Edmonton Based Psychiatric Services
Evidence-based rTMS and Ketamine treatments for treatment-resistant depression, OCD, PTSD and more. Non-invasive. Drug-free. Life-changing.
No downtime
Return to daily
activities
No medication
No anesthesia
or sedation
Health Canada
Approved for treatment
resistant depression
Health Canada Approved
Since 2002 for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) including treatment resistant depression.
Medical Expertise You Can Trust
At Brain Centre, care is led by a licensed Edmonton psychiatrist with a focus on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Psychiatrist-led clinic
- Focus on diagnosis + treatment (not just therapy)
- Professional, medical positioning
Who Can Benefit
Depression
Treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD)
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
PTSD
Post traumatic stress disorder
ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders
Other Conditions
Schizophrenia, bipolar depression, smoking cessation & more
What to Expect
Comprehensive assessment to determine if rTMS is right for you.
Daily sessions in a comfortable chair while the coil delivers magnetic pulses.
Many patients feel improvement within 2-4 weeks. Full benefits may take 4-6 weeks.
Proven Effective
- Extensive research over 30+ years
- Response rates of 50-60% in depression
- Benefits often seen within 2-4 weeks
- Strong safety profile with long-term data
Safe & Well Tolerated
- Mild side effects: headache, scalp discomfort,
- or lightheadedness (about 25% of patients)
- Serious side effects are rare (<1%)
- No memory loss or cognitive side effects
Evidence-Based Care.
Compassionate Support.
We provide world-class therapy
proudly serving Edmonton & Alberta.
Dr. Khawaja Azhar Zia, MD, FRC
With several years of experience, Dr. Khawaja is dedicated to delivering safe, effective, and personalized care using the latest technology.
20+ Years
of Experience
Evidence-Based
Approach
Safe, Non-Invasive
& Drug-Free
Proudly Serving
Edmonton & Alberta
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rTMS painful?
Most patients feel a mild tapping or knocking sensation on the scalp during pulses, similar to a woodpecker. It is not painful for the majority; any discomfort usually decreases after the first few sessions and can be adjusted by the clinician.
How does ketamine work for depression?
Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors, which rapidly boosts glutamate signaling — the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter — and promotes neuroplasticity, the growth of new neural connections. This helps break entrenched cycles of negative thinking and can ease depressive symptoms within hours to days, far faster than traditional antidepressants.
How long does a full course take?
A standard course is 20–30 sessions (4–6 weeks). Newer theta-burst protocols can shorten daily sessions to 3 minutes.
Is ketamine covered by insurance or public plans?
Coverage varies. Esketamine (Spravato) may be covered by some private insurance plans or provincial programs. IV ketamine is typically private-pay, though a limited number of hospital-based programs offer publicly funded access for eligible patients. Check with your clinic and insurer for specifics.
How does rTMS compare to ECT?
rTMS is non-invasive, does not require anesthesia, causes no memory problems, and has fewer side effects. It is often tried before ECT, though ECT may be more effective in very severe cases.
How many ketamine treatments will I need?
Most patients begin with an acute course of 6–8 infusions over 2–4 weeks. After that, maintenance sessions are scheduled as needed — often every 2–6 weeks — to help sustain the benefits.
Do I need to stop my medications?
No. rTMS is safe to combine with antidepressants, therapy, or other treatments. Your psychiatrist will review your medications for safety.
Is ketamine addictive?
At therapeutic doses in a supervised medical setting, the risk of addiction is low. Ketamine does have abuse potential, however, so patients with a history of substance use are carefully evaluated before and during treatment.
When will I notice improvement?
Many patients begin to feel better after 2–3 weeks; full benefits may take 4–6 weeks. Mood, energy, and sleep often improve first.
What should I expect during an IV infusion?
Each session lasts about 40–60 minutes in a calm clinical setting with continuous monitoring. You'll stay awake throughout and may feel relaxed, dreamy, or mildly dissociated. Because of these effects, you'll need to arrange transportation home afterward.