Many people have never heard of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This non-invasive treatment uses gentle magnetic energy to stimulate neurons in the brain to improve mental health. After stimulation, neurons rewire to create more optimal brain circuits. 

TMS accessibility challenges 

TMS has been around since 1985, can be more effective than medication, and has an excellent safety profile. It also avoids common side effects of medication such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction symptoms. So why do so few people know about this drug-free mental health treatment?

Despite its many advantages, TMS has not typically been part of mainstream medicine. While mental health professions including psychiatry, psychology, and social work know and love TMS, other medical and health professions are unfamiliar with it as a treatment option. If providers aren’t familiar with a treatment option, they can’t propose it.

Even patients who have heard of TMS can have difficulty accessing treatment. Most often, TMS requires that patients have specific diagnoses, fail at least one medication as a first-line treatment option, and require a psychiatrist’s referral for treatment. Traditional TMS treatments for depression often require 20-30 treatments, which can make it difficult to fit into regular life schedules. 

That’s why the introduction of Exomind TMS at one Halifax clinic is so exciting. 

About Exomind TMS 

Exomind TMS is an optimized TMS device. While traditional TMS most often treats depression, Exomind is being used to treat a broad range of conditions including depression, anxiety, binge-eating disorder, PTSD, chronic post-concussive symptoms, OCD, ADHD, migraine, fibromyalgia pain, brain fog, loss of mental sharpness, chronic stress and burnout, and even insomnia. 

At Body Works Med Spa & Wellness, Exomind treatments are under the supervision of a psychiatrist. “For some conditions including depression, TMS has established evidence for its efficacy. For other conditions, TMS is being used experimentally as an off-label tool in the same way that medication can be used off label” says Dr. Christine McClelland, psychiatrist and Medical Wellness Director at Body Works. “We’re seeing impressive outcomes and we will continue to study the effects of TMS as more evidence emerges in treating these other conditions.”

Exomind improves on traditional TMS in other ways. Treatments are more comfortable and offered on more convenient schedules. Treatment plans are usually shorter with as few as six treatments. 

“Exomind is powerful enough to change the brain, and convenient enough to fit into real life,” says Catherine Crosbie, Owner-Operator of Body Works. “For some people, medications aren’t a good fit, and Exomind can make a big difference. It’s also a really easy treatment to have.” 

Improving access to treatment 

“We’ve been working hard to make Exomind TMS as accessible as possible,” says Crosbie. There are no requirements around diagnoses and the program accepts self referrals as well as referrals from medical providers. Typically, there are no wait lists, so patients can start treatment quickly. 

“The one stumbling block with Exomind accessibility is that you have to pay for it,” Crosbie adds. “However, Exomind has been priced as reasonably as possible and it’s tax-deductible. We want people to be able to take advantage of this wonderful mental health therapy.” 

TMS is not typically covered by MSI or insurance benefits. It may be covered under Health Spending Accounts and patients who have them should check with their providers. 

Crosbie shares that Exomind is one of the least expensive services at Body Works other than laser hair removal. In honour of the clinic’s 5-year anniversary, it’s offering 0% financing on Exomind treatment plans until the end of September. 

Patient stories

“Our patients are responding really well to Exomind,” says Crosbie. “Some patients have had life-long mental health struggles and after Exomind, they’re feeling better and more stable. Some patients have encountered situational challenges like a family crisis, and Exomind is helping them cope and stay resilient. The treatment is also lifting brain fog and relieving anxiety in peri and post-menopausal women, which is improving their quality of life.”

Crosbie shares her own experience using Exomind TMS to treat her insomnia. “For years, I hardly slept. With Exomind, it’s like someone flicked a switch in my brain and now I’m able to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling rested and restored. And now that I’m sleeping, my chronic pain has improved dramatically.” She adds, “I’m really excited for other people to experience benefits.” 

What’s next

Anyone interested in Exomind TMS is encouraged to contact Body Works for a free consultation. The process involves completing intake forms and meeting with a member of the team to determine candidacy and discuss treatment details. Click here to use the online booking platform and select “Exomind TMS free consultation.” Virtual and in-person options are available. You can also call the clinic at 902-405-0858 or email info@bodyworksmedspa.ca.