If antidepressants have not worked for you, you may have treatment resistant depression or TRD and your doctor may have mentioned TMS. The next question most people ask is the same: how much does it cost? The short answer is that most patients with commercial insurance pay only a specialist copay, usually $20 to $50 per session, for a full course of Deep TMS treatment. This article walks you through what to expect at Axis Integrated Mental Health clinics in Denver, Denver Tech Center, Boulder, Westminster, and Aurora.
What Does TMS Cost Without Insurance?
Without insurance, a full course of Deep TMS at Axis costs $5,500. This covers 36 sessions over about six weeks, plus your intake appointment and follow up visits. An accelerated six-day protocol is available for $7,500.
- Standard protocol (36 sessions): $5,500 cash-pay
- Accelerated 6-day protocol: $7,500 cash-pay
- Single session without insurance: approximately $250 to $400
- HSA and FSA funds can be used since TMS is a qualified medical expense
Most patients do not pay the full amount. Keep reading to see what insurance usually covers.
Does Insurance Cover Deep TMS?
Yes. Most major insurance plans cover Deep TMS for treatment-resistant depression. You typically qualify if you have tried at least two antidepressants and they did not work or caused side effects you could not tolerate. Coverage may require that you have been in therapy, depending on the insurance plan.
- Aetna – Covers Deep TMS after 2+ failed medication trials; age 15+
- Anthem BCBS – Covers Deep TMS with prior authorization; age 18+ only
- Cigna – Average copay is $30 per session; no prior auth required as of March 2026 for contracted providers; age 15+
- UnitedHealthcare – Patients may pay as low as $10 per visit; age 15+ as of January 2026
- Medicare – Covers TMS when criteria are met; age 18+ only
- Tricare – Accepted at Axis clinics
Important note on Colorado Medicaid: Colorado Medicaid does not currently cover Deep TMS. If you have a Denver Health Medicaid plan, TMS is not covered. However, if you have a Denver Health POS commercial plan, coverage may depend on your specific plan design. Call Axis at 720-400-7025 to check your specific benefits.
As of January 1, 2026, the State of Colorado requires all major insurance plans to cover mental health care at the same level as physical health care. This means your plan likely covers more than you think.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for TMS by Carrier?
Every insurance company has its own rules for approving TMS. Understanding what your specific carrier requires helps you prepare the right documentation and avoid delays. Here is a breakdown of the major carriers Axis works with:
| Carrier | Medication Trials Required | Therapy Required? | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare / Optum | 2 trials from 2 different classes. Ages 15-17: 2 trials, no class restriction. | Helpful but not required | Age 15+ (effective Jan 1, 2026) |
| Anthem BCBS Colorado | 2 trials from 2 different classes + 1 augmenting agent | Yes – type, therapist name, and dates within past 5 years required | Age 18+ only |
| Cigna / Evernorth | Adults 18+: 2 trials from 2 classes, 4 weeks each. Teens 15-17: 2 trials, no class restriction. | Yes – evidence-based psychotherapy required | Age 15+. No prior auth needed as of March 6, 2026 |
| Aetna | 2 antidepressants from 2 different classes at max dose for 8 weeks EACH + augmentation for 8 weeks | Helpful but not required | Age 15+ |
| Medicare | 1 trial from at least 2 different agent classes at adequate dose | Yes – adequate frequency and duration required | Age 18+ only |
Note: These are general guidelines. Your specific plan may have additional requirements. Axis verifies your exact benefits before treatment begins and handles all prior authorization paperwork. Check your coverage here.
Does Insurance Cover TMS for Teenagers?
Yes, in many cases. Coverage for TMS in teenagers has expanded significantly as of 2025 and 2026. Several major carriers have now lowered their minimum age for TMS coverage to 15.
- UnitedHealthcare / Optum: As of January 1, 2026, covers TMS for patients age 15 and older. Teens ages 15 to 17 need two antidepressant medication trials, but there is no requirement that the trials be from different medication classes.
- Cigna: Covers TMS for patients age 15 and older. Teens ages 15 to 17 need two antidepressant trials. Therapy is required. As of March 2026, no prior authorization is needed for contracted behavioral health providers.
- Aetna: Covers TMS for patients age 15 and older. Teens must meet the same criteria as adults: two medications from two different classes, each for eight weeks, plus an augmenting agent trial.
- Anthem BCBS Colorado: Currently covers TMS for adults age 18 and older only. Teenagers are not covered under Anthem Colorado’s current policy.
- Medicare: Covers adults age 18 and older only. Not applicable for teens.
Deep TMS has received FDA clearance for patients 15 years of age and older. This is particularly meaningful for parents and teens who want to avoid the long-term effects of psychiatric medications on a still-developing brain. Many adolescent patients at Axis come after trying one or two antidepressants that caused weight gain, emotional blunting, or other difficult side effects.
If you are a parent researching TMS coverage for your teenager, call or text Axis at 720-400-7025. Our team will verify your teen’s specific benefits and tell you exactly what documentation is needed before the first appointment.
How Much Will I Actually Pay With Insurance?
With insurance, most Axis patients pay their standard specialist copay per session. Here is what typical out-of-pocket costs look like:
| Insurance Plan | Typical Copay / Session | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $20 – $50 per session | After prior auth; HAMD 24+ required; age 15+ |
| Anthem BCBS | $20 – $50 per session | After prior auth; therapy docs required; age 18+ |
| Cigna | ~$30 per session | Based on 200+ Axis patients; no prior auth since March 2026; age 15+ |
| UnitedHealthcare | $10 – $50 per session | Varies by plan; age 15+ as of Jan 2026 |
| Medicare | ~20% of approved charges | After deductible; age 18+ only |
| Self-Pay (Cash) | $5,500 full course | Axis standard protocol, 36 sessions |
Want a personalized estimate in under 60 seconds? Use the Axis TMS Cost Calculator to enter your insurance details and see what you would pay. No phone calls. No waiting on hold.
How Does Axis Handle Prior Authorization?
Prior authorization is the process where your insurance company reviews your medical history and approves TMS before treatment begins. It can feel overwhelming, but Axis handles all of it for you.
- Your Axis provider documents your depression diagnosis and medication history
- Our billing team submits your prior authorization request
- Most approvals come through within two weeks
- We notify you of your exact out-of-pocket cost before your first session
- If your insurance denies the request, we file an appeal
One important note: as of March 6, 2026, Cigna no longer requires prior authorization for TMS with contracted behavioral health providers. This means Cigna patients at Axis can move faster from evaluation to treatment.
Axis does the work so you can focus on getting better.
Why Does Deep TMS at Axis Cost More Than Standard TMS Elsewhere? (And Why It Is Worth It)
Not all TMS is the same. Most TMS clinics in Colorado use a standard figure-8 coil (Apollo, Neurostar, Magventure machines) that stimulates a narrow area of the brain. At Axis, we use Deep TMS with the BrainsWay H-Coil, which reaches deeper and wider areas of the brain associated with depression.
| Feature | Standard TMS (Figure-8 Coil) | Deep TMS (Axis H-Coil) |
|---|---|---|
| Brain Penetration | Shallow (surface) | Deeper brain regions |
| Response Rate | ~50-60% | 82% improvement |
| Remission Rate | ~35% | 65% full remission |
| FDA Clearances | Depression, OCD | Depression, OCD, smoking cessation |
| Session Duration | ~37 minutes | ~20 minutes |
| Insurance Reimbursement Rate | Standard rate | Same rate as standard TMS – you pay the same copay |
| Technology | Figure-8 coil (NeuroStar, MagVenture) | BrainsWay H-Coil |
Here is what the reimbursement row means in plain terms: insurance companies reimburse rTMS and Deep TMS at the same rate. You will pay the same copay whether you choose a standard TMS clinic or Axis. The difference is entirely in your chances of getting better. Studies published in Psychiatry Research, Volume 324 show that Deep TMS puts 65 out of 100 patients into full remission versus about 35 out of 100 with rTMS. When the copay is the same, the only real question is which technology gives you the best shot at getting your life back.
What Are My Payment Options If Insurance Does Not Cover Everything?
- HSA / FSA: TMS is a qualified medical expense. You can use pre-tax dollars, which saves you 20 to 30% on any uncovered costs.
- Cash-pay rate: Axis offers $5,500 for a full standard course if you pay out of pocket.
- Spravato as an alternative: If insurance does not cover TMS, Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is covered by most major insurance plans in Colorado including Colorado Medicaid. Many Axis patients do both treatments for the best outcomes.
Can I Use the TMS Cost Calculator to Get My Estimate?
Yes. The Axis TMS cost calculator is the fastest way to get a real estimate based on your insurance plan. Here is how it works:
- Log into your insurance benefits portal and pull up your plan details
- Enter your deductible, out-of-pocket max, and copay into the calculator
- Get a cost estimate for 12 weeks of Deep TMS treatment
- No personal information is stored
Note: Colorado Medicaid does not cover Deep TMS. The calculator applies to commercial insurance plans only.
Where Can I Get Deep TMS in the Denver Area?
Axis Integrated Mental Health offers Deep TMS at four Front Range locations. All locations use the BrainsWay H-Coil Deep TMS system and accept Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and Tricare.
- Denver (Aurora) – 1444 South Potomac Street, Suite 220, Aurora, CO 80012
- Denver Tech Center (Greenwood Village) – 6950 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80111
- Boulder (Louisville) – 400 South McCaslin Boulevard, Suite 111, Louisville, CO 80027
- Westminster – 8758 Wolff Court, Suite 205, Westminster, CO 80031
New patients are seen within 7 days. To book a free insurance check or schedule a consultation, schedule online here or call or text us at 720-400-7025.
What the Research Says About TMS Effectiveness and Cost
- 82% response rate, 65% remission rate: Peer-reviewed clinical data shows that Deep TMS achieves an 82% improvement rate and 65% full remission rate in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Source: Psychiatry Research, Volume 324.
- Nearly 5% of adults experience recurrent depression: According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 5% of U.S. adults report regular depressive episodes. Source: CDC NCHS Depression Data.
- TMS is recognized as medically necessary by major insurers: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recognizes TMS as a non-invasive, medically necessary treatment for adults with MDD who have not responded to prior antidepressant therapy. Source: CMS Coverage Database.
- rTMS and Deep TMS are covered at the same insurance rate: You will pay the same copay whether you go to a standard TMS clinic or to Axis. The only difference will be in your chances for full remission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Category 1: Cost and Coverage Basics
How much does TMS cost with insurance?
With insurance, most patients at Axis pay a specialist copay of $20 to $50 per session depending on their specific insurance plan. The full course of Deep TMS runs 36 sessions, which means most insured patients pay between $720 and $1,800 total out of pocket, depending on where they are in their deductible cycle. Use the Axis TMS cost calculator to get a personalized estimate with your plan details.
What does Deep TMS cost without insurance in Colorado?
Without insurance, a full course of Deep TMS at Axis in Denver, Boulder, Westminster, or Aurora costs $5,500 for the standard protocol (36 sessions). An accelerated six-day intensive protocol is available for $7,500. The national average for a full TMS course without insurance runs from $6,000 to $15,000. Axis offers competitive cash-pay pricing with HSA and FSA accepted. Learn more at axismh.com/tms-therapy-costs/.
Category 2: Insurance Specifics
What insurance plans cover TMS in Colorado?
Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and Tricare all cover Deep TMS in Colorado after patients have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate relief. Colorado Medicaid does not cover TMS. Denver Health Medicaid does not cover TMS. Denver Health POS+ commercial plan coverage depends on plan design. Axis verifies benefits and handles prior authorization for all patients. Check your coverage here.
Does Aetna cover TMS?
Yes. Aetna covers Deep TMS for patients age 15 and older who have a diagnosis of severe major depressive disorder with a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of 24 or higher. You must have tried two antidepressants from two different medication classes at the maximum tolerated dose for at least eight weeks each, plus an augmenting agent for eight weeks. Axis handles the entire prior authorization process for you. See our detailed guide for Aetna TMS coverage.
Does Anthem BCBS cover TMS?
Yes. Anthem BCBS Colorado covers Deep TMS for adults age 18 and older with severe major depressive disorder and a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of 24 or higher. Anthem requires two antidepressant trials from two different classes plus one augmenting agent trial. Unlike other carriers, Anthem Colorado also requires documented psychotherapy, including the therapist name, type of therapy, and dates within the past five years. See our guide for Anthem BCBS TMS coverage.
Does Cigna cover TMS?
Yes and no prior authorization is required. You will need to have tried 2 or more antidepressants and also, psychotherapy to qualify. See our guide for Cigna TMS coverage for more details.
Does United Healthcare cover TMS?
United covers TMS if you’ve tried 2 or more antidepressants from 2 different classes for patients 15 years old and up. See our guide for United Healthcare TMS Coverage Guide for more details.
Do insurance plans cover Deep TMS or only standard TMS?
Insurance plans reimburse both Deep TMS and standard TMS at the same rate, so your out-of-pocket cost is the same either way. The difference shows up in your results. BrainsWay Deep TMS has a higher response rate and remission rate than older technologies like Apollo, NeuroStar or MagVenture. Read our article for a deeper look at the differences between Deep TMS and standard rTMS.
What age does insurance start covering TMS?
It depends on the carrier. UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Aetna all cover TMS for patients age 15 and older. Anthem BCBS Colorado and Medicare currently require patients to be 18 or older. Deep TMS has FDA clearance for patients 15 years of age and older. If your teenager has tried two antidepressants and is still struggling, call or text Axis at 720-400-7025 to check their specific coverage.
Category 3: Getting Care in Colorado
How can I get TMS covered for my teenager?
If your teen is 15 or older and has tried at least two antidepressant medications without meaningful improvement, they may qualify for TMS coverage under UHC, Cigna, or Aetna. The key is clear documentation: the names of the medications tried, the doses, how long they were taken, and the outcome. Most carriers also want to see that therapy has been attempted. Axis works with families to gather this documentation, work with therapists who specialize in this age group, and submit a complete prior authorization request. Schedule a free insurance check here.
Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for TMS therapy?
Yes. TMS is a qualified medical expense under IRS guidelines, which means you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for any out-of-pocket costs including your deductible, copays, or the full course if you are self-pay. Using pre-tax dollars can reduce your effective cost by 20 to 30%. HSA funds roll over year to year. Learn more at axismh.com/tms-therapy-costs/.
