Leah Rudnick, MD Eva Velasquez, CNP Richard Smith, MD

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Depression treatment that hasn't run out of options

TMS is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive therapy for adults who haven't found lasting relief through medication or talk therapy alone. Sage has led interventional psychiatry in Albuquerque since 2006 — under one physician-led roof.

Request a Consultation No referral needed
Most insurance accepted
Provider and patient in conversation at Sage Neuroscience Center
Physician-led since 2006 MagVenture TMS provider FDA-cleared technology Most major insurance accepted Medicare & Medicaid accepted Physician-led since 2006 MagVenture TMS provider FDA-cleared technology Most major insurance accepted Medicare & Medicaid accepted

Sage treats adults living with depression that medication and therapy alone haven’t resolved — especially those who’ve tried multiple treatments without lasting relief. In appropriate cases, adolescents may be candidates too — every plan starts with a real conversation, not a guess.

2008 FDA-cleared for depression
~20 min Per session, in-office
0 Sedation or recovery time required
6 wks Typical course of treatment

Getting to know TMS

Transcranial Magnetic
Stimulation

A non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses — similar in strength to an MRI — to stimulate the areas of the brain that regulate mood. No sedation. No surgery. No downtime.

If medication and talk therapy alone haven’t been enough, TMS gives the brain a different way in — and it’s covered by most major insurance plans.

How treatment works

From first visit to finished course

01

Consultation & mapping

We confirm TMS is right for you and map your treatment site with precise measurements — no guesswork.

02

Daily sessions begin

Typically 5 days a week. Most people feel a tapping sensation on the scalp. No sedation, no IV, no recovery room.

03

You keep your day

Each session runs ~20 minutes. Drive yourself, go back to work or school right after — every single time.

04

Track & maintain

We monitor your progress through the full course, typically 6 weeks, with maintenance available if symptoms return.

Why Sage

Four reasons patients choose Sage for TMS

A trusted, comprehensive approach to interventional psychiatry — built around your care, not around a single treatment.

Established, physician-led care

Serving Albuquerque since 2006 under Dr. Reuben Sutter, Founder, CEO & Medical Director.

Experienced TMS provider

An established program on MagVenture technology — not a recent add-on.

Dr. Reuben Sutter, Founder, CEO and Medical Director of Sage Neuroscience Center

Dr. Reuben Sutter, MD

Founder, CEO & Medical Director

Comprehensive care, one roof

TMS alongside medication management, therapy, addiction care and an on-site pharmacy.

Accessible & well-insured

Most major commercial plans, Medicare and Medicaid accepted.

Insurance & access

Most major plans accepted — including Medicare and Medicaid

Coverage varies by plan. Submit an inquiry and our team will verify your individual TMS benefits before you commit to anything.

Aetna Blue Cross Blue Shield UnitedHealthcare Medicare Medicaid Molina Healthcare Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Verify My Benefits

Common questions

Straight answers, before you commit to anything

Is TMS painful?

Most patients describe a tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp, strongest in the first few sessions and easing as treatment continues. No sedation is used, so you stay fully alert throughout.

Will my insurance cover TMS?

Most major commercial plans, Medicare and Medicaid offer coverage for TMS when standard criteria are met. Submit an inquiry and our team will verify your specific benefits — we don’t guarantee coverage upfront, but we’ll find out for you.

How is TMS different from ECT?

Unlike electroconvulsive therapy, TMS requires no sedation, no anesthesia and causes no memory loss. You’re awake and alert during every session and can drive yourself home immediately after.

What does a session actually feel like?

You’ll sit in a comfortable chair while a coil rests lightly against your scalp, delivering magnetic pulses in short bursts. Sessions run about 20 minutes — many patients read, listen to music or simply relax.

How soon will I notice a difference?

Response varies by person. Some notice changes within the first couple of weeks; others build gradually across the full course. Your care team tracks progress throughout and adjusts as needed.

Do I need a referral to get started?

No referral is required. Submit an inquiry or call us directly, and our team will walk you through a consultation to confirm TMS is a good fit.

Provider and patient in conversation at Sage

Get started

Request your TMS consultation

Tell us a little about what you’re looking for. A member of our team will follow up to confirm candidacy, verify your insurance and schedule your first visit — no pressure, no obligation.

Same-week Response on most inquiries
No cost Insurance verification, no obligation