How Quickly Can I Start SAINT® TMS?

Written by Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of AmericaMedically reviewed by Daniel Pietras, MDPublished November 3, 2026Last medically reviewed November 3, 2026Last updated November 3, 2026

At Neuro Wellness, self-pay patients can typically move from consultation to treatment within a few days to two weeks, depending on fMRI scanner availability and treatment-suite scheduling. The process has three steps: a free clinical evaluation (in person or via telehealth), a resting-state fMRI brain scan scheduled locally or upon arrival, and the 5-day treatment week. Treatment blocks are scheduled Monday through Friday or across seven-day care-team availability. We do not promise a guaranteed start date before your evaluation and scan are complete. Insurance verification and prior authorization, if applicable, may add days to weeks depending on your carrier.

Key takeaways

Three steps: consultation evaluation, fMRI brain scan, and 5-day treatment week.
Self-pay patients often start within days to two weeks of their evaluation.
fMRI scan scheduling and processing must be completed before treatment begins.
Insurance verification or prior authorization may add days to weeks.
Consultations clarify exact timeline without promising a guaranteed start date.

How quickly can I start SAINT® TMS? The realistic timeline

Because SAINT® requires a personalized functional MRI scan before treatment, treatment cannot start the same day as your initial inquiry. However, because the treatment itself takes only five consecutive days (rather than six weeks), the overall timeline from inquiry to completion is significantly shorter than conventional TMS.

For self-pay patients, the typical timeline from first call to day one of treatment is a few days to two weeks. The main variable is scheduling the fMRI scan and allowing time for Magnus Medical's software to process the imaging data and compute your personalized target.

The Steps Before Treatment

Before starting SAINT®, three operational steps must be completed:

Clinical Evaluation — a free consultation with our clinical team (in person or via telehealth) to confirm candidacy and review medical/MRI safety.
fMRI Brain Scan — a structural and resting-state functional MRI scan to identify your personalized stimulation target. Out-of-state patients can complete this upon arrival or at a partner imaging center before traveling.
Treatment Week Scheduling — reserving a private treatment suite for 5 consecutive days (10 sessions per day with 50-minute breaks).
Insurance Verification / Prior Authorization (if applicable) — confirming coverage and submitting prior auth documentation if using insurance.

Self-Pay vs Insurance Timeline

Self-pay patients move fastest because no insurance prior authorization is required. Once your evaluation confirms candidacy and your fMRI scan is completed, treatment can begin as soon as a suite is open.

If you are seeking insurance coverage or single-case agreement, the prior authorization process typically takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on your plan. We verify your insurance benefits for free at the outset so you know where your plan stands.

Is it really SAINT®? 5 checks

Before you pay for any 5-day program advertised as SAINT®, confirm these five points.

1
Is the clinic listed on Magnus Medical's provider locator?
If a clinic isn't on the official Magnus Medical locator (magnusmedical.com), it is not a verified SAINT® provider. Magnus Medical locator
2
Do they do a brain MRI to personalize your target?
SAINT® requires a brain MRI to find your individual target. No scan = not SAINT®.
3
Which TMS machine and software do they use?
SAINT® runs only on the Magnus Medical system with its FDA-cleared targeting software.
4
Is the 5-day protocol FDA-cleared, or off-label?
Ask the clinic to state in writing whether their 5-day protocol is FDA-cleared or an off-label schedule.
5
Do they offer it to minors?
SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults only. Be cautious if a clinic offers an accelerated course to a teen or child.

Watch & Learn

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
Free benefits check · Self-pay options available
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.