"I had suffered from the bipolar form of schizoaffective disorder for 4 years before discovering rTMS. When my psychiatrist, D.R., first suggested rTMS, I was doubtful that it would work. I felt that I was out of options since every medication that I tried would work at first only to quit a few weeks later. I would raise the dose, it would work a few more days, and then it would stop. So, I reluctantly flew to Mindcare in Vancouver.

At the time, voices were yelling at me constantly, and many days I did not want to leave the house. I was also suffering from depression. I would cry for hours without provocation, and I felt that I did not deserve to live. College was becoming near impossible, and I had to quit my job in an effort to be able to continue my education. After the first treatment, I noticed that the voices were gone. I also found that I had not realized how depressed I really was. Once the voices were gone, my depression quickly lifted. For the first time in years, I felt happy. I did not know what happiness felt like before rTMS. I was sure that it would not last, but I completed two weeks of treatment. The results lasted for about 8 weeks.

I flew back to Vancouver a few months after that and went for another week of treatment. The second time, the results were much better. 8 months later, the voices were still gone. I was able to excel in school, get hired for an internship in my chosen field of study, psychology, and receive a perfect employer evaluation at the end of the internship. For the first time, I felt hopeful about the future.

As I write this, I am at a hotel in Vancouver after a morning treatment and preparing to wake up early tomorrow to get another one. I truly feel that rTMS has given me a chance to reach my potential and more importantly be happy and at peace. The treatment is completely painless, and for me has had no lingering side effects, whereas the medications have at times been as agonizing as the illness.

Thanks to rTMS, I now have more positive relationships. I am engaged to be married next year, and hopefully rTMS will allow me to be completely rid of my medications so that I may start a family one day. Right now, the possibilities are endless and the future looks very promising."

KK, Denver, CO

"We chose TMS as an alternative to drug or ECT therapy. The atmosphere and attitude of MindCare staff toward each individual also contributes to the positive effects of the treatment and experience. I still have difficulty explaining the procedure to others. Also keeping in mind the general public, friends and family are often uncomfortable discussing psychiatric illness."

CJ, Alberta, June 13, 2008

"My experience with the MindCare Centre in Canada was a very positive experience indeed. I was born with a severe depressive state, in other words with a chemical imbalance which propelled me into a depressive state lasting anywhere from a few hours to several months at a time. At 18, and in my first Ph.D. studies in Columbia, my depressive state was lasting 7 months at a time. In my late 40’s, and in second Ph.D. study at Walden, my depressive state was lasting 18 to 25 months at a time. All this time I was seining a series of psychiatrist, whom suggested anywhere from environmental change to radical lobotomy.

Many of the doctors I have seen have suggested a regimented form of medication. The variety of medications prescribed was somewhat able to control my depression to a state where I could start enjoying life and experiencing some of the things normal people do. Though this did come with a price tag which ranged anywhere from $1,200 to $1,840 a month, not including the physician’s monthly fee of $180.00 a month.

My doctor said he had heard many good things coming out of Vancouver, and had read several articles written by noted researcher and respected psychiatrist Dr. Nelken, who heads up the research facility there. I was indeed very impressed with the facilities in Canada, and my first consultation with Dr. Nelken, who assured me the procedure would be painless, though a bit noisy at first, but the end result would be beneficial, he went on to say “In rTMS, a magnetic coil placed on the scalp creates fields that induce mild electric currents in the brain. Much as a defibrillator shocks a heart into beating regularly, the magnetic pulses may jolt nerve cells into functioning more regularly. In clinical trials, many patients who failed to respond to several other treatments improved within a week of rTMS treatment, and the vast majority were significantly better after two weeks of daily 20-minute sessions. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been found to exert modest to substantial antidepressant effects in the majority of clinical studies.”

After about three sessions, I began to notice significant changes in my mood, outlook in life and had a positive feeling about my future, which is something I hadn’t experienced in all my years (52). MindCare Centres’ staff consists of professionals in the field of rTMS, most with advance degrees and all with the willingness to help or make ones stay in Canada as comfortable as possible. My stay was three weeks, and as a busy professional senior scientist, I didn’t think I would stay the duration, though I am very happy I did. And indeed, after a few weeks of my treatment, I was DEPRESSION FREE! I have never experienced a day without depression, until I visited MindCare Centres.

Depression free and medication free for the first time since I was young, all I can say is with all the money I had spent in the past for depression, the small amount of money I did spend for my treatment and stay in Canada, was well worth my time – my only question is why didn’t someone didn’t invent rTMS sooner?”

NH, Washington, June 19, 2008

"After receiving just 2 weeks of rTMS therapy from the Ottawa MindCare Centre, my mood continues to be more stable than any other time I can remember, post June 1987. I am pleased every morning to awaken with the same sense of well being that I had when I went to sleep."

D.Y., Nova Scotia

"The side effects of prescription anti-anxiety/depression medicines made me feel even worse than before I was given them. As a scientist I researched various types of therapy and stumbled upon rTMS. The first thing I did was try to find someone who did this in Canada. Luckily MindCare provided this treatment. When I first contacted the staff at MindCare they explained all cautionary risks (which were minimal if any), and gave me links to a vast array of literature. While the cost seemed difficult at the time, I was willing to pay to get treatment that would help. After 3 weeks of treatment, with clinicians who were professional and caring I felt my anxiety was reduced by a great extent, I think this therapy should be covered by OHIP and not just pharmaceuticals"

G.S., Ontario

"With the passing of time, debilitating fibromyalgia was rendering me more and more painful and less mobile. It obliged me to use a cane. Relief and solutions were not forthcoming. I was suffering.
Refusing to accept the insidious nature of this affliction, I began to search for fibromyalgia treatments. I became most hopeful when I learned that the administration of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) documented positive results in ailing patients. Upon learning that the FDA in the USA had not approved rTMS, I became frustrated. Persisting in my research, I found that Mindcare Centres in Vancouver, BC Canada offered rTMS to fibromyalgia patients.

In July 2007, I underwent two weeks of rTMS therapy. Initially, I was apprehensive as to how I would be managed and whether I could remotely benefit by such treatment. Much to my delight, my experience was nothing less than remarkable with its pain-relieving results. My life was transformed.

My welfare and their dedication to a positive outcome were paramount concerns of Mindcare Centres' personnel. Full disclosure of the procedure was provided and questions were accommodated. Painless and comfortable sessions were administered by trained technicians. Mindcare Centres supplied a smoothly operating clinical setting. It was clean, safe and the staff was most kind. Weekly evaluations were provided. Progress was well-documented. Final reports were supplied to both my physicians and me. From start to finish, I was confident that I placed my well-being in the hands of a legitimate and compassionate clinic that offered a certifiable treatment for fibromyalgia pain.

Approximately one week after the completion of rTMS, I began feeling a lessening in the intensity of pain in my muscles and joints. This new feeling has been an indescribable unburdening inside of me. I feel relief. To date, I move more freely. I am more active and I socialize more. I am happier. And, I now infrequently require the use of my cane. Without hesitation, I will return to Mindcare Centres should I ever need additional care.

In short, I wish to state that repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation offered by Mindcare Centres provides a service so critically needed in the medical community. "

D.P., CA

"I've had depression for about 15 years, treatment-resistant for about the last 5 years. I'm hopeful in returning to MindCare Centres, because rTMS worked very well after my first visit and I'm confident it is working this time. Last time, about 1 ½ years ago, my happy personality and energy returned. As soon as VNS was FDA-approved in the US, I applied for it and was declined twice as is usual. However, when I came to know of and researched rTMS, I decided I didn't want an essentially permanent implant in my body, especially when the response rate of rTMS is roughly twice that of VNS. ECT is either as effective or runs a close second to rTMS in terms of response rate. However, with ECT there is a definite risk of memory loss that is not seen with rTMS. I would suggest anyone whose depression is treatment-resistant or who is having significant side effect problems with last choice drugs totry rTMS. It's your best chance of getting better. I've also received successful treatment for a high degree of anxiety. In fact, because rTMS can be focused on certain areas of the brain, a growing list of disorders including bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, multiple psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, and tinnitus are being treated with rTMS. While rTMS is expensive, it's worth it to me. Psychiatrists, psychologists, other doctors and drugs are expensive also. If you become well or improve significantly with rTMS, you'll need less of these. Join me in praying for all those with depression and other mental health disorders and that governemnts and insurance agencies will help sufferes access significant healthcare advances such as rTMS."

R/G., Gahanna

"My rTMS treatment at the MindCare Centre was very successful. The depression is gone. My tests also indicate that I’m in remission from depression. I feel MUCH better. The rTMS treatment worked MUCH better than any medication I have ever tried. The staff at the Centre is superb and very supportive. I would not hesitate to send a family member or a friend to the MindCare Centre."

E.O., California

“From 1991 until April 2005 I had been on antidepressant medications. I have tried most of the available medications and have never had continued success on any of them. Also each of them had side effects, which were sometimes hard to deal with.
In April of 2005 I started the rTMS treatment through the MindCare Centre for depression. Just after seven treatments, I was able to completely stop taking antidepressant drugs. One year later, I still do not take antidepressant medication and feel great. I would recommend this treatment to anyone who has had similar experiences on anti-depression medications.”

H.F., Utah

“I have a 25 year history of depression. I became refractory to medication 5 years ago and my life began to slide out of control. My physician heard of rTMS and suggested that I try it. I did not qualify for a local research study so I went to MindCare Centres in Vancouver: I felt an improvement within two weeks. I have my life, my business and my family back.”

    C.H., Washington

“Over the past ten years, I have been under psychiatric care for depression and anxiety. I have tried many different medications, as well as combinations of medications. Most of the medications did not work or else provided only short term relief. I experienced quite an improvement and look forward to the coming months. I would highly recommend this treatment especially for those with refractory (treatment resistant) depression."

B.L.S., British Columbia

“I had struggled with depression for 4 years. I ended up on maximum doses of several antidepressants – this seemed to help but left me working at half capacity. My depression worsened again and I had ECT 2 years ago. While this was fairly effective, I have lost 6 months of my memory – not helpful in my research role at UBC. Again I relapsed. I heard of rTMS and begged my physician, who was very dubious to let me go. I attended and within a month I was dramatically better – if anything, I felt elated. (Many of the other people that I had spoken to at the clinic had the same experience). I was very energized. I am now on 50% of my previous drug doses and fully functional at work. My goal is to be drug free.

J.G., Vancouver

“I went to the rTMS outpatient clinic (MindCare) in Vancouver and found every element professional. Two doctors independently recommended it to me, and I found the staff very professional. Health Canada has approved the method ahead of the US’s FDA, which is unusual. I would not hesitate to recommend this place …”

J.M., Maryland

“I have been taking various anti-depressants for the last 12 years. The ones that worked the best all had unwanted side effects, especially feeling disconnected from my emotions. The last one I was on also caused me to gain twenty pounds, and the weight gain was starting to depress me! After one week of treatment, I started feeling better, by the end of the third week, I had cut back on my anti-depressants and have since stopped taking them altogether. I finally feel clear-headed and sociable for the first time in years. And I also lost the twenty pounds without dieting!”

S.W., Toronto

“I came to the MindCare Centre in the midst of a major depressive disorder that had lasted about one year. I had been forced to take a medical leave of absence and was in danger of losing my job, my livelihood, and my home. I had been contemplating suicide as a last resort if rTMS didn't work. Much to my surprise and amazement, I began to feel better after the second day of treatment. By the end of the first week my depressive symptoms had dissipated. I had my life back, and a lovely one it is. My family and friends are quite relieved. Six years ago, I had ECT as a final treatment option. Although it worked, it felt invasive, difficult, and caused significant short-term memory problems. rTMS, in comparison, is non-invasive, easy, and had no side effects for me. Thanks to an exceptionally skilled, wonderfully warm, supportive staff, as well as the treatment, life is precious once again. It is my hope that others with depression learn about rTMS and take the opportunity to reclaim their joy of life.”

S.B., Seattle

"Since November 2000 I have suffered from severe depression.  I took all different kinds of medicine for several years (Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor XR, to name a few), but nothing worked very well.  I was frequently suicidal and twice voluntarily committed myself to institutions.  That was not successful either.  However, in May of 2005 I went to Toronto to get rTMS treatment at the MindCare Clinic there.  For one hour per day, for ten days (except weekends) I received repetitive but mild magnetic shocks to the brain.  I really didn’t think it would work, since nothing else had for 4 ½ years, but to my great surprise it really did work.  About three weeks after the treatment I felt a lot better and in a few months was completely out of the depression.  I still take Effexor XR, but at a lower dose, and I have a plan to phase it out completely in the next year or so.  In July of this year I am planning to go to another MindCare Clinic (this time to Vancouver) to get a second rTMS treatment.  Not because I feel depressed, but because at least one follow-up treatment is recommended for those who have only received one.  I feel really well, and I have had no memory loss, seizures, or anything of the sort.  I can wholeheartedly recommend the procedure for anyone who feels hopeless and is suffering from severe depression.  Yes, it really works.  If anyone wants to ask me anything about the procedure, they can contact me. Thank you.”                    

                      A.B., Costa Rica