Tricare Coverage for TMS Therapy | TMS Institute of Arizona

Arizona’s first physician-led TMS clinic. Board-certified doctors on-site. We handle all prior authorization.

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CALL 480-668-3599

TRICARE Prime
TRICARE Select
TriWest
VA Community Care

Our Board-Certified Doctors

Every TMS patient at our clinic is evaluated in person by a board-certified physician — a standard few other TMS clinics in Arizona can match.

Dr. Ruchir Patel, founder, TMS Institute of Arizona

Dr. Ruchir P. Patel, MD, FACP

Triple board-certified · Duke TMS Fellowship · Harvard TMS Trained · Phoenix Magazine Top Doctor 2016–2025 · Castle Connolly Top Doctor

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Dr. LaDan Goble, TMS Institute of Arizona

Dr. LaDan Goble, MD

Board-certified psychiatrist · International TMS Certification, Maastricht University · 25+ years experience

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What will I pay out of pocket for TMS?

Active duty

All sessions fully covered

Retiree (Group A)

$12–$20

Per visit · pre-2018 enlistment

Family members

15–25%

After deductible · Select plan

Exact costs vary by plan. Call us to verify your specific coverage at no charge.

We handle the paperwork

Most patients are approved and begin treatment within 1–2 weeks.

Call us

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Physician evaluation

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We submit to TriWest

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Treatment begins

TRICARE TMS eligibility requirements

TMS is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. TRICARE covers TMS when all of the following apply:

Patient criteria

Age 15 or older · Diagnosed MDD · Failed at least one antidepressant treatment

Treatment protocol

36 sessions standard · 5 days/week · 6–7 weeks total · Outpatient only

PTSD, anxiety & sleep comorbidities

TMS is being studied for PTSD and anxiety in military patients. Coverage for these indications is less consistent — we’ll verify your specific plan. TMS for PTSD and anxiety is considered off-label use.

Your sleep and depression are connected

Dr. Patel is the only TMS provider in Arizona also board-certified in sleep medicine. Military patients frequently present with comorbid insomnia, PTSD nightmares, and circadian disruption. Our treatment approach addresses the full clinical picture — not just the depression diagnosis.

No other TMS clinic in Arizona can replicate this clinical approach.

Not sure if you qualify?

Call us — we’ll check your TRICARE coverage at no charge.

Check my coverage
Call (480) 668-3599

What TMS treatment looks like

For military patients considering TMS, knowing what to expect reduces barriers to starting.

~20 min

Per session

Anesthesia or sedation

Same day

Return to normal activity

Private TMS clinic vs. the VA — what’s the difference?

Many veterans and active duty patients have access to both. Here’s how they compare for TMS specifically.

	VA TMS	*TMS Institute of Arizona*
Wait time	Weeks to months depending on facility	✓ Typically 1–2 weeks from first call
Physician oversight	Varies by facility and staffing	✓ Board-certified physician evaluates every patient on-site
Sleep & PTSD comorbidities	Referred to separate departments	✓ Addressed in a single treatment plan by Dr. Patel
Scheduling flexibility	Limited by VA appointment system	✓ Flexible scheduling around duty hours
TRICARE billing	VA handles internally	✓ We handle prior auth and billing

VA TMS availability varies significantly by facility. Some veterans use both — starting at a private clinic while on a VA waitlist. We can help you understand your options.

Your TRICARE TMS questions, answered

Does TRICARE cover TMS therapy?

Yes. TRICARE covers TMS for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). Coverage has been in place since 2016 and applies to active duty, retirees, and eligible family members, subject to prior authorization.

What is the prior authorization process for TMS?

Our team handles the entire prior authorization process. After your initial physician evaluation, we submit clinical notes directly to TriWest or your TRICARE regional contractor. Most patients receive approval and begin treatment within 1–2 weeks.

How much will I pay out of pocket?

Active duty service members typically pay $0. Retirees under Group A plans pay approximately $12–$20 per visit. Family members on TRICARE Select pay 15–25% after their deductible. Call us and we’ll verify your specific costs at no charge.

Can I get TMS while on active duty?

Yes. Active duty service members are eligible for TMS with TRICARE Prime at no cost. Treatment sessions are approximately 20 minutes and require no sedation, making it easy to schedule around duty hours.

Does TRICARE cover TMS for PTSD or anxiety?

TMS is FDA-approved for depression and OCD. Use for PTSD and anxiety is considered off-label, and TRICARE coverage for these indications is less consistent. We’ll verify your specific plan before you commit to anything.

What's the difference between TRICARE Prime and Select for TMS?

TRICARE Prime typically results in lower out-of-pocket costs for TMS. TRICARE Select involves cost-sharing after your deductible. Both plans require prior authorization. We’ll clarify your specific cost structure when you call.

How long does TMS treatment take?

A standard TMS course is 36 sessions over 6–7 weeks, five days per week. Each session is approximately 20 minutes. Accelerated TMS protocols are also available; ask us about scheduling options.

Can family members of active duty get TMS covered?

Yes. Eligible dependents covered under TRICARE can receive TMS for depression with prior authorization. Cost-sharing applies depending on the specific plan. Contact us to verify coverage for your family member.

What TRICARE patients say

★★★★★

“I went from losing hope, to cherishing every moment. I would urge anyone who is struggling with depression, PTSD, or any type of psychological struggle to pick up the phone and inquire. Your best days are still to come.”

— JG, Retired Army

★★★★★

“What an amazing team — and a miracle therapy.”

— Google Review, TRICARE patient