‘Transformative milestone’ for mental health care
Oak Valley Health is partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region South Simcoe to deliver “an advanced treatment” for people whose depression has not responded to medication or psychotherapy.
“Partnering with Oak Valley Health to launch our first rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) delivery site marks a transformative milestone for mental health care in our region and province,” said Andrew Chung, chief executive officer of CMHA York Region South Simcoe, an Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Network Lead Organization.
“By integrating this advanced treatment into the provincial program, we are directly breaking down barriers to specialized care. This collaboration embodies our commitment to building a high-quality and accessible mental health system that meets people exactly when and where they need it most, at no cost.”
One in five people in Ontario with major depression have treatment-resistant depression, CMHA York Region South Simcoe reports. rTMS is a non-surgical treatment and no anesthesia is required. The treatment involves a small magnetic coil placed on the head that delivers targeted magnetic pulses to areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. One course of treatment is typically 30 sessions (five days/week for six weeks).
“Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions among the patients we serve and while many individuals improve with medication or psychotherapy, a significant number continue to experience symptoms despite these treatments,” said Yaakov Keilikhis, director of Mental Health and Allied Health, Oak Valley Health.
“Expanding access to publicly funded rTMS gives our patients another evidence-based treatment option that has been shown to improve depressive symptoms, enhance functioning and increase the likelihood of recovery for individuals with treatment-resistant depression,” Keilikhis says. “Through our partnership with CMHA York Region South Simcoe, we are strengthening our stepped-care model by ensuring that patients can access the right treatment at the right time, closer to home, while receiving seamless, coordinated care within their own community.”
The program is available to individuals in Eastern York Region via referral to those with treatment-resistant depression. Individuals must speak to their physician, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist about a referral. More information can be found on CMHA’s website. To learn more about Ontario’s new publicly funded rTMS program, visit Depression and Anxiety-Related Concerns – Neurostimulation Procedures Provincial Program | Ontario Health.
Photo illustrating repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation courtesy of the Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe.