FAQs

About WHOA Wellness

What is WHOA Wellness?

WHOA Wellness is an integrated mental health and wellness practice in Richmond, VA. We combine evidence-based medical treatments like TMS therapy with holistic wellness services including massage therapy and acupuncture. Our approach treats the whole person—addressing both mental health and physical wellbeing in a supportive, appointment-only environment.

WHOA Wellness is an extension of WHOA Behavioral Health’s mission of compassionate, comprehensive care. While WHOA Behavioral Health focuses on crisis intervention, intensive in-home services, and mental health support for children and adolescents, WHOA Wellness offers advanced treatment options like TMS therapy alongside holistic wellness services for adults seeking proactive mental health care and integrated healing.

We serve clients across the lifespan. Our services are available for clients ages 4 and up. TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder. Our massage and acupuncture services are available to adults seeking wellness support.

Yes. WHOA Wellness operates on an appointment-only basis. This ensures that every client receives focused, unhurried attention in a calm environment. We do not accept walk-ins.

TMS Therapy

What is TMS therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for major depressive disorder. It uses focused magnetic pulses—similar to those in an MRI—to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS is particularly effective for people who haven’t found adequate relief from antidepressant medications.
TMS is not painful, though you’ll feel a tapping or pulsing sensation on your scalp during treatment. Some people find this mildly uncomfortable during the first few sessions, but most adjust quickly. The most common side effect is temporary scalp tenderness or a mild headache, which typically diminishes after the first week of treatment.
TMS sessions typically last 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the specific treatment protocol. You can return to your normal activities immediately afterward—no downtime or recovery period is needed.
A standard course of TMS therapy includes 30 to 36 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks, typically scheduled five days per week. Consistency is important for achieving the best results, as each session builds on the previous one to create lasting changes in brain activity.
Most major insurance plans cover TMS therapy for qualified patients, including Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Medicare. Many Medicaid plans also provide coverage. Eligibility typically requires a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and documentation of prior antidepressant trials that were either ineffective or poorly tolerated. During your consultation, we’ll verify your specific coverage and discuss any out-of-pocket costs upfront.
TMS has minimal side effects. The most common are temporary scalp discomfort or mild headache during or after the first few sessions, which usually resolve within the first week. Facial muscle twitching during treatment can occur but is harmless. Serious side effects like seizures are extremely rare, occurring in less than 0.01% of sessions.
Yes. Unlike some psychiatric treatments, TMS requires no anesthesia or sedation. You’ll remain fully awake and alert throughout the session and can drive yourself home or return to work immediately afterward.
You may be a candidate for TMS if you have major depressive disorder and have not achieved satisfactory improvement from at least one antidepressant medication trial. TMS is also FDA-cleared for reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with depression. You cannot receive TMS if you have certain metal implants in or near your head (such as cochlear implants or deep brain stimulators) or a history of seizures. We’ll conduct a thorough screening during your consultation to determine if TMS is safe and appropriate for you.
TMS and ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) are both brain stimulation treatments for depression, but they work very differently. TMS is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, causes no memory problems, and allows you to drive yourself to and from treatment. ECT requires general anesthesia, can cause temporary memory issues, and involves inducing a brief seizure. TMS is typically used before ECT in the treatment progression.
At WHOA Wellness, we provide TMS therapy for major depressive disorder, including treatment of comorbid anxiety symptoms in patients with depression. TMS is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression—when antidepressant medications haven’t provided adequate relief.

Massage Therapy

What types of massage do you offer?

We offer custom therapeutic massage tailored to your specific needs, with sessions available in 30-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute lengths. We also offer reflexology, which focuses on pressure points in the feet, hands, or face to promote healing and balance throughout the body.

  • 30-minute custom massage: $65
  • 60-minute custom massage: $115
  • 90-minute custom massage: $145
  • 30-minute reflexology: $75

We also offer enhancement options including Himalayan Salt Stone Therapy ($30) and Aromatherapy with Lavender ($10). Multi-session packages are available at discounted rates.

Yes. We offer three-session packages that provide cost savings:

  • 3 sessions of 30 minutes: $175
  • 3 sessions of 60 minutes: $305
  • 3 sessions of 90 minutes: $405
Your massage begins with a conversation about your symptoms, areas of tension or pain, and what you hope to achieve. You’ll discuss which session length is right for you and whether you’d like to add enhancements like heated salt stones or aromatherapy. During the massage, you’ll rest in a private, comfortable room with soft lighting and calming music. You’ll be appropriately draped throughout, and you can communicate anytime if you need adjustments.

Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a time-honored practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the strategic placement of fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body. These points, when stimulated, help promote circulation, reduce inflammation, calm the nervous system, and activate the body’s natural healing responses.
  • Initial intake session: $100
  • Treatment sessions: $80
  • Ear seeds: $40
Ear seeds are a specialized auricular acupuncture technique that extends the benefits of your treatment between sessions. Small seeds or pellets are placed on specific points on your ear using adhesive tape, providing gentle, continuous stimulation. They can be worn for several days and are particularly helpful for stress management, pain relief, cravings, and sleep support.
Most people are surprised by how little they feel during acupuncture. The needles are very fine—much thinner than those used for injections. You might feel a brief, mild sensation as each needle is placed, but it’s typically not painful. Many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing.
Acupuncture can support a wide range of concerns including stress and anxiety, chronic pain, headaches and migraines, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and the physical symptoms that accompany depression or anxiety.

Insurance & Payment

What insurance do you accept for TMS therapy?

We accept most major insurance plans for TMS therapy, including:

  • Aetna
  • United Healthcare
  • Cigna
  • Medicare
  • Many Medicaid plans
  • Anthem

Coverage eligibility typically requires a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and prior trials of antidepressant medications. We’ll verify your coverage during your consultation and explain any out-of-pocket costs before you begin treatment.

No. While we accept insurance for TMS therapy, our massage therapy and acupuncture services have transparent pricing and can be paid for directly. We believe wellness care should be accessible, which is why we offer clear rates and package options.

Scheduling & Logistics

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule appointments directly online through our booking system or by contacting our office. For services requiring an initial consultation or evaluation—such as TMS therapy we’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you have before your first visit.

For your first appointment, please bring:

  • A valid photo ID
  • Your insurance card (if using insurance for TMS)
  • A list of current medications you’re taking
  • Any relevant medical records or previous psychiatric evaluations
  • A list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss

Absolutely. Many clients benefit from combining services—such as TMS therapy with massage or acupuncture, alongside holistic wellness treatments. We encourage an integrated approach and will coordinate your care across services to ensure the best possible outcomes.

WHOA Wellness is located in Richmond, VA, serving the surrounding communities including Midlothian, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, Powhatan, Goochland, and Hopewell.

Still Have Questions?

If you don’t see your question answered here, we’re happy to help. Contact us directly and we’ll provide the information you need to make an informed decision about your care.
Contact WHOA Wellness

Take the Next Step

Healing starts with a single decision to move forward. Whether you are seeking clinical treatment, holistic wellness, or both, WHOA Wellness is here to support you.