If your youth has been struggling with depression or another mental health condition and hasn't responded as hoped to medications or therapy, there may be other options worth exploring. This page answers common questions about the treatments we offer and how to access them.
What kinds of patients does Dr. Ng see?
Dr. Ng primarily works with adolescents who are admitted as inpatients at Sunnybrook. He also provides consultations to youth and young adults — up to age 25 — who are referred by their psychiatrists to explore whether a treatment like rTMS or ECT might be appropriate.
At a consultation, Dr. Ng meets with the young person and their family to discuss:
- what these treatments involve
- whether they might be suitable given the individual's history and situation
- whether the timing is right to consider them
What treatments do we offer?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
A non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain circuits involved in mood regulation. It does not require anaesthesia, does not involve inducing seizures, and is done while your child sits in a chair fully awake. Each session is booked for approximately 15 min. A typical course is once daily, five days a week, for four to six weeks. We have active studies on providing this treatment at an outpatient, day treatment, or an elective inpatient setting.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
A highly effective treatment for severe, treatment-resistant depression and certain other psychiatric conditions. Done under general anaesthesia, it involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. ECT is one of the best and fastest-acting treatments we have for serious depression.
Ketamine
An infusion treatment that can produce rapid improvement in depressive symptoms — sometimes within hours to days. Given in a monitored clinical setting.
We also consult on cases where deep brain stimulation (DBS) or focused ultrasound may be relevant, though these are reserved for the most complex, treatment-resistant cases.
Is rTMS safe for teenagers?
Yes. rTMS is non-invasive and has a well-established safety profile in adolescents. The most common side effect is a headache or scalp discomfort at the treatment site, which typically resolves quickly. Serious side effects are rare. Your child remains awake throughout and can return to normal activities immediately after each session.
Will my child need to stop their medications?
rTMS is often given alongside existing medications. Dr. Ng will review your child's full medication list at the consultation and advise accordingly.
Can my child attend school during treatment?
Many youth continue school during a course of rTMS — there is no sedation or recovery time. We are also researching modified accelerated protocols that could condense the full course into fewer weeks, which may be easier to fit around school schedules and other commitments.
Is this covered by OHIP?
rTMS is not currently funded for those under 18 in Ontario. rTMS is provided as part of clinical research studies and with philanthropic support.
ECT is covered under OHIP.
Ketamine is not covered by OHIP and involves out-of-pocket payments for the treatment itself. The psychiatric consultation is covered under OHIP.
How do we get a referral?
A referral from a physician is required. Ask your psychiatrist, family doctor, or paediatrician to send a referral using the Sunnybrook Mental Health Services referral form.
Please ask them to specify: Neuromodulation consultation for a youth / young adult (age 25 and under).
We are not an emergency or crisis service. If your child is in crisis, please contact your nearest emergency department or call 988.