Drew Dixon
A new clinic to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other impacts for first responders and military veterans is opening in Central Florida.
The company eTMS Florida has been expanding its footprint in Florida in recent months and the newest clinic near Orlando opened this month. Electroencephalogram Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (eTMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment for those suffering traumatic brain injuries, PTSD and sleep disorders.
The new Central Florida facility is located at 555 Winderley Place, Suite 300, just outside of Orlando. Some state funding is provided to the clinics that help to provide free treatment to first responders and veterans.
Dirk Harkins, U.S. Army combat veteran and a Purple Heart recipient, credits eTMS therapy with saving his life. After struggling for 12 years with chronic headaches, sleeplessness and other ailments caused by the lasting effects of service-related trauma, Harkins said the treatment is a welcome relief.
“After years of struggling and feeling like I had tried everything without any relief, eTMS treatment gave me my life back,” Harkins said. “For the first time in 12 years, I was pain-free and able to sleep peacefully. I finally started to feel like myself again.”
The business opened its second location in Jacksonville earlier this month and a new location in Tampa in February to help frontline public servants and U.S. military veterans with access to equipment designed to ease brain trauma and associated conditions. There are also locations in Miami.
One of the first patients to visit the newest clinic, Keenan Yoho, also weighed in on how eTMS therapy has helped him.
“Before starting eTMS, I was waking up four to six times a night and struggling with constant hyper-vigilance,” Yoho said. “By the second week of treatment, I was waking up half as often and sleeping longer and more soundly. By the end of four weeks, I was only waking once or twice a night and when I did, I no longer felt the need to get up and walk around. I could fall back asleep within 15 to 20 minutes.”
Among professionals, the treatment is seen as effective in easing depression. Treatment sessions last about 15 minutes. Many conditions require up to 20 treatments to produce a full benefit. Those seeking treatment must have valid identification and proof of service at their appointments.
