Frequently asked
questions

Clinic-grade TMS is much stronger than the technology that is in the current at-home devices (e.g., headbands).

This means you get stronger effects, much faster than with an at-home device. And your care is overseen by a clinical team, rather than done without oversight.

Brain stimulation targets your brain activity directly, at the circuit level. It is much more precise than medication, which creates broader change at the chemical level and can impact other parts of your brain or body you don't want, creating unwanted side effects. In comparison to therapy, brain stimulation is a more direct and faster intervention that targets the foundational biology behind your mental experiences - your brain circuitry.  
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In general, we encourage people to take a multi-dimensional approach to change. Brain stimulation is compatible with common mental health medications and therapeutic approaches. Stimulation can serve as a critical piece of the overall puzzle to your healthiest mental state, as it gives you control over your neurology in ways medication and therapy can't.

Brain stimulation through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) - the technology Pharia uses - has been FDA-approved since 2008 and safely used in clinical settings since then. We only use only FDA-cleared devices.

This is considered a very safe treatment, with risk of adverse events <0.01% (see Cleveland Clinic). The most common side effect is a headache, which tends to go away after the day or can be mitigated with an over-the-counter pain reliever (Advil, Tylenol), if desired.

Your stimulation day is a bit like running an endurance race. It can feel long, depending on the number of stimulations you get, and you may leave feeling tired, as your brain has gotten a workout in, but you'll feel the benefits long after the day.

You'll spend a day at one of our sites, alternating receiving stimulations and taking breaks. The day will consist of 10-20 rounds: 3 minutes of stimulation, 27 minutes of break. This one day protocol has been shown to maximize results by building on the positive effects of the stimulations, back to back.

During your breaks, you can use the wise as you wish. We’ve found clients preferring one of two types of days: 
1) Productivity Oriented – Take advantage of the Pomodoro-style intervals as focused sprints to accomplish tasks that benefit from bursts of deep concentration. 
2) Mental Reset – Embrace the built-in pauses to have a structured recovery day: take focused time to reflect and journal, have short calls with friends or family, get in a 20-minute meditation, or go on a short walk.

Stimulations feel different for everyone, and the sensations are only felt for the few minutes you're being stimulated. It is sometimes described as a feeling like a small rubber band is snapping inside your head, or a woodpecker is tapping against your scalp. We've heard the range of "brain massage" "vigorous tickle" "intense poking" from our clients - it really is unique for everyone.

Our team aims to make the stimulations as comfortable and pain free as possible. Some people still experience pain, and we'll work with you to adjust our approach to make it as comfortable as possible to get you through the 3 minute sessions. Sometimes an over-the-counter pain reliever can help.

Lastly, you'll hear a clicking noise as the machine goes off, and we can provide earplugs to reduce noise impact.

Insurance doesn't cover the one-day protocol that Pharia provides. In general, insurance plans only cover traditional TMS for those diagnosed with Depression, who have failed at least 2 antidepressants, and will only cover the standard protocol of 5x/week, 6-8 weeks of TMS. Co-pays may still apply to the standard course of treatment.
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Yes, we can accept HSA/FSAs in most cases! 

Most people feel results within the first week of their stimulation day.

Results vary, but typically last at least three, usually six, and up to 12+ months. If your symptoms return back to baseline in three months, we can offer booster sessions at a discounted rate (pending your neuropsychiatrist's approval to do additional stimulations).

Most likely, this won't interfere with current treatments. Stimulation is compatible with common mental health medications and therapeutic approaches.
Stimulation uses magnets similar to an MRI. It is not appropriate for those with metal implants above the neck (excluding dental fillings, crowns, or braces - that's ok). People with a history of seizures should also not receive stimulations.
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During your onboarding on the Pharia platform, you'll answer questions which will help us determine eligibility, which will be reviewed by your neuropsychiatrist before we proceed.

Our name comes from two words which embody what we hope to provide you.

A pharos is a lighthouse - a beacon of hope during long and sometimes complex journeys.

A ria is an estuary - an enclosed inlet that different streams can flow into, providing a safe anchor amidst a broader network.

So, when combined, you find us. We provide a safe tool for change that fits into your broader routine and help you on your journey to your best mind and best self.
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