Clinical, Learning, Education & Management (CLEM) Clinic

If you’re ready to take the first step toward feeling better, scan the QR code below or click here to start accessing your depression.

After completing a short form, a staff member will reach out to guide you through the next steps. Participation is free, confidential, and designed to support your mental well-being.

Or click here

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain to reduce depression symptoms. rTMS is commonly recommended for individuals with treatment resistant depression who have not responded to conventional therapies.

The CLEM Clinic is a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Nursing and University Health Partners of Hawaiʻi, created to advance mental health care, education, and research in our community.

As Hawaiʻi’s first academic learning clinic of its kind, CLEM blends academic excellence with clinical expertise to deliver high-quality, compassionate care while providing future healthcare professionals with invaluable hands-on training. Our mission is to close critical gaps in mental health services through evidence-based, community-centered solutions that improve outcomes across the state.

By fostering an inclusive, innovative learning environment, the CLEM Clinic empowers the next generation of healthcare leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel. Together, we are shaping a future where equitable, compassionate care defines every healthcare interaction.

(808) 762-2422

clem@uhphawaii.org

rTMS promotes healing by stimulating underactive areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, particularly for individuals with depression. Using gentle, targeted magnetic pulses, rTMS helps “reawaken” these brain regions to improve communication between neural networks. Over time, an increase in activity facilitates healthier brain function, reduces depressive symptoms, and enhances emotional well-being.

Before Treatment

You’ll settle into a comfortable recliner chair, where a small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head to prepare for rTMS therapy.

During Treatment

The NeuroStar system will deliver precise magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain. You will remain awake and alert throughout the session, experiencing a rhythmic clicking sound and tapping sensation on your head.

After Treatment

Once the session is complete, you can resume your day with no downtime. You can drive yourself home and engage in regular activities immediately, as rTMS does not affect alertness, memory, or sleep.

Before Treatment

You’ll settle into a comfortable recliner chair, where a small, curved magnetic coil will be positioned lightly on your head to prepare for rTMS therapy.

During Treatment

The NeuroStar system will deliver precise magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain. You will remain awake and alert throughout the session, experiencing a rhythmic clicking sound and tapping sensation on your head.

After Treatment

Once the session is complete, you can resume your day with no downtime. You can drive yourself home and engage in regular activities immediately, as rTMS does not affect alertness, memory, or sleep.

When administered by trained healthcare professionals following established protocols, rTMS is a proven, safe, and effective treatment option for individuals seeking relief from treatment-resistant depression. While all medical treatment carry some risks, potential complications associated with rTMS are generally minimal and carefully managed during each session. If you are interested in learning more about rTMS, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and information.

The most commonly reported side effects during clinical trials were mild to moderate headaches and scalp discomfort. These symptoms usually decrease in frequency after the first week of treatment.

rTMS is covered by for specific approved conditions, depending on the policies of the insurance provider and the medical condition being treated. Patients are advised to contact their insurance company to confirm coverage eligibility and requirements before beginning treatment.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) are both effective treatments for depression, but they work in very different ways.

ECT uses controlled electrical currents to trigger brief seizures in the brain under medical supervision, which can rapidly relieve severe depression but typically requires anesthesia and recovery time.

rTMS, on the other hand, uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation—without anesthesia, seizures, or memory side effects. It’s an outpatient, noninvasive procedure with little to no downtime.

In short: ECT is more intensive and typically used for severe or treatment-resistant cases, while rTMS offers a noninvasive alternative with fewer side effects and easier recovery. Read more here.

Mental health challenges are widespread across Hawaiʻi, with roughly one in five residents experiencing some form of mental illness each year. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders are among the most common.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, as well as those in rural areas, often face higher rates due to limited access to care and cultural stigma surrounding mental health. These barriers make early identification and treatment especially important to improving well-being across the islands.

Read more here and here.

Each patient’s experience is unique — some begin to notice positive changes within the first week, while for others, improvement builds gradually over the full course of treatments.

It’s important to trust the process and complete all sessions for the best long-term results. Many patients share that they didn’t realize how much better they were feeling until friends or family pointed out the difference.

Click here to learn more about the Treatment Process.

Click here to learn more on what to expect on Day 1.

While the CLEM Clinic’s Access Depression program is currently focused on adults, we recognize that adolescent depression is a critical and growing concern in our community. For more on adolescent depression click here.