What’s in this issue:

• Friendly reminders

  • Upcoming Peer Support Night

  • Clinic closure

  • Event at VFH Mira location in June

• A new opportunity for treatment: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

• Provider profile: meet Dr. Shaun Maher

• Team Tidbits: Chelsea Shaheen

Friendly reminders for the month of May

Join us for our next Peer Support Night!

There’s an opportunity to connect in person at our next Peer Support Night on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:00 p.m. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space for veterans to come together, share experiences, and support one another.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve joined us before, all veterans are welcome!

Clinic closure

A friendly reminder: both locations will be closed on Monday, May 18 in observance of Victoria Day.

If you're in need of an appointment or treatment, give us a call! 902-564-0529.

A new opportunity in treatment: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

We are exploring a new mode of treatment for veterans.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for veterans suffering from various mental health conditions, particularly depression and PTSD. As this non-invasive procedure gains traction, its unique benefits and applications for the veteran community deserve attention.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a revolutionary treatment that utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is aimed primarily at the regions associated with mood regulation.

Here’s how it works:

• Mechanism : TMS involves the placement of a magnetic coil against the scalp. Short magnetic pulses are delivered, which induce electrical currents in targeted brain areas, enhancing neuronal activity.

• Non-Invasive: Unlike traditional treatments, such as medication or electroconvulsive therapy, TMS does not require anesthesia and has minimal side effects, making it an attractive option for many.

Benefits of TMS for Veterans

• Effective for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Many veterans experience depression that does not respond to standard antidepressant medications. TMS has shown effectiveness in these cases, providing relief where other treatments have failed.

• Support for PTSD: Veterans dealing with PTSD often face debilitating symptoms. Research indicates that TMS can reduce symptoms by targeting the brain areas implicated in fear and anxiety.

• Minimal Side Effects: TMS is generally well-tolerated. Side effects, when they occur, are usually mild and may include headache or scalp discomfort, making it a safer alternative compared to medications that often have more severe side effects.

• Quick Treatment Sessions: Each TMS session lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, allowing veterans to receive treatment without significant disruption to their daily lives.

• Improved Quality of Life: By alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, TMS can enhance veterans' overall quality of life, allowing them to engage more fully in social and occupational activities.

Access and Implementation in Veteran Care

While TMS has significant potential, challenges remain regarding access and implementation within the veteran healthcare system:

• Availability: Not all healthcare facilities offer TMS therapy, and veterans may need to travel to access these services. We can help with this!

• Awareness and Education: There is a need for increased awareness among veterans and healthcare providers about the benefits of TMS, as many may not be familiar with this treatment option.

• Integration into Standard Care: As research continues to support TMS’s efficacy, integrating it into standard treatment protocols for veterans experiencing mental health issues is essential.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation represents a beacon of hope for many veterans struggling with mental health challenges. Its non-invasive nature, combined with the potential for significant improvement in symptoms, makes it an important therapeutic avenue. As awareness grows and access improves, TMS could play a crucial role in enhancing the mental well-being of veterans across the nation.

By advocating for broader availability and understanding of TMS, we can ensure that our veterans receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or a healthcare provider, exploring TMS as a treatment option could lead to transformative outcomes for those who have served.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about TMS or seeking treatment, reach out to us via phone (902-564-0529) or mention it next time you’re in the clinic!

Provider profile: Meet Dr. Shaun Maher

What inspired you to start working with veterans?

My inspiration came from the veterans I encountered in my private practice. I have always had a deep respect for the service they provided. I firmly believe that after fulfilling their service commitments, they deserve access to the highest quality of care and to be treated with the dignity they’ve earned.

What do you enjoy most about supporting veterans in your practice?

I find the most fulfillment in helping veterans overcome challenges they’ve struggled to manage on their own or with limited outside resources. There is a unique professional satisfaction in bridging those gaps for them. Moreover, they are an incredibly appreciative group, and knowing that my work is truly valued makes the process even more rewarding.

Is there a moment or experience with a veteran patient that has stayed with you?

Two specific scenarios consistently stand out to me. First is the relief a veteran feels when they finally find a provider willing to help them with their medical questionnaires. Many have been searching for years and are on the verge of giving up.

Second is the impact of successful treatment. Having a patient tell me they’ve achieved more pain relief with treatment than they’ve had in years, and that they can finally sleep through the night, makes it meaningful.

How is caring for veterans different or unique compared to your other patients?

As a population, veterans often present as more “beat up” physically than the general population of the same age, and the wear and tear of service is evident. However, they also stand out because of their gratitude. They don’t take their care for granted, which creates a strong therapeutic relationship.

What keeps you passionate about continuing this work?

What keeps me driven is the knowledge that there is a significant, unmet need for specialized care and advocacy within this community. Seeing a veteran reclaim their quality of life, whether through physical pain relief or by navigating the complexities of their medical documentation, is incredibly motivating. As long as there are veterans who feel overlooked by the system, I feel grateful to provide the best care I can.

Team Tidbits: Chelsea Shaheen

Name: Chelsea Shaheen

Role: Site B Office Administrator

How long you’ve worked with VFH: I have been with VFH since May 2024, when Fabian opened Site B.

Why you love it: I love my job because it gives me a sense of purpose beyond typical administrative work. Being part of a clinic that supports veterans means I’m contributing to something meaningful every day. I enjoy building relationships with clients and staff, creating a welcoming environment, and making sure everything runs efficiently. It’s very rewarding to know that my work helps the team and the clients feel supported and taken care of.

Something you may not know about me: Something you may not know about me is that I’m a mom to a 19-year-old, recently engaged, and share my home with five cats—so there’s never a dull moment!