Thank you for considering a referral to the youth neuromodulation program at Sunnybrook. We see youth and young adults up to age 25 with depression that has not responded adequately to initial treatments.

How to refer

Send a referral using the Sunnybrook Mental Health Services referral form.

Please specify: Neuromodulation consultation for a youth / young adult (age 25 and under).

Please include:

• Diagnosis and current symptom severity
• Medications trialled (doses, duration, response)
• Psychotherapy trialled (type, duration, response)
• Current medications
• Relevant medical and psychiatric history
• Any contraindications to rTMS (ferromagnetic metal implants in or near the head, history of seizures, psychosis, pregnancy)

Who to refer

Depression

Consider referral when a young patient has had an inadequate response to one or more adequate trials of antidepressant medication and/or evidence-based psychotherapy. Emerging evidence supports earlier consideration of rTMS — you do not need to wait for multiple medication failures. We are happy to discuss uncertain cases.

OCD with comorbid depression

We are particularly interested in this population. Treating the depressive component with rTMS may facilitate engagement with intensive CBT for OCD.

We also welcome referrals for complex or treatment-resistant cases where you are uncertain whether an interventional approach is appropriate.

We do not accept self-referrals.

What happens after referral

Once a referral is received, our team reviews it and contacts the patient or family to arrange a consultation appointment. At consultation, we conduct a comprehensive neuromodulation-specific assessment.

We will send a consultation letter back to you following the appointment. If treatment proceeds, we will keep you updated throughout.