What the Five-Day Week Is Actually Like
It's not five appointments. It's ten sessions a day for five days. Here's what to expect — so you can plan with confidence.
The shape of the week
Before day one: You'll have an fMRI scan — about 45 minutes — plus intake and screening. The scan usually happens at least a day before treatment starts, because the targeting software needs time to process.
Days one through five: Ten treatment sessions per day. Each session is short — about ten minutes — but they're spaced about fifty minutes apart. The spacing is part of the protocol, not just scheduling. Ten sessions at hourly intervals means you're on site for about nine or ten hours a day, five days in a row, for about fifty sessions total.
After: Follow-up assessments, typically at intervals over the following weeks.
What that means for you
- Plan on a full week away. If you're traveling, budget six or seven nights of lodging — you'll want to arrive before the scan and may not want to fly out the same evening you finish.
- The between-session hours are yours, but you're not fully free. Some people bring a laptop and work. Others find they can't concentrate well enough by mid-week. Don't schedule anything you can't cancel.
- Expect some side effects. Scalp discomfort during treatment and headache afterward are common and usually manageable. Fatigue builds up across the week.
- Think about driving. If you're tired or headachy by day three, a long commute each way is worth avoiding.
- Bring someone if you can. It's not medically required, but a week of intensive treatment away from home is easier with company.
Time off work
This is a full working week, plus travel. If you have FMLA eligibility, this is a reasonable use of it. If you're self-employed or schedule your work in advance, ask us about weekend or non-standard start days — it can make the difference between going next month and going in three months.
Traveling to us
Many of our patients travel from out of state. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is about ten minutes east of Coral Springs. We can help with hotel recommendations and discounted rates. Learn more about traveling for treatment →
Good questions to ask about scheduling
- Is the fMRI on site or elsewhere?
- How many days between the scan and the first session?
- What happens if I need to miss a session — can it be made up, or does the course restart?
- Do you run weekends?
- What time do sessions start and end?
- Is lunch provided, and is there somewhere to work between sessions?
Related Resources
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Proliv®Rx At-Home TMS
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Ampa One System
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IV Ketamine Infusions
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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
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PrTMS Therapy
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Psychotherapy & Counseling
CBT, DBT, EMDR, and more
Medication Management
Psychiatric medication oversight
Ampa One Day Accelerated Protocol
Single-day accelerated protocol
Traveling for Treatment
What the week looks like, hotels, what to bring
Verify a SAINT Provider
How to confirm a center truly offers SAINT
SAINT vs. Standard TMS
Key differences in targeting, schedule, and duration
I've Already Tried TMS
Prior TMS doesn't disqualify you
How Insurance Works
Benefits verification, authorization, appeals
Am I a Candidate?
Screening factors — not disqualifiers
Compare Treatments
Side-by-side matrix of all treatments
For Families & Caregivers
Supporting someone through treatment
Cost & Insurance
Financing options and insurance information
Let's find your path forward — together
Reaching out is the hardest part, and you've already started. Tell us a little about yourself and our compassionate care team will reach out within one business day to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you take the next step — at no cost and no obligation.
Two pathways to care: self-pay offers the fastest access (most patients start within days, with appointments available seven days a week), or we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield in select states and the BCBS Federal Employee Program in select states. We'll help you find the right path for your situation.
- Warm, judgment-free consultation — no pressure, just answers
- Flexible scheduling: Zoom or in-person, including weekends
- Same-day or next-day appointments often available