TMS Therapy
Where the science of medicine meets the art of caring
Trusted worldwide for treating depression, OCD, and beyond.
Why choose TMS Therapy?
Safe & Approved
Safe & Approved
TMS Therapy is an evidence based treatment that is Health Canada approved and effective for treatment-resistant depression and OCD.
Medication-Free
Medication-Free
TMS uses magnetic pulses to treat your brain. No daily medications or their bothersome long-term side effects (eg. Weight gain, sexual side effects).
Fast & Effective
Most Clients See Results — Fast
Cutting-edge accelerated 1 week and 1 day protocols now available to help you feel better, sooner.
TMS Ottawa
World-Class TMS Therapy Now in Ottawa
Visit us at our convenient City Centre Avenue location near Art-Is-In Bakery.
What is TMS Therapy?
The brain is able to change and adapt over time.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy initiates these changes by stimulating specific regions in the brain with electromagnetic pulses to increase brain activity and change brain pathways and connections. Repeated stimulation has been shown to have a powerful and lasting anti-depressant effect without the side effects commonly associated with medications such as weight gain or sexual side effects.
TMS therapy is a safe, non-invasive and well-tolerated treatment that can be administered in our TMS Ottawa Mental Health Clinic and does not require hospitalization or anaesthesia.
We are changing lives one treatment at a time.
At TMS Life, we understand the profound impact that mental health conditions can have on individuals and their loved ones. Our team of compassionate, caring, and skilled professionals are committed to providing hope and healing to those living with mental health conditions.
TMS Treatment Protocols
Standard
$
250
Per Session
-
36 treatment sessions
-
6 weeks
Accelerated
$
250
Per Session
-
30 treatment sessions
-
5 days
Popular
Enhanced
$
350
Per Session
-
20 treatment sessions
-
Single dose of Vyvanse and D-Cycloserine Neuroplastogens
-
1 day
New
Get to Know Our Dedicated Team of Experts
Dr. Chris Taplin
MD, FRCPC, Chief Psychiatrist
Chief Psychiatrist
Yvonne McLeod (RN)
Clinical Care Lead
MD, FRCPC
Marie-Claire McMahon
Clinic Manager
MD, FRCPC
Dominique Roy
Certified TMS Technician
MD, FRCPC
Sylvie Morisset
Community Engagement & Partnerships Lead
MD, FRCPC
Maïa Natale
Medical Office Administrator
MD, FRCPC
What Clients Say About Us
- TMS LIFE CARE
Contact us
A member from our team will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA- and Health Canada-approved therapy that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is primarily used to treat depression and other mental health conditions when traditional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy have not been effective. TMS works by targeting specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation to promote long-lasting improvements in symptoms. The treatment is painless, does not require anesthesia, and patients remain alert and awake during treatment sessions.
Access & Eligibility
Do I need a referral?
No, a referral is not required to begin TMS Therapy at TMS Life.
Who qualifies for TMS?
TMS Therapy is typically recommended for individuals with Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, or Anxiety Disorders who have not responded to medication or therapy. We also have experience treating neurodivergent individuals with Autism and ADHD diagnoses.
Who is not a good candidate for TMS?
Individuals with non-removable metal implants in or near the head, a history of seizures, or certain neurological conditions may not be suitable candidates. In addition, people with cochlear implants, pacemakers, or other incompatible devices should avoid TMS.
We complete a comprehensive safety evaluation prior to starting treatments to ensure that TMS is safe for you. Since the opening of our clinic in 2023, we are proud to say that we have never had an adverse outcome and all of our clients have completed their acute treatment courses successfully.
We complete a comprehensive safety evaluation prior to starting treatments to ensure that TMS is safe for you. Since the opening of our clinic in 2023, we are proud to say that we have never had an adverse outcome and all of our clients have completed their acute treatment courses successfully.
Is there a long wait time to begin treatment?
No. At TMS Life, we prioritize timely access to care and actively work to ensure we do not have excessive wait times. Clients can expect to begin treatment within 1-4 weeks after their initial clinical assessment depending on their protocol and flexibility in scheduling.
Coverage & Cost
Is TMS Therapy covered by OHIP?
No, TMS is not currently covered by OHIP.
Does private insurance cover TMS Therapy?
Some private insurance plans may offer partial or full reimbursement. Coverage varies by provider.Our team can help you navigate the process and provide you up-to-date information regarding coverage.
How much does TMS cost?
Costs can vary depending on the treatment protocol, but on average, you can expect to pay approximately $250 per session.
If cost is a concern, TMS Life is registered with Medicard, a trusted Canadian financing company that offers unsecured loans for medical procedures. Medicard provides:
We’re happy to help you explore financing options so that cost is not a barrier to getting the care you need.
If cost is a concern, TMS Life is registered with Medicard, a trusted Canadian financing company that offers unsecured loans for medical procedures. Medicard provides:
- Flexible repayment terms
- Low monthly payment options
- Quick and simple approval processes
We’re happy to help you explore financing options so that cost is not a barrier to getting the care you need.
Treatment Options & Effectiveness
What treatment protocols are available at TMS Life?
We now offer a range of TMS protocols to suit different needs and schedules:
A 1-day condensed protocol, newly available for those with limited time or scheduling challenges. Consisting of 20 acute treatment sessions in a single day and novel treatment augmentation with neuroplastinogens vyvanse and d-cycloserine. This protocol is the epitome of advancements in research rapidly being translated to clinical use.
- Our standard 36-session protocol with 30 acute treatment sessions delivered over 3 weeks followed by a 6 session gradual taper for the next 3 weeks.
- A 5-day accelerated protocol consisting of 30 treatment sessions for those seeking quicker results
A 1-day condensed protocol, newly available for those with limited time or scheduling challenges. Consisting of 20 acute treatment sessions in a single day and novel treatment augmentation with neuroplastinogens vyvanse and d-cycloserine. This protocol is the epitome of advancements in research rapidly being translated to clinical use.
What Mental Health conditions does TMS treat?
The majority of evidence for TMS is for treatment resistant Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is also commonly utilized to effectively improve symptoms of PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Suicidal Ideation and Autism.
What is the difference between rTMS and Deep TMS (dTMS)?
There are many different companies that make TMS technology. All methods of TMS treatments are considered “rTMS” which stands for repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Deep TMS or dTMS is a term trademarked by Brainsway to describe their technology. It alludes to the fact that Brainsway Technology has been demonstrated to have broader and deeper penetration into the brain cortex. The potential advantage of this technology is the ability to stimulate deeper brain structures more effectively such as the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DM-PFC) which is a common site of stimulation for OCD and mental health disorders impacted by salience network dysregulation.
Does TMS work permanently?
The durability of TMS varies from person to person. However, in our experience, if you are a TMS responder then it is generally possible to maintain the improvements with maintenance or booster sessions as needed without repeating an acute treatment course. The frequency of these sessions varies significantly depending on each individual response and mental health status. Many patients experience long-term relief.
What is the success rate of TMS?
Clinical studies show that approximately 60–70% of patients experience significant symptom improvement, and 30–50% achieve full remission.This is consistent with TMS LIfe’s outcomes in which 2 out of 3 clients achieve a clinically significant response or remission.
Safety & Side Effects
Is TMS Therapy like electroshock treatments or ECT?
No. TMS is not the same as ECT. TMS iis non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and patients remain awake and alert. Side effects are minimal compared to ECT and medications.
What are the common side effects of TMS?
TMS is well tolerated by most patients. Common side effects are mild and may include:
- Mild headache or scalp discomfort at the treatment site
- Fatigue
What are the serious side effects of TMS?
Serious side effects to be aware of include:
- Seizure (0.06 % risk), we are happy to report that we have never had a seizure in our clinic.
- Elevated Mood or Mania in individuals with depression or bipolar disorder is rare.
Is TMS approved by Health Canada?
Yes. TMS has been fully approved by Health Canada for clinical use since 2002.
Should I continue to take my antidepressants if I get TMS Therapy?
Yes. You should continue taking your prescribed medications unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider. TMS can be safely combined with medications.
Will I be able to stop my medications after TMS?
Many clients may reduce or discontinue medication after successful TMS treatment, but this should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.