What Happens Between SAINT® TMS Sessions?
Between SAINT® sessions, patients take a 50-minute break. During breaks, most patients read, work on a laptop, rest, or relax in the clinic. The breaks are a structured part of the protocol — they allow the brain to consolidate the effects of each stimulation session before the next one begins. Patients stay at the clinic for the full day, as each day includes 10 sessions with 50-minute breaks. Most patients remain awake and alert between sessions. The breaks are not optional.
Key takeaways
- 50-minute breaks between each session are part of the protocol.
- Patients read, work, rest, or relax during breaks.
- Breaks allow the brain to consolidate stimulation effects.
- Patients stay at the clinic for the full day.
- The breaks are not optional — they are structured.
The 50-Minute Break
SAINT® delivers 10 sessions per day, each about 10 minutes, separated by 50-minute breaks. The breaks are a structured part of the protocol — they are not optional downtime. Research suggests the breaks allow the brain to consolidate the effects of each stimulation session, which may contribute to the accelerated response seen in SAINT®.
What Patients Do During Breaks
During the 50-minute breaks, most patients:
- Read a book or magazine
- Work on a laptop (Wi-Fi is available)
- Rest or close their eyes
- Listen to music or podcasts
- Have a snack or beverage
- Chat with the treatment team
The Full Treatment Day
A typical SAINT® treatment day includes 10 sessions with 50-minute breaks, taking most of the day. Patients arrive in the morning and leave in the late afternoon. The exact schedule varies by clinic, but plan to spend most of each day at the clinic for 5 consecutive days. The 5-day protocol totals 50 sessions, and before it begins a psychiatric evaluation and an fMRI scan are required and scheduled in advance.
Understanding SAINT® TMS: How It Works & What to Expect
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. These videos explain how it works and how it differs from conventional TMS.
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided form of TMS developed at Stanford. Most patients complete treatment in one week — not the six weeks standard TMS requires.
Follow a real patient through the five-day SAINT® treatment week
Is SAINT® TMS Right for You?
Tried antidepressants without enough relief? SAINT® TMS is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved enough with antidepressant medication.
SAINT® uses a personalized brain target and delivers treatment over five consecutive days. It differs from standard TMS in its targeting approach, treatment schedule, and research background. In a small randomized trial, 11 of 14 people receiving active treatment reached remission at the four-week assessment, compared with 2 of 15 receiving sham treatment. Results vary, and a five-day treatment course does not guarantee remission in five days.
How SAINT® Works and How It Differs From Conventional TMS
SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. This video explains how it works, and how it differs from conventional TMS.
Conventional TMS usually means about 30 visits over 6 to 9 weeks. SAINT is five visits over five days.
What makes it different: SAINT is the only FDA-cleared depression treatment that uses an fMRI scan to personalize the stimulation target to your individual brain. A 45-minute scan maps your brain and identifies the specific circuit linked to depression. Treatment is then delivered as ten 10-minute sessions per day, with 50-minute breaks between them, across five consecutive days.
In clinical trials, 79% of participants reached remission, with an average of 2.6 days to remission. SAINT is generally well tolerated; the most common side effects reported were mild headache and temporary scalp discomfort at the treatment site.
SAINT® at Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America
Coral Springs, Florida
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Call or Text: 954-827-9793
Sources: Cole et al., American Journal of Psychiatry 2020;177:716-726 and 2022;179(2):132-141. magnusmedical.com/depression-therapy. PubMed 34711062. FDA 510(k) K220177.
Insurance coverage for SAINT is currently limited and varies by plan. Individual results may vary. This video is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about whether SAINT is appropriate for you. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens between SAINT sessions?
Between sessions, patients take a 50-minute break. Most read, work on a laptop, rest, or relax in the clinic. The breaks are a structured part of the protocol — they allow the brain to consolidate stimulation effects. Patients stay at the clinic for the full day.
Can I work between SAINT sessions?
Yes. Many patients work on a laptop during the 50-minute breaks. Wi-Fi is available. However, each day includes 10 sessions taking most of the day, so plan accordingly. Some patients take the week off from work entirely.
How long are the breaks between SAINT sessions?
Breaks are 50 minutes between each session. With 10 sessions per day, this means you spend most of each day at the clinic. The breaks are part of the protocol, not optional downtime.
Cited Research
SAINT® is delivered only by verified providers on the Magnus Medical system. Programs described as SAINT “alternatives”, “equivalents” or “fMRI-guided accelerated TMS” are not SAINT®, are not affiliated with us, and SAINT® results do not apply to them. Read our SAINT® disclaimer.
Have questions about whether TMS may be appropriate for you?
Speak with our clinical team. A free consultation is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.
Related Patient Education
SAINT® Accelerated TMS
The 5-day, fMRI-guided protocol offered at our clinic
What Is SAINT® TMS?
FDA clearance, protocol, and evidence
Find a Verified SAINT® Provider
How to verify a SAINT® provider
What Happens During SAINT®
Day-by-day guide to the five-day protocol
SAINT® vs Traditional TMS
How SAINT compares to standard TMS
Schedule a Consultation
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