Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - East Ottawa
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), has become an established clinical option for certain mental health conditions. It is approved by Health Canada for the treatment of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Clinical use has also expanded beyond these indications for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and chronic pain, supported by a growing base of peer-reviewed research.
For individuals in East Ottawa looking for a next step in mental health care, we provide TMS therapy through our Ottawa clinic as an outpatient option grounded in clinical experience and careful assessment. Consultations are designed to help you understand whether TMS may be a good fit and what treatment would involve.
For individuals in East Ottawa looking for a next step in mental health care, we provide TMS therapy through our Ottawa clinic as an outpatient option grounded in clinical experience and careful assessment. Consultations are designed to help you understand whether TMS may be a good fit and what treatment would involve.
What TMS Does and How it Works
The brain remains capable of change well into adulthood. This adaptability, known as neuroplasticity, is central to how TMS exerts its effects.
TMS delivers focused electromagnetic stimulation to specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation, attention, and emotional processing. These pulses are applied repeatedly across a structured course of treatment. Over time, targeted networks that have been underactive or poorly regulated can begin to function more reliably. The process is gradual, allowing changes to develop in a measured and clinically controlled manner, unlike with traditional treatments such as talk therapy.
TMS delivers focused electromagnetic stimulation to specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation, attention, and emotional processing. These pulses are applied repeatedly across a structured course of treatment. Over time, targeted networks that have been underactive or poorly regulated can begin to function more reliably. The process is gradual, allowing changes to develop in a measured and clinically controlled manner, unlike with traditional treatments such as talk therapy.
The Salience Network
The salience network is responsible for identifying which internal and external signals deserve attention. It plays a key role in emotional awareness, motivation, and the ability to shift focus when circumstances change.
In conditions such as depression, OCD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and other mental health conditions, this network may respond inconsistently to emotional information. Signals can be misinterpreted or fail to register with appropriate intensity. TMS can increase brain activity in regions associated with the salience network, supporting clearer emotional signaling. With repeated sessions, this may contribute to improved emotional balance and more stable mood regulation without medications or any of their common side effects (like weight gain).
In conditions such as depression, OCD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and other mental health conditions, this network may respond inconsistently to emotional information. Signals can be misinterpreted or fail to register with appropriate intensity. TMS can increase brain activity in regions associated with the salience network, supporting clearer emotional signaling. With repeated sessions, this may contribute to improved emotional balance and more stable mood regulation without medications or any of their common side effects (like weight gain).
Deep TMS – East Ottawa
We use BrainsWay Deep TMS technology at our Ottawa clinic. This approach is designed to stimulate broader and deeper brain structures than conventional rTMS methods, while remaining fully non-invasive and well tolerated.
By engaging neural circuits beyond surface cortical areas, Deep TMS allows treatment to address networks often involved in more persistent or complex symptoms, without sedation or downtime.
By engaging neural circuits beyond surface cortical areas, Deep TMS allows treatment to address networks often involved in more persistent or complex symptoms, without sedation or downtime.
What to expect during your TMS Therapy Sessions
Each session follows a consistent clinical routine. Patients are asked to remove metal items such as jewelry before treatment begins. Ear protection is provided to reduce the sound produced by the device.
During stimulation, patients typically feel a tapping sensation on the scalp accompanied by rhythmic pulses from the machine. Sessions are conducted with the patient awake and seated comfortably.
During stimulation, patients typically feel a tapping sensation on the scalp accompanied by rhythmic pulses from the machine. Sessions are conducted with the patient awake and seated comfortably.
Post-TMS Session: What to Expect
TMS does not require a recovery period. Patients can drive themselves to and from appointments and return to normal daily activities immediately after each session.
For individuals in East Ottawa balancing treatment with work, school, or family responsibilities, TMS can often be integrated into daily routines without significant disruption.
For individuals in East Ottawa balancing treatment with work, school, or family responsibilities, TMS can often be integrated into daily routines without significant disruption.
Accessible Care for East Ottawa Residents
For those living in East Ottawa, our clinic offers access to specialized TMS care without the need for extended travel or time away from everyday life. Consultations are designed to help you understand whether TMS fits your situation and what treatment would involve. When you’re ready to explore options, we’re here to walk through them with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMS East Ottawa
Do I need a referral to start TMS Therapy?
A referral is not required to begin TMS Therapy. Individuals in East Ottawa can contact the clinic directly by phone or email to inquire about care. Once you reach out, a member of the team will follow up to discuss next steps and answer any initial questions.
Is TMS the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
No. TMS Therapy is fundamentally different from ECT. TMS is a non-invasive treatment that does not require anesthesia, sedation, or recovery time. Patients remain awake throughout each session, and the side effect profile is significantly milder than that associated with ECT or many psychiatric medications.
What mental health conditions can TMS address?
The strongest clinical evidence for TMS is in treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. TMS is also widely used to support symptom improvement in conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, ADHD, suicidal ideation, and autism, depending on individual presentation and clinical assessment.
Who is generally considered a candidate for TMS?
TMS Therapy is most often recommended for individuals whose symptoms of depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or anxiety have not responded adequately to medication or psychotherapy. The clinic also has experience working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD, when TMS is clinically appropriate.
Will I be able to stop taking medication after TMS?
Some individuals are able to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medications following a successful course of TMS. Any changes to medication should always be made in coordination with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure safety and continuity of care.
How effective is TMS Therapy?
Clinical research indicates that roughly 60 to 70 percent of patients experience meaningful symptom improvement, with remission rates reported between 30 and 50 percent. These figures align with TMS Life’s internal outcomes, where approximately two out of every three clients achieve a clinically significant response or remission.
Is TMS Therapy covered by OHIP?
At this time, TMS Therapy is not covered by OHIP.
Can private insurance help cover the cost of TMS?
Some private insurance plans offer partial or full reimbursement for TMS Therapy, though coverage varies widely between providers. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurer directly to confirm eligibility and reimbursement details.
What does TMS cost in Canada?
Costs depend on the treatment protocol, but the average price in Canada is approximately $250 per session. In comparison, TMS sessions in the United States often range from $200 to $450 USD, which is why many American patients choose to receive treatment in Canada, including in the Ottawa region.
Are financing options available?
For those concerned about affordability, TMS Life is registered with Medicard, a Canadian medical financing provider offering unsecured loans for healthcare services. Financing options are available to help spread costs over time, and staff are available to discuss whether this may be a suitable option for you.
If you are based in East Ottawa and considering TMS Therapy, the clinic is available to walk you through treatment options, costs, and scheduling so that financial considerations do not stand in the way of care.
If you are based in East Ottawa and considering TMS Therapy, the clinic is available to walk you through treatment options, costs, and scheduling so that financial considerations do not stand in the way of care.