Your Treatment Journey
From your first consultation to your final evaluation, here’s what to expect, and how we support you at every step.
While TMS treatment is well established around the world, it’s relatively new to BC and Vancouver Island, so it’s normal to have lots of questions. We’ll guide you through each stage.
1
Meet & Assessment
Most clients start with a complimentary consultation to learn what Optimind offers and how we can help. The first step of your treatment is a consultation with our Clinic Physician, along with a health history questionnaire and standardized psychological testing (psychometry). These evidence-based tools help our physician prescribe the most appropriate treatment, and establish an individual baseline to objectively track your response. Your physician composes an individualized treatment protocol to maximize results, and makes sure all your questions are answered.
Complimentary consultation • Physician assessment • Baseline psychometry
2
Your Treatment
Once your protocol is confirmed, your course of treatment is booked, either once a day over seven weeks, or condensed over five days. During each session you recline in a comfortable chair and relax while a highly trained technician navigates the TMS coil and painlessly stimulates the brain at your individualized strength. If cognitive training is part of your plan, it follows immediately after. Afterward you can return straight to your normal day, including driving, work, or play.
Painless sessions · Optional cognitive training · No downtime
3
Evaluation: Your Result
On completion of your course we repeat the questionnaires. We monitor progress throughout with daily check-ins and objective measures every two weeks, and the full psychometry is repeated at the end. We review both the positive changes you’ve experienced and the objective measures together. Sustainability varies by individual and condition; many people find a single course is all they need, while some benefit from occasional top-up sessions. Staying connected is always welcome, we love to see our clients.
Repeat psychometry · Outcome review · Top-up sessions if needed
Ready to begin? Let’s get you started.
Common questions about treatment
Can I drive myself home afterward?
Yes. There’s no sedation and no recovery time, so you can return to your normal day immediately, including driving, work, or activities.
Does TMS hurt?
No. TMS is painless, with no systemic side effects and minimal risk. You recline in a comfortable chair while a technician delivers the treatment; most people read or relax.
How long do I have to rest after a TMS treatment?
TMS is a very simple treatment and doesn’t require any special attention after a session. You can drive home or even return to work right after a session.
How long does an appointment take?
Appointments are scheduled for a half hour. During treatment, you will be awake in a comfortable chair.
How long is a course of treatment?
TMS protocols run either once a day over a seven-week period, or condensed over five days. Your physician recommends the protocol best suited to you.
I’ve heard of the SAINT Protocol, does Optimind offer accelerated TMS?
We do offer an accelerated treatment option where deemed appropriate and desirable by our medical staff and client.
What is cognitive training?
For some treatment plans, a short cognitive training session follows immediately after TMS to reinforce the treatment. Your physician will let you know if it’s part of your plan.
What is the typical course of TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy requires a course of treatment sessions. The initial course of treatment typically consists of 35 sessions, which are either delivered as one session per day, five days per week for seven weeks, or seven sessions per day for five days.