From evidence to practice: what we know about rTMS in Canada
Author: DataNB
Posted on Oct 22, 2025
Category: DataNB

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is gaining attention as a treatment for people with depression who have not responded to standard therapies. Two new reports shed light on how it is working in practice — and how it is being delivered across Canada.
DataNB’s evidence scan found that rTMS is generally effective and well tolerated, with outcomes in real‑world settings often similar to those seen in clinical trials. At the same time, the jurisdictional scan revealed wide variation in how provinces deliver and fund rTMS, from fully public models to private fee‑for‑service clinics.
Together, these reports highlight both the promise of rTMS and the challenges of ensuring consistent, sustainable, and equitable access. They point to the importance of more evaluation, monitoring, and planning to guide the future of rTMS services in New Brunswick and beyond.
