Activate TMS (Westlake Village)

I have been suffering heavily from bipolar 2 depression for decades. It has stolen and sabotaged pretty much everything in my life. Medication and therapy help but things were still pretty dark and I often felt hopeless. Then I heard about tms and the positive impact it could make for people like me. My psychiatrist was kind, compassionate and answered all of my questions. She made sure that I understood what this procedure could or could not do. Her team were just as warm and expedient in getting the all important answer if my insurance would cover it as well as getting me scheduled to start asap. Day 1 was brain mapping which helps set the machine's settings for what your specific brain needs. Your first treatment comes right after the mapping. You sit in a decently comfy chair, your head is gently strapped and secured so the coil can be positioned properly where you need it. The staff cares a lot about your comfort. The tms room is cozy with soft lighting, there's aromatherapy if you want it, a blanket and a tv to watch things from multiple streaming services....the 1-hr brain map flies by. Each 20 min. treatment also flies right by. It becomes routine as this is a daily commitment M-F until you finish your course of treatments. The machine sounds like a woodpecker when it's going off. First few days, I had family drive me to my appointment because I was feeling too tired to drive safely. Fatigue was a pretty consistent effect during the whole process. Occasional mood swing here or there. First week was a lot of fatigue and flat energy. Around treatment 8-10, my brain finally felt clear for the first time in forever. My mood became more and more stable as I went along with a slight wobble once in a while. Energy was pretty flat a lot during the process but that can be expected with the kind of work going on in your brain. As more circuits come back online, I began to feel more. Things began looking brighter, I was feeling joy in simple things like a sunny day and I can't tell you how amazing it felt to have some HOPE that my life can be better. Fast-forward to my last visit at #36 and I genuinely believed I can finally have some control of my life, and quality of life, back instead of being at the mercy of my disorder. Fast-forward some more and I am on day #20 post-tms as of today. My brain and body are still adjusting and defining what my new "normal" will be. Life is no longer an endless string of crises/damage control/everything feels too hard. The team was with me every step of the way. Always answering questions, asking me how I'm feeling, chatting with me as I sat for my treatments and adjusting appointment times should it be needed. There is not cure for a chronic condition like bipolar 2. Thanks to tms and the team behind it though, my disorder is no longer in charge.

Kristen Robertson • February 2nd, 2026

I am so happy with Dr. Takang. He is thorough and kind. He is easy to talk to and asks many questions that evaluate my health and mood each visit. Thank you!

Shawn Reynante • January 27th, 2026

Great service, questions get answered, I have grown under their care.

Susan Amsden • March 7th, 2026