A new therapy called Electroencephalogram Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) is showing promising results in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other disorders among veterans and first responders in Florida.
Doug White, a former Air Force member and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy, shared how years of trauma took a severe toll on his mental health, leading to suicidal thoughts before he found relief through eTMS treatment.
White described the constant exposure to traumatic events during his service as a “front row seat to the show you never wanted to see,” which left him battling sleeplessness, nightmares, and chronic pain. Despite encouraging others to seek help, he initially struggled to admit his own need for support.
Dr. Julie Kim, medical director of eTMS Florida, explained that the treatment involves mapping brain activity with an EEG to identify areas of misfiring, then using targeted magnetic pulses to retrain neurons and restore brain connectivity.
Patients undergo daily 15-minute sessions over about 20 treatments, with 80 to 90 percent showing significant improvement in symptoms.
The therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and has minimal side effects, making it a viable option for those resistant to traditional treatments.
Florida has allocated state funding to provide eTMS free of charge to veterans and first responders, a move supported by Congressman Danny Alvarez, himself a veteran, who emphasized the ongoing commitment to those who serve.
Since November, over 180 patients have received the treatment across six locations, with more sites and mobile units planned. White credits eTMS with reducing his nightmares and improving his sleep apnea and overall brain function. He urges others suffering in silence to seek help early, calling it “the bravest thing you will ever do.”
This innovative approach offers new hope for many who face the invisible wounds of service and trauma, providing a path toward healing and improved quality of life.
