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.
What is ONE-D Accelerated TMS Therapy?
ONE-D TMS is an innovative form of Accelerated TMS that delivers a full TMS course in just one day with the addition of d-cycloserine. Response rates were 90.3% at the six-week follow up mark. The ONE-D Protocol has shown to have better durability with a more gradual improvement in symptoms than the Stanford SAINT Protocol. Therefore, It is a highly cost and time effective intervention for depression.
What is SAINT TMS?
SAINT stands for Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy. It is a form of MRI guided TMS Treatment consisting of 50 TMS Treatment sessions delivered over 5 days. In a small and carefully selected group of research participants it was shown to have remission rates up to 90%. However, subsequent studies have questioned the durability of the treatment and not replicated those results. Therefore, we typically recommend Deep TMS Accelerated treatments or ONE-D Accelerated TMS that have a higher level of evidence, cost less money and do not require MRI.
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.
