I have undertaken training in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is also called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). These terms are interchangeable. I have also had TMS myself for depression and found it helpful when medication and psychotherapy alone were insufficient.
TMS works by using a strong magnet placed on the scalp to stimulate specific parts of the brain that are known to be either underactive or overactive in various conditions. It has few side effects, with the main one being headache that typically resolves after a few sessions. In Australia, TMS is mostly used for depression. I recommend reading about TMS on Your Health in Mind.
TMS can be done as an outpatient or as an inpatient. The Bendigo Rainbow Hub offers outpatient TMS at our Bendigo clinic. Outpatient TMS involves 30 minute sessions every weekday during initial treatment. This typically lasts 7 weeks (35 sessions). You are awake during it and can go about your day afterward. Inpatient TMS typically involves a 4 week admission with sessisons provided more often. The exact schedule depends on hospital policies and resources as well as your needs.
For depression, Medicare offers a rebate for the first 35 sessions and an additional 15 sessions 4 months later. Some health funds also cover outpatient TMS, although this is not universal. Check your health fund cover, if you think you might need TMS beyond what Medicare offers.
TMS has also been used in a range of conditions overseas, in research, and in speciality programs, including PTSD, substance use disorder, psychosis, and chronic pain.