Hope for Those Struggling with Depression
Living with depression can feel discouraging, especially when medications and talk therapy haven’t brought the relief you hoped for. Many individuals with treatment-resistant depression, OCD, or PTSD reach a point of frustration and exhaustion, wondering if anything can truly help.
At Sunrise Psychiatry in Overland Park, we want you to know there is hope. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment option that uses magnetic stimulation to help regulate mood and improve symptoms of depression. It offers a path forward for those who have not responded to traditional treatment methods.
Our clinic proudly serves patients across the Kansas City area, providing compassionate, expert-led care close to home.
What Is TMS Therapy and How Does It Work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a type of brain stimulation therapy that uses gentle magnetic pulses to activate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. During treatment, a small magnetic coil is placed against the scalp, where it delivers targeted stimulation to nerve cells (neurons) in the prefrontal cortex, an area often underactive in people with depression.
This stimulation helps improve communication between brain regions responsible for emotional control, offering lasting relief from symptoms of depression and OCD.
Unlike ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, and it does not cause memory loss. Sunrise Psychiatry also does not offer Deep TMS or ketamine treatments. Instead, we specialize in repetitive TMS (rTMS) and Theta Burst TMS, an advanced, faster treatment protocol supported by research for its effectiveness and efficiency.
Meet Your Provider: Dr. Sonni Elliot, MD
At Sunrise Psychiatry, your care is led by Dr. Sonni Elliott, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of the practice. A Kansas City native, Dr. Elliott brings more than a decade of experience in comprehensive mental health care. She earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine before returning home to practice at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. Dr. Elliott also spent time in Detroit, Michigan, where she worked in community mental health, gaining valuable experience in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions and deepening her understanding of patient-centered care.
Dr. Elliott is known for her compassionate approach and her belief that everyone deserves access to personalized, evidence-based care. She is passionate about helping patients find hope and balance through non-medication-based treatments like TMS therapy.
“Every person’s journey is unique, which is why I take time to truly listen. TMS can be life-changing for those who have felt stuck for far too long.”—Dr. Sonni Elliott, MD
When you choose Sunrise Psychiatry, you are choosing a provider who listens, cares, and partners with you every step of the way.
What to Expect at Our TMS Treatment Center in Kansas City
Your comfort and peace of mind matter to us. From your first consultation to your final session, our goal is to make every visit calm, easy, and stress-free.
During treatment, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair in a private, quiet space. A trained technician will gently place the TMS coil on your head, targeting specific brain regions with gentle magnetic pulses. Most patients describe the sensation as a light tapping or tingling on the scalp. You will remain fully awake, alert, and able to relax, listen to music, or simply unwind.
The most common side effects of TMS are mild and temporary, such as slight scalp discomfort or a mild headache, both of which usually resolve quickly. There is no downtime, so you can return to work, school, or errands immediately after your session.
Our Theta Burst TMS option allows for even shorter treatment sessions, making it easy to fit therapy into your daily schedule.
For a detailed walk-through of what treatment feels like, visit our related blog post: “What Does TMS Therapy Feel Like?
How TMS Works for Treatment-Resistant Depression, OCD, and PTSD
For individuals living with treatment-resistant depression, OCD, or PTSD, TMS therapy offers meaningful, measurable results. Research shows that TMS helps regulate brain activity and can lead to significant improvements in symptoms, even for those who have not responded to multiple medications.
Clinical studies have shown remission rates between 30–50%, with many patients experiencing partial relief that helps them return to daily life with renewed energy and hope. At Sunrise Psychiatry, our outcomes are even stronger, with a 60% remission rate and an 89% response rate, reflecting our commitment to personalized, evidence-based care and patient success.
Unlike medication, TMS has minimal side effects, requires no sedation, and does not cause memory loss.
One of our patients shared, “After years of trying antidepressants, I finally feel like myself again. The TMS sessions were easy, and the staff made me feel cared for every time I walked in.”
TMS is not just about symptom relief—it’s about helping you reclaim the quality of life you deserve.
Why Choose Sunrise Psychiatry for Your Mental Health Treatment
Choosing where to receive treatment is a deeply personal decision, and we are honored when patients trust us with their care. Sunrise Psychiatry stands apart for our:
- Personalized treatment plans led by Dr. Elliott, not a corporate chain
- Local ownership and a genuine investment in the Kansas City community
- Comfortable, welcoming environment designed to promote relaxation and healing
- Expertise in Theta Burst TMS and other non-medication-based therapies
- Flexible scheduling that respects your time and responsibilities
- Transparent insurance assistance and clear communication from start to finish
Every detail of our practice is built around you—your comfort, your goals, and your path to recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you’ve been searching for relief from depression or OCD, TMS therapy may be the treatment option you’ve been looking for. It’s gentle, effective, and designed to fit your life.
We invite you to schedule a consultation or complete our online self-assessment to learn more about whether TMS therapy is right for you.
Relief is possible, and it might start right here in a comfortable chair at our Kansas City treatment center.