Is SAINT® Approved for Teens? Age Requirements Explained
SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder who did not improve on prior antidepressant medication. On our site we describe the program for ages 22 and older. One standard (non-accelerated) TMS device has FDA clearance for adolescents, but an accelerated 5-day course in teens is off-label — not the protocol studied in the SAINT® trials.
Key takeaways
- SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults; we describe the program for ages 22 and older.
- One standard (non-accelerated) TMS device has FDA clearance for adolescents.
- An accelerated 5-day course in teens is off-label — not studied in the SAINT® trials.
- If a clinic offers an accelerated program to a teen, ask: is this FDA-cleared for my child’s age, or off-label?
- For a teen, start with a child & adolescent psychiatrist. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988.
How old do you have to be for SAINT?
SAINT® (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder who did not improve on prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. On our site we describe the program for ages 22 and older, to match the way we triage and the current labeling we follow.
The age limit exists because of who was studied: the SAINT® clinical trials enrolled adults. Results from those trials — 79% remission in the controlled trial (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2022) — apply to that adult population. They can’t be assumed for a younger age group that wasn’t studied.
Can teenagers get TMS?
Yes, with an important distinction. One standard (non-accelerated) TMS device received FDA clearance as an add-on treatment for adolescents with depression. That is a conventional daily-schedule course, not a 5-day accelerated week.
An accelerated 5-day TMS course in teens is off-label — it was not the protocol tested in the SAINT® trials, and the SAINT® labeling we follow is for adults. A child & adolescent psychiatrist should guide any decision about brain-stimulation treatment for a minor.
Is it safe for a clinic to offer 5-day TMS to a 13-year-old?
There is no FDA clearance for an accelerated 5-day TMS course at that age, and the SAINT® trials did not study adolescents. This is not something to panic about — it’s a question to ask before you book. Ask the clinic: what evidence supports this schedule for my child’s age, what device is used, and who supervises the care?
We do not offer SAINT® to patients under the age on the FDA labeling. For a child or teen, the right first step is a full evaluation with a board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist.
What options exist for a teen with treatment-resistant depression?
Age-appropriate, FDA-cleared options and a thorough evaluation with a child & adolescent psychiatrist are the right starting point. If your child is in crisis, call or text 988 right away — that’s the fastest way to get help.
You can read more in our content for families: Is it a hard year, or a real illness? and Diagnosed with depression as a young adult. We do not offer accelerated SAINT® to patients under the age on the FDA labeling.
Young adults (22+): the SAINT® path
For adults 22 and older with major depressive disorder who haven’t improved on antidepressant medication, SAINT® may be an option after a full evaluation. Check whether you may qualify or call 954-827-9793.
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
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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
How old do you have to be for SAINT?
SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder who did not improve on prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. On our site we describe the program for ages 22 and older. A clinic that offers an accelerated course to a younger patient is using the protocol off-label — ask to see the labeling.
Can teenagers get TMS?
One standard (non-accelerated) TMS device received FDA clearance as an add-on for adolescents. Accelerated, 5-day TMS in teens is off-label — it was not the protocol studied in the SAINT® trials. A child & adolescent psychiatrist should guide any decision for a minor.
Is it safe for a clinic to offer 5-day TMS to a 13-year-old?
There is no FDA clearance for an accelerated 5-day TMS course at that age, and the SAINT® trials did not study adolescents. Parents should ask about the evidence, the device, and who supervises. This is not a crisis — it’s a question to ask before you book. Talk to a child & adolescent psychiatrist.
What options exist for a teen with treatment-resistant depression?
Age-appropriate, FDA-cleared options and a full evaluation with a child & adolescent psychiatrist are the right starting point. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. We do not offer SAINT® to patients under the age on the FDA labeling.
Cited Research
Important Safety Information
SAINT® is not for everyone. It is contraindicated for people with non-removable magnetic-sensitive metal in or near the head, certain implanted devices, or increased intracranial pressure. Possible side effects include headache, fatigue, scalp discomfort and anxiety; TMS carries a small risk of seizure. If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988.
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.
Questions about eligibility? Ask us, free
Speak with our clinical team. A free consultation is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.
SAINT® is a registered trademark of Stanford University, exclusively licensed to Magnus Medical, Inc. Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America does not name or endorse any competitor. Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan.