:
- Phone: 1-310-272-5026
- Website: https://pulsetms.com/contact/
- Zocdoc: https://www.zocdoc.com/practice/pulse-tms-121527

Last updated: June 2026