Frequently Asked Questions

TMS is FDA-Cleared and Health Canada approved for major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is also FDA-cleared for anxiety symptoms associated with depression, migraine headaches, and smoking cessation.

Additionally, TMS is frequently utilized off-label to help manage symptoms of PTSD and anxiety, with emerging research showing highly promising results.

Yes, TMS is widely recognized as safe and well-tolerated when delivered by trained technicians.

Common Side Effects: These are typically mild and temporary and occur mostly during the first week of treatment. They include slight scalp discomfort, mild headaches, tingling, or temporary localized muscle twitching.

Serious Risks: The most serious (but extremely rare) risk is a seizure, occurring in fewer than 1 in 30,000 treatments.

The duration depends heavily on the specific protocol designed for you.

Our facility almost exclusively specializes in accelerated TMS. These are compressed schedules that involve multiple brief sessions per day over a span of just 2 to 4 days. Each session lasts between 3 and 10 minutes of intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS).

This is compared to traditional protocols: a conventional course runs 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks, Monday-Friday.

Most people describe TMS as a tapping or clicking sensation on the scalp. While it can feel unusual at first, any mild discomfort or temporary headache usually fades quickly as your body adjusts. You can safely drive yourself immediately after a session.

Yes, TMS is highly effective, particularly for individuals who have not found relief through standard antidepressant medications or traditional talk therapy. This is because it is a completely different mode of therapy that involves direct nerve stimulation.

Accelerated protocols have higher response and remission rates than traditional protocols.

TMS may be a good option for people who have depression or another approved condition and have not responded well to other treatments. It is not recommended for some people with certain non-removable metal or electronic implants near the head, a seizure disorder, or other safety concerns that your provider will review.

In British Columbia, intakes and medical consultations are covered by MSP. TMS sessions are not covered by MSP, with coverage accessible through extended health benefits such as Veterans Affairs Canada, First Responders programs, WorkSafeBC, or the Interim Federal Health Program. To make treatments more accessible, Magnetic Potential also offers 0% financing options.

Each TMS session is priced at $180. The exact number of sessions is determined by Dr. Harris during your intake appointment, which is covered by MSP. In most cases, treatment protocols range from 20 to 35 sessions in total.

ECT has response rates ranging from 70-90%. However, it requires anesthesia and may cause memory-related side effects.

Accelerated TMS is considered the most effective non-invasive treatment for depression, with 80-90% significant improvement.

Antidepressant medications are often the first-line treatment for depression. While about 50-60% of people benefit from medication, remission rates tend to decrease after multiple unsuccessful medication trials.

During treatment, you will sit comfortably while the team places the coil on your head and monitors your session. During the 30-minute breaks, you have the freedom to sit and rest, go for a walk, or engage in extra material and exercises that are available to you if interested.