Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment approved by Health Canada since 2002 for treatment-resistant depression (source). It is also used to address other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and certain forms of anxiety. TMS offers an appealing alternative for individuals seeking complementary options to traditional treatments. In Canada, access to TMS varies depending on whether one turns to the public healthcare system or private clinics — particularly in terms of availability, cost, personalization, and outcomes.
Access to TMS in the Canadian Public Healthcare System
Access to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation within the Canadian public healthcare network remains limited and varies significantly between provinces.
Only a few provinces currently offer public coverage for this treatment: Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan (source). In these regions, TMS can be prescribed and administered in certain hospitals or public clinics, typically for patients suffering from depression that has not responded to conventional therapies.
Outside these provinces, public access to TMS is almost nonexistent. Patients may occasionally receive treatment through university pilot programs or clinical studies; however, such opportunities are rare and typically limited to a small number of participants.
Even in provinces where TMS is publicly covered, waiting lists are often particularly long — sometimes lasting several months or even years. This situation reflects both the limited number of centers offering the treatment and the growing demand for this non-invasive alternative to medication and traditional therapy.
To access TMS through the public system, a medical prescription is required. Only a physician or psychiatrist can assess a patient’s eligibility, determine whether the treatment is appropriate, and initiate the protocol. While this ensures proper clinical oversight, it can also be a barrier for individuals seeking faster or more flexible access to treatment.
Access to TMS Treatment in Private Clinics in Canada
In most Canadian provinces, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is primarily available through private clinics, which offer more flexible and faster access.
At Neuroperforma, while a medical referral is required to begin treatment, the clinics handle obtaining it as part of their service, making the process easier for patients.
Wait times to start a protocol in private clinics are generally much shorter, ranging from just a few days to a few weeks. This speed enables patients to begin their treatment as soon as needed, eliminating the need for months of waiting.
Private clinics also provide a more personalized approach. TMS protocols are tailored to each patient’s specific profile, taking into account their individual needs, medical history, and treatment goals. This personalization allows for more precise optimization of treatment effectiveness and ongoing monitoring of progress.
At Neuroperforma, TMS is integrated into a structured and evolving framework designed to optimize brain function. Pre-registration is currently open online for upcoming cohorts, allowing interested individuals to reserve their spot. This service, validated by Quebec’s medical authorities, is part of a comprehensive care approach that combines scientific expertise with personalized support.
Treatment Duration and Expected Effectiveness
In most clinics and hospitals, TMS follows recognized international standards. It involves daily sessions, typically five days a week for six weeks — a total of approximately 36 sessions, each lasting around 30 minutes. After this intensive phase, a lighter follow-up period of two sessions per week for three weeks is often recommended to consolidate results.
Clinical research over two decades supports the treatment’s effectiveness. Among patients with depression resistant to medication, TMS significantly reduces symptoms.
Approximately 60% of patients experience a reduction of more than 50% in their symptoms, and nearly 30% achieve remission (no longer meeting criteria for depression) by the end of the protocol (source).
Neuroperforma takes it a step further by utilizing the intensive 5-day protocol with BrainWays Deep TMS technology, allowing treatment to be concentrated over a shorter period while maintaining its proven effectiveness. The process is structured and intensive to optimize therapeutic response. Combining an accelerated approach with personalized protocol adjustments tailored to each patient’s profile maximizes the chances of achieving lasting results.
Conclusion
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a promising solution for treatment-resistant disorders such as major depression. While the public network offers access in certain provinces, wait times are often significant. Private clinics, such as Neuroperforma, provide faster, personalized, and closely supervised care. Book your appointment today.