Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

Age: Adults 18+
Intended For: rTMS: those living with treatment resistant depression.
Care Providers: Psychiatrist, and a Nurse or Physician Assistant

Location: 2nd floor of the Toanche building
500 Church Street
Penetanguishene ON
L9M 1G3

rTMS at Waypoint

What is rTMS?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.

rTMS is primarily used at Waypoint to treat depression that has not improved with medication and/or psychotherapy.

Unlike ECT, rTMS does not require general anesthesia.

Who is rTMS for?

Waypoint’s rTMS program is primarily for adults with depression who have not had improvement with other treatments.

Your health care provider will consider your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment history and overall health when determining whether a referral is appropriate.

The Neuromodulation team reviews each referral before treatment begins.

How does rTMS work?

During treatment, you sit in a chair while a treatment device is positioned against your head.

The device delivers repeated magnetic pulses to a specific area of the brain. You remain awake during the treatment.

Some people experience temporary side effects such as headache or scalp discomfort.

How long does rTMS take?

Individual sessions can take approximately 3 to 20 minutes, depending on the treatment protocol.

A typical course at Waypoint is:

30 treatment sessions
5 days per week
Over 6 weeks

Where is rTMS available?

Waypoint provides rTMS at its Penetanguishene campus in Central Ontario.

500 Church Street
Penetanguishene, Ontario
L9M 1G3

The Neuromodulation service is located on the second floor of the Toanche Building.

How to get to Waypoint

How do I get referred for rTMS?

A physician, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist can refer you to Waypoint’s rTMS service.

Your referral is reviewed by the Neuromodulation team to determine whether rTMS may be appropriate.

If you are interested in rTMS, speak with your health care provider about whether it may be an option for you.

Make a TMS referral Questions about Referrals

Frequently asked questions

No. rTMS uses magnetic pulses and does not require anesthesia. ECT uses electrical stimulation while a person is under general anesthesia.

No.

You remain awake during rTMS and do not need general anesthesia. Most people can return to their regular activities immediately after treatment.

Most people tolerate rTMS well. You will feel blunt tapping or pressure on your scalp during treatment. Temporary headache or scalp discomfort can occur.

Because rTMS does not require anesthesia, people can return to their usual activities after treatment. Your treatment team will provide specific guidance for you.

A typical course at Waypoint is 30 treatments over six weeks.

Yes. Waypoint’s rTMS service primarily treats depression that has not improved with medication and/or psychotherapy.

Yes. Waypoint’s rTMS service primarily serves outpatients.

rTMS is not universally covered as a standard insured service under OHIP, but publicly funded options are available through specific hospital programs and the Neurostimulation Procedures Provincial Program for eligible adults with treatment-resistant depression.

Waypoint is one of the program sites for publicly funded rTMS.

Expanding access to rTMS at Waypoint

Take the next step

If you think rTMS may be an option for you, talk with your physician, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist about a referral to Waypoint.