Sunnybrook Youth Interventional Psychiatry · Outpatient

Your rTMS Journey

A step-by-step guide to what happens during your rTMS program — for youth and their families.

rTMS is not currently covered by OHIP for youth. At Sunnybrook, it is offered as part of clinical research — so there is no cost to you. Participation is voluntary, and declining will not affect any other aspect of your care.

Referral & Intake
Getting started
  • Your doctor sends a referral
  • Our team reviews your history and contacts you
  • You fill out questionnaires ahead of time
  • We answer questions before your first visit
💌For families: Feel free to reach out with questions at any point — we're here for you!
⏱ Happens before your first visit
1
2
Consultation Visit
Meet the team
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time
  • Talk about your symptoms and goals
  • Meet your rTMS doctor
  • Learn how rTMS works — no needles, no surgery!
  • Complete a safety screening checklist
  • Learn about clinical studies taking place researching rTMS for youth — if you express interest, a research coordinator will reach out
  • Family members are welcome and encouraged
🧠Did you know? rTMS uses a gentle magnetic pulse — like an MRI magnet — to wake up parts of your brain.
⏱ About 60–90 min
Mapping & Motor Threshold
Finding your settings
  • The coil is placed on your head
  • We find the spot that makes your thumb twitch — your "motor threshold"
  • Personalises rTMS strength just for you
  • Then the coil is moved forward to target the treatment area
  • Bring headphones or a fidget toy
👍What to expect: You might feel a tapping on your scalp. A thumb twitch is totally normal — it's a good sign!
⏱ About 30–60 min
3
4
Daily rTMS Treatment Sessions
The main treatment
  • Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session time
  • rTMS pulses delivered — sounds like clicking
  • Stay awake — listen to music, rest, or chat
  • No sedation, no downtime after
  • Typically 5 days/week for 4–6 weeks
🔁 Repeated daily — you'll become a pro!
🎵Tip: Many youth bring a playlist, podcast, or audiobook to pass the time during treatment.
⏱ ~15 min per session
Ratings & Monitoring
Tracking your progress
  • Symptom questionnaires at regular intervals
  • Check-ins with the nurse or doctor
  • We watch for changes in mood, energy, and side effects
  • Families can join check-ins to stay updated on progress
  • Ratings help us adjust treatment if needed
📊For families: We'll update you on progress and welcome your observations — you notice things too!
⏱ Woven throughout treatment
5
6
End of Treatment & Follow-Up
What comes next
  • Final symptom ratings and review with your doctor
  • Summary of your response to treatment
  • Letter sent to your referring doctor
  • Recommendations for next steps — therapy, medications, or both
  • Door is always open if you need us again
🌱Remember: rTMS is one part of your care. We work alongside your whole team to support your wellbeing.
⏱ Ongoing after last session

Sunnybrook Youth Interventional Psychiatry · Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Questions? Talk to your nurse or doctor — we're with you every step of the way. 🌞

This diagram is for information purposes. Your care plan may differ based on your individual needs.