Sunnybrook Youth Interventional Psychiatry · Inpatient

Your Inpatient rTMS Journey

A guide to rTMS treatment during your hospital stay — 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 from Your Care Team
Getting started
  • Your inpatient team identifies you as an rTMS candidate, or your outpatient doctor has submitted an elective inpatient referral
  • An rTMS consultation is arranged, usually on the unit
  • Your family will be informed and invited to be involved
💌For families: You are encouraged to be part of the conversation. Your child's team will keep you informed and welcome your participation throughout.
⏱ Before treatment begins
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rTMS Consultation
Meet the team
  • Meet your rTMS doctor
  • Talk about your symptoms and goals for treatment
  • Learn how rTMS works — no needles, no surgery!
  • Complete a safety screening checklist
  • Ask any questions you have
  • Learn about clinical studies 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 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
  • The coil is then moved forward to the treatment target
  • 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
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rTMS Treatment Sessions
The main treatment
  • Be ready and available 15 minutes before each scheduled session time
  • Sessions delivered multiple times per day, 5 days per week — you can complete treatment faster than as an outpatient
  • rTMS pulses delivered — sounds like clicking
  • Stay awake — listen to music, rest, or chat
  • No sedation, no downtime after
🔁 Multiple sessions daily while you are admitted
🎵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 rTMS doctor and your inpatient team
  • We watch for changes in mood, energy, and side effects
  • Families can join check-ins to stay updated on progress
  • You can always tell us how you're feeling
  • Ratings help us adjust treatment if needed
📊For families: You can join check-ins and speak with the team. Ask your nurse about the best way to stay connected during the admission.
⏱ Woven throughout treatment
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End of Treatment & Discharge Planning
Getting ready for next steps
  • Final symptom ratings and review with your doctor
  • Summary of your response to treatment
  • Letter sent to your outpatient/community doctor
  • Recommendations for next steps — therapy, medications, or both
  • Your inpatient team coordinates with community providers before discharge
🌱Remember: rTMS is one part of your care. Your inpatient team will work with your community supports to set you up for success after discharge.
⏱ Before you leave the unit

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.