Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - Pembroke

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment used in the care of certain mental health conditions. Residents of Pembroke and the Upper Ottawa Valley can access TMS therapy by travelling to TMS Life’s Ottawa clinic, where treatment is provided in person and guided by current clinical evidence.

TMS is approved by Health Canada for Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is also used in clinical settings for other conditions when supported by research and clinical assessment. For people in Pembroke exploring TMS treatment options, TMS Life focuses on clear, practical information so patients know what to expect when care is delivered at the Ottawa clinic.

What TMS Does and How it Works

The brain maintains the ability to adapt over time. TMS therapy uses focused electromagnetic stimulation to engage areas involved in mood, attention, and emotional processing.

With repeated sessions, this stimulation may help support more consistent activity within targeted brain networks. Treatment is delivered over a structured series of in-person sessions, with an emphasis on steady progress rather than rapid change.

The Salience Network

The salience network plays an important role in identifying emotionally relevant information and guiding attention. When this network functions inconsistently, emotional responses and focus can feel harder to manage.

TMS therapy delivered at the Ottawa clinic can increase activity in targeted areas connected to the salience network. Over time, this may support improved emotional balance and regulation, with the goal of restoring healthier communication within the brain rather than overriding normal function.

Deep TMS

TMS Life uses advanced BrainsWay Deep TMS technology systems, which are designed to reach deeper brain structures than older model rTMS figure-8 coils. This approach allows clinicians to influence broader neural networks while maintaining a non-invasive treatment experience.

Patients from Pembroke access Deep TMS through in-person care at the Ottawa clinic, with treatment plans coordinated to support travel from the Upper Ottawa Valley.

What to expect during your TMS Therapy Sessions

DURING SESSIONS

Before treatment begins, patients remove metal items and are provided with hearing protection. During stimulation, most individuals notice a tapping sensation on the scalp along with rhythmic sounds from the device. Sessions take place with patients awake and seated comfortably at the Ottawa clinic.

Post-TMS Session: What to Expect

There is no recovery period required following TMS therapy. Patients can return to daily activities immediately, including driving back to Pembroke or continuing with work and family responsibilities.

To learn more about TMS therapy, Pembroke residents are encouraged to contact TMS Life to discuss in-person treatment options and next steps at the Ottawa clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMS Pembroke

Can I stop taking medication after TMS treatment?
Some individuals are able to reduce or discontinue certain medications following a positive response to TMS. Any medication changes must be guided by the prescribing healthcare provider. TMS Life does not recommend adjusting medications independently.
Yes. Medications should be continued unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. TMS therapy is delivered in person and can be used safely alongside antidepressants and other prescribed treatments.
TMS is generally well tolerated. When side effects occur, they are usually mild and temporary. The most commonly reported effects include a localized headache or scalp sensitivity at the treatment site and short-lived fatigue.
TMS therapy is commonly considered for individuals with depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or anxiety-related conditions when standard treatments have not provided sufficient relief. TMS Life also has experience working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD. Eligibility is determined through a clinical assessment at the Ottawa clinic.
Clinical research shows that approximately 60 to 70 percent of patients experience meaningful symptom improvement, with a substantial proportion achieving remission. These outcomes align with TMS Life’s clinical experience treating patients at its Ottawa clinic.
No. TMS therapy is not currently funded through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Yes! Military Veterans with a pensionable mental health condition are often covered for TMS Treatments through Medavie Blue Cross with direct billing. In addition, many of our patients receive coverage through HCAI and WSIB for TMS Treatments. TMS is also covered under healthcare spending accounts. Some private insurance plans may offer partial or full reimbursement. Additional coverage varies by policy, and patients travelling to our Ottawa clinic are encouraged to confirm details directly with their insurer.
Pricing depends on the treatment protocol, but the average cost in Canada is approximately $250 per session. All sessions are delivered in person at the Ottawa clinic. To help manage expenses, TMS Life works with Medicard, a Canadian medical financing provider offering unsecured loans with structured repayment options.
Yes. TMS has been approved by Health Canada for clinical use since 2002 and is widely used across Canada. For residents of Pembroke considering TMS therapy, TMS Life is available to answer questions, review eligibility, and explain how treatment is coordinated through the Ottawa clinic.