What’s new in TMS at Avive: Robotic-assisted delivery now available

At Avive Health, we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – a safe, evidence-based treatment option for people experiencing symptoms of depression that have not responded well to medications or therapy. 

We now provide two TMS delivery options: 

• Our established TMS machine – used safely and effectively in clinical practice for many years 
• A robotic-assisted TMS platform – offering greater positional consistency for people with more complex treatment needs
   

Robotic-assisted TMS is delivered at Avive Clinic Brisbane under the expert care of Dr Bjorn Burger, a consultant psychiatrist with advanced training in neuromodulation, while TMS is led by Dr Joanna Ng, also a consultant psychiatrist at Avive Clinic Brisbane. 

Standard TMS – evidence-based and widely used 

TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation. It has been studied in clinical trials since the 1990s and is supported by international guidelines, including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists recommendations for treatment-resistant depression. 

Most patients begin with our established TMS machine, which has: 

• A strong evidence base 

• A generally well-tolerated side-effect profile (e.g., mild headache or scalp discomfort for some people) 

• A standardised protocol delivered in short outpatient sessions 

You can learn more about TMS as a brain stimulation therapy from the Mayo Clinic, which provides a detailed overview of how these treatments work and when they may be considered. 

Robotic-guided TMS for greater positional consistency 

For people who may benefit from a more individualised approach, we also offer robotic-guided TMS. This system can combine: 

• MRI-informed brain targeting (where appropriate) 

• Robotic coil positioning 

• Real-time motion tracking 

Together, these features support highly consistent stimulation delivery across sessions. Robotic-guided TMS may be considered for people with complex clinical histories or unique brain anatomy. 

Which system is right for me? 

All TMS decisions at Avive are made collaboratively between you and a qualified clinician. Factors such as clinical history, treatment goals, prior response to therapies, and neuroimaging (if applicable) guide whether standard or robotic-guided TMS is recommended. 

Regardless of the delivery system, our TMS care is: 

• Delivered under specialist supervision 

• Individualised where appropriate 

• Informed by published clinical research

   

What to expect 

Assessment – You’ll meet with a clinician to confirm suitability, discuss options, and plan your course.

Session length – Most sessions take around 20–40 minutes (noting robotic-assisted TMS is shorter in both duration and frequency).

Course – A typical course involves multiple sessions per week over several weeks, with review points to track progress. 

After your session – You can usually return to normal activities the same day. Some people experience transient scalp discomfort or mild headache. 

Safety, side effects and who should not have TMS 

TMS does not require anaesthesia and does not involve seizure induction. Common, short-lived effects can include scalp discomfort or headache. Your clinician will discuss rare risks and how they are managed. 

TMS may not be suitable if you have certain metal implants or devices in or near the head, a history of particular neurological conditions, or if you are pregnant. Please bring any questions or device information to your assessment so we can advise safely. 

Access and costs 

TMS at Avive Health is available to both inpatients and outpatients. Medicare rebates may apply for eligible outpatient courses, and private health insurance may cover inpatient TMS depending on your policy. Our intake team can outline referral pathways, eligibility and fees. 

For general information about depression and treatment options, visit Beyond Blue. 

About Dr Bjorn Burger 

Dr Bjorn Burger is a consultant psychiatrist with [over 20 years] of clinical experience. He has specific expertise in advanced TMS delivery and heads our neuromodulation service at Avive Clinic Brisbane alongside Dr Joanna Ng, focusing on safe, evidence-informed care for people with complex or treatment-resistant conditions. 

Frequently asked questions 

Is TMS painful? 
Most people describe TMS as a light tapping sensation on the scalp. Some experience mild discomfort or headache at first, which usually eases after a few sessions. 

Can I drive after TMS? 
Yes – you can return to your usual activities, including driving, immediately after treatment. 

How many sessions will I need? 
A standard course often includes around 20–30 sessions over four to six weeks. Your doctor will tailor this based on your response and goals. Robotic-assisted TMS is generally shorter. 

Is TMS the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? 
No – TMS does not require anaesthesia, does not cause seizures, and is delivered while you remain awake and alert. 

Does TMS work for everyone? 
While many people experience symptom improvement, not everyone responds. Your clinician will discuss expected benefits, possible alternatives, and how we’ll review your progress. 

Do I need a referral? 
No referral is needed for an initial enquiry, but referrals from your GP or psychiatrist are welcome and can help coordinate your care. Avive’s intake team can assist with this. 

Learn more 

If you’re considering TMS, our intake team can provide information about assessment, suitability and next steps. 

Enquire: Call [email protected] or phone 1800 284 830 

Please note: TMS is an evidence-based treatment for specific mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression. Individual outcomes vary. Treatment suitability is determined following clinical assessment. This information is general in nature and does not replace advice from your health professional.