Deep TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression: What Patients in Canada Need to Know
For many Canadians, depression can be an ongoing and exhausting battle. While antidepressant medications and therapy have helped millions, some people find that even after trying multiple treatments, their symptoms persist.
This condition, known as treatment-resistant depression, affects countless individuals and their families, often leaving them searching for new hope. Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) has emerged as one of the most promising non-medication treatments available in Canada today.
Let’s explore how it works, what to expect during treatment, potential risks, costs, and why it is increasingly viewed as a breakthrough in mental health care.
What Is Deep TMS For Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Deep TMS is a non-invasive therapy now available to patients in Canada that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain involved in mood regulation, most notably the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. By restoring activity in these under-active neural pathways, Deep TMS helps improve mood, focus, and emotional balance.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which act through the body’s chemical systems and can take weeks to show results, Deep TMS works directly on brain circuitry. The treatment uses specialized H-coil technology to reach deeper brain structures than standard TMS, allowing for a more comprehensive effect.
Sessions do not require anesthesia or hospitalization, and patients can return to normal activities immediately afterward.
This convenience, paired with the absence of systemic side effects like weight gain or fatigue, makes Deep TMS a valuable option for those who have not responded well to medication.
Clinical research continues to validate the therapy’s impact. A large study published in Psychiatry Research reported that nearly half of participants with treatment-resistant depression showed significant improvement after a course of Deep TMS, and more than a third achieved full remission.
Other studies conducted in Canada have shown similar response rates, suggesting that Deep TMS may offer relief even for individuals who have not benefitted from years of other interventions.
How Effective Is Deep TMS Therapy In Canada?
In recent years, Deep TMS has gained momentum across Canadian mental health clinics. It is particularly recognized for its effectiveness among individuals who have experienced little to no relief from antidepressants. Research from Quebec and Ontario suggests that about 40 to 60 percent of patients undergoing Deep TMS experience a meaningful reduction in symptoms, while roughly one in three achieve remission.
Many patients report noticing small but encouraging changes within the first few weeks, improved sleep, greater energy, and an ability to reengage with daily activities. As treatments continue, these changes often build into a more stable and positive emotional state.
In clinical experience at centres such as Wellbeings in Burlington, Ontario, Deep TMS has provided consistent, measurable benefits for both depression and anxious depression, particularly when traditional options have fallen short.
Is Deep Tms Treatment Safe, And What Are The Risks?
Deep TMS is considered safe and well tolerated when administered by trained professionals in a controlled setting. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as a brief tapping sensation on the scalp or a mild headache following a session. These effects usually fade shortly afterward and can often be managed with simple measures like hydration or rest.
Unlike medication-based treatments, Deep TMS does not cause systemic side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, or drowsiness. Serious adverse events, such as seizures, are extremely rare and typically occur only in patients with pre-existing conditions or contraindications. Before beginning treatment, each patient undergoes a thorough medical assessment to ensure safety and suitability.
What Does Deep TMS Cost In Canada?
The cost of Deep TMS varies across Canada depending on the clinic, location, and length of treatment. On average, a full course can range from several thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars when paid privately. Some extended health insurance plans may reimburse part of the cost if treatment resistance is documented by a physician.
At Wellbeings, veterans, retired military personnel, and RCMP members may qualify for full coverage through Veterans Affairs Canada. This accessibility is helping more people receive cutting-edge treatment without financial strain. For others, financing options or partial coverage through workplace health plans may be available.
While the cost can feel significant upfront, many patients view Deep TMS as an investment in their long-term well-being, especially when other interventions have provided limited relief.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Deep TMS Therapy?
Deep TMS is intended for patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who have not responded adequately to at least two antidepressant medications. It may also be suitable for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of medication or prefer a non-pharmacological approach. Patients must be able to attend regular sessions over several weeks and have no contraindications such as metallic implants or active seizure disorders.
A thorough consultation helps determine whether Deep TMS is the right fit. The process includes reviewing medical history, previous treatments, and mental health assessments to ensure safety and maximize results.
To help you get started, this short quiz can provide an initial assessment of whether you may be a good candidate for Deep repetitive TMS (deep rTMS) therapy.
Where To Find Deep TMS Treatment In Ontario
Access to Deep TMS therapy is expanding across Ontario, with clinics in major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, and growing interest from both patients and healthcare providers.
One of the leading centres offering this innovative approach is Wellbeings Medical Center for Innovation and Excellence in Burlington, Ontario. Using BrainsWay Deep TMS technology, the clinic tailors each treatment plan to the individual’s specific needs, providing a supportive and evidence-based experience.
If you’re ready to explore how Deep TMS can help address treatment-resistant depression, book a free initial consultation with Wellbeings today and start your personalized treatment plan.
Take the First Step Today
Don’t let pain define your life. The path to healing starts with the right care—and the right team.