Clinic holds open house for new depression treatment system

North Valley Hospital will introduce its new Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) system, which is designed to treat depression, at an upcoming clinic open house.

The open house will be on Nov. 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. at North Valley Behavioral Health, 2004 Hospital Way in Whitefish. The event will consist of an open house with refreshments provided, and tours to showcase and introduce the TMS equipment.

“The North Valley Hospital Foundation is proud to thank the generous donors that contributed to bringing this service to North Valley Behavioral Health,” said Alan Satterlee, Executive Director of the North Valley Hospital Foundation. “Our campaign this summer focused on increasing treatment for depression through TMS, and also partnering with the Nate Chute Foundation to fund suicide prevention programs in the area.”

TMS is a noninvasive treatment option for depression which uses a powerful magnet to stimulate and activate areas of the brain affected by depression. TMS is a service for adults experiencing severe depression who have not responded to medications and therapy alone.

“I am floored by the response of our hospital and community who have come together to help those in our service area that are struggling with depression. We are all excited to be able to offer this very effective, evidence-based treatment for depression at our clinic,” said Dr. Douglas Muir, Medical Director of North Valley Behavioral Health.

Montana has consistently been ranked as a state with one of the highest rates of suicide and depression in the nation, a statistic that has drawn prompt attention from hospitals, healthcare providers, community health centers, nonprofit organizations, legislators, and community members.

“The best way for North Valley Hospital to approach these issues effectively is to offer cutting edge technology that is medically proven to be successful, and provide these services to a broad population,” Satterlee says. “Partnering with the Nate Chute Foundation made sense because their outreach programs are extensive, and with appropriate support and investment, they can continue to grow and fulfill their mission.”

“We are grateful that the hospital, providers, administration, and the philanthropic community are stepping forward to directly address the issues of depression and suicide in our community,” Satterlee said.