TMS Gold Coast QLD: TMS therapy for depression. Southport clinic

TMS Clinic — Southport, QLD

TMS Gold Coast.*

Neuronavigated rTMS in Southport. Medicare rebate available for eligible patients. TGA Approved.

Our Locations

🏳 Gold Coast 🏳 Melbourne

Medicare rebate available

A Medicare rebate may be available for eligible patients. Contact us to discuss your situation.

✓ TGA Approved

✓ Medicare Rebate

✓ DVA Accepted

✓ WorkCover Accepted

Why BrainAid Clinics

Why our TMS clinic in Gold Coast.

🧭

Neuronavigated rTMS

We use the Nexstim SmartFocus® system — MRI-guided precision targeting of your individual brain anatomy. No estimates, no skull-cap approximations.

👨‍⚕️

Doctor-Led Sessions

Care is coordinated by experienced psychiatrists registered medical practitioners in mental health, neurological conditions, and integrative care.

📋

Clinical Research Standards

All protocols follow the latest peer-reviewed evidence. We do not offer interventions without published scientific support.

🌿

Holistic TMF™ Program

Beyond symptoms — our Thought, Movement & Food program supports brain health under clinical supervision, grounded in the Maintain Your Brain RCT.

Treatment Benefits

Why patients choose TMS.

✓

Non-invasive

No surgery, no anaesthesia, no recovery time. You can drive home immediately after each session.

✓

Outpatient Treatment

Sessions run 20–40 minutes. Fits around your schedule — no extended hospital stays required.

✓

Minimal Side Effects

No systemic medication effects (no weight gain, no sexual side effects) and none of the memory effects associated with ECT.

✓

Medicare Rebate Available

Eligible patients may receive a Medicare rebate for TMS sessions. DVA and select health funds may also apply.

✓

Evidence-Based

rTMS has response rates >53% and remission rates >27% — exceeding antidepressant medication benchmarks in many trials.

✓

Precision Neuronavigation

Our Nexstim SmartFocus® system maps stimulation to your individual MRI — not a population average or skull measurement.

Patient Journey

How it works.

Initial Contact

First Chat & Enquiry

15–30 minutes

We discuss your health history, complete assessments, explain the process, and determine whether TMS may be clinically suitable for your situation.

Clinical Review

Psychiatry Assessment

30 – 60 minutes

Meet our psychiatrist to confirm suitability, prescribe treatment, and design your personalised TMS plan.

Pre-Treatment Imaging

Brain MRI & Mapping

1–2 hours

A structural T1 3D MPRAGE/SPGR MRI is required — our team provides the imaging request. The scan is uploaded to our Nexstim system for brain mapping and calibration.

Active Treatment

TMS Sessions

20–40 min per session

Daily sessions over 4–6 weeks (standard) or accelerated formats (2–3 sessions/day over 7 days). Fully awake, no sedation — leave immediately after each session.

Monitoring

Track & Report

Every ~10 days

Validated questionnaires (PHQ-9, GAD-7, DASS-10, DUKE) are completed throughout treatment. Your GP and psychiatrist receive structured milestone reports automatically.

Self-Referral

Can I self-refer?

Yes. Enquire directly and our team will call you to assess suitability. For Medicare eligibility, a GP or psychiatrist referral is required — we can guide you through obtaining one.

Our Approach

Integrated, person-centred care.

At BrainAid Clinics, treatment decisions are made by AHPRA-registered medical practitioners with experience in mental health and neurological conditions. Where clinically appropriate, we collaborate with a broader network of allied health professionals — all operating within their scope of practice and aligned with the latest peer-reviewed evidence.

Our sites participate in clinical research and comply with Good Clinical Practice standards. We communicate clearly, never promise outcomes, and ensure all care is grounded in evidence and delivered with informed consent.

Ready to take the next step?

No obligation. Our team will explain the process, assess your eligibility, and guide you through every stage.

Our Clinic

Southport, Queensland.*

Level 2, Suite 5, 151 Smith St, Southport QLD 4215

0466 352 811

info@brainaidclinics.com

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday

By request

Common Questions

FAQ about TMS in Gold Coast.

Does Medicare cover TMS? Is a rebate available?

Medicare subsidises TMS for adults with treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder who have failed ≥2 antidepressant medications. Eligible patients may receive a Medicare rebate for up to 20 initial sessions and 15 maintenance sessions under MBS 14217–14220. Other indications are not Medicare-listed and attract an out-of-pocket fee. DVA and some WorkCover plans may also apply. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

What is neuronavigated TMS and how is it different?

Standard TMS uses a “5cm rule” or skull cap estimation to approximate coil placement — accuracy as low as 30% in some studies. Our Nexstim SmartFocus® neuronavigation system uses a structural T1 MRI of your individual brain to create a 3D map, then guides the coil to the exact target with real-time E-field visualisation. It is the only system of its kind in Australia with FDA and CE approval for motor and speech mapping — the same precision used in neurosurgical planning.

How much does TMS cost in Gold Coast?

Patients eligible for Medicare may receive a rebate for TMS sessions, substantially reducing out-of-pocket costs. A structural brain MRI (T1 3D MPRAGE/SPGR) is required prior to treatment — the radiology fee (typically $240–$350) is charged by the imaging centre; BAC does not receive any portion of this fee. For non-Medicare indications or patients who do not qualify, an out-of-pocket fee applies. Contact us to discuss your individual situation.

Do you offer accelerated TMS (multiple sessions per day)?

Yes. Our accelerated protocol involves 2–3 sessions per day over 7 days, aligned with the latest research on high-dose neuromodulation. This is a time-efficient alternative for patients seeking faster treatment. Note: the SAINT Protocol (Stanford) is specific to the Magnus Medical system and is not available at BAC — our accelerated format uses our own evidence-based iTBS/rTMS protocol via the Nexstim system.

When is the earliest I can start?

For outpatient care, patients typically wait around 6–8 weeks to see a psychiatrist for the initial screening consultation. The timeline also depends on GP referral, prior specialist reports, MRI scheduling, and clinical team review. Our priority is safety and correct decision-making at every step.

Do you see children or adolescents?

We do not see patients under 18 years of age. We can provide referrals to appropriate services. A clinical trial for TMS in autism (in Australia) may be relevant — see tmsautism.com for eligibility criteria.

Does private health insurance cover TMS?

Some private health insurers — including Bupa — may provide limited cover for TMS, particularly for maintenance therapy or when Medicare does not apply. Coverage depends on your individual policy. Patients should contact their fund directly to confirm. ADF personnel may also be covered under BUPA defence arrangements.