Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you offer a free consultation before booking?
Yes, we offer a free 30-minute phone consultation.
Do I need a physician's referral to book an assessment appointment?
The initial assessment with qEEG does not need a referral, but consultation with the psychiatrist or specialist doctors does need a referral.
Are the treatments covered by insurance?
Many extended health care benefit plans offer coverage for the services of a specialist, covering partial or full fees. For detailed information about your specific coverage, please contact your health care benefit provider directly. If your insurance plan covers these services, we will provide a receipt that can be submitted for reimbursement or claimed as medical expenses on your income tax return, as applicable.
Why do I need to have an assessment before undergoing treatment?
Undergoing an assessment enables our specialist team to gain a thorough understanding of your individual needs. This, in turn, allows us to create a more precise and personalized treatment plan, leading to better outcomes.
Can a family member come with me?
Yes, you can bring a family member with you. One person can sit with you inside the treatment room or wait in the reception area. Please be advised that pets are not permitted on the unit, with the exception of service dogs.
Am I eligible for treatments if I am under 18 years old?
In most cases it’s possible. Please book a free consultation for more information.
How soon can I expect to see the results?
Generally, most people see progress after 15-20 sessions, though it can take more for others to experience significant changes. Please note that these treatments may not be effective for everyone.
When are treatments scheduled?
Treatments are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What if I'm late for an appointment?
We offer a 15-minute grace period for late arrivals. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we will be unable to provide treatment, as it would disrupt the schedule for other patients.
What happens if I miss a session?
To ensure rTMS achieves optimal effectiveness, it’s important to attend all scheduled sessions. If you’re unable to make a session, please inform the clinic staff at least 48 hours in advance. We can arrange to reschedule missed sessions. However, if you miss two consecutive appointments without prior notice, your specialist will need to reevaluate your treatment plan.
Who administers the treatments?
The treatments are administered by a trained technician, who will be available during the session to monitor the patient. If needed, the patient can request to stop the treatment at any time by speaking to any staff member.
Do I need a recovery time after the treatment?
No, it is not necessary. The treatments we offer do not involve sedation or general anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake and alert. Additionally, there is no recovery period, so you can drive yourself home and resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Is TMS therapy approved by Health Canada?
Yes, TMS therapy is approved by Health Canada for treating Major Depressive Disorder. According to the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT, 2016), TMS is recommended as a first-line treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to at least one antidepressant.
Who is NOT eligible for rTMS?
Patients with non-removable metal objects in their heads—excluding braces or dental fillings—should not undergo rTMS treatment. Additionally, individuals with a history of seizures and those with pacemakers are not eligible for rTMS therapy.
Are there any prescription drugs that I cannot take during rTMS treatments?
Some medications may impact the effectiveness of the treatment. If you have concerns about any medications you are taking, please consult with your doctor.
How long does each rTMS session last?
The duration of each rTMS treatment session ranges from 3 to 40 minutes, depending on the protocol selected by your specialist. Please note that this does not include the 15 to 30 minutes required for preparation before the treatment begins.
Do you offer Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy?
Yes, we offer this protocol along with others. Our specialist team will select the most suitable protocol based on each patient’s specific needs.
What is Theta Burst Stimulation and do you offer it?
The Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) protocol, approved for use on MagVenture TMS devices in August 2018, is a modern, quicker variant of TMS. This method involves applying magnetic pulses in specific patterns known as bursts. Unlike traditional TMS sessions, which typically last 20-40 minutes, iTBS sessions can be completed in just 3-5 minutes. According to the “THREE-D” randomized control trial, iTBS has been shown to be as effective, safe, and tolerable as conventional TMS treatments. At VIECLINIC, we offer iTBS along with other protocols, with our specialist team selecting the most suitable protocol based on each patient’s specific needs.
Is tES (tDCS and tACS) the same as ECT?
No, they are different in many aspects:
ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) utilizes extremely high current levels (approximately 800 milliamps) to induce controlled seizures, whereas tES employs a maximum of 2 milliamps.
tES applies a slow and sustained current, whereas ECT delivers short bursts of pulses.
ECT is intentionally designed to provoke seizures as part of its therapeutic mechanism, whereas tES does not induce seizures at all.
tES can be administered to conscious subjects without the need for anesthesia, whereas ECT requires the patient to be under general anesthesia during treatment.
What happens after completing treatments?
After completing your treatments, you will be scheduled for follow-up appointments at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.