SAINT® Results: Trial Data and Patient Experiences
In the 2022 double-blind, sham-controlled randomized controlled trial, 78.6% of the active treatment group reached remission after the five-day SAINT® protocol (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2022;179:132–141). Individual results vary; no outcome is guaranteed. These results apply to the SAINT® system — the FDA-cleared Magnus Neuromodulation System with its own fMRI-guided targeting software — and do not transfer to other accelerated TMS protocols. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Key takeaways
- 78.6% of the active group reached remission in the 2022 SAINT® randomized controlled trial (Cole et al., 2022). Individual results vary.
- The sham (placebo) group had a 13% remission rate in the same trial.
- Remission means a depression score below a set threshold on a standardized scale (MADRS), not just feeling better.
- These results apply to SAINT® only — the FDA-cleared Magnus system — not to other accelerated TMS programs.
- Patient stories and reviews are shared only with signed consent; no story is fabricated.
- If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
What the SAINT® trials show
SAINT® (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) has been studied in a series of trials at Stanford. The most rigorous is the 2022 double-blind, sham-controlled randomized controlled trial: 78.6% of participants who received SAINT® reached remission after the five-day protocol, compared with 13% of those in the sham (placebo) group (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2022;179:132–141). An earlier open-label study from the same group reported a similar remission rate (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2020;177:716–726).
Remission means a participant's depression score dropped below a set threshold on a standardized mood scale — in the SAINT® trials, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). A MADRS score of 10 or below generally indicates remission. Remission is stricter than response, which means a meaningful improvement that does not necessarily reach the remission threshold. Individual results vary; no outcome is guaranteed.
These results apply to the SAINT® system specifically — the FDA-cleared Magnus Neuromodulation System with its proprietary fMRI-guided targeting software (510(k) K220177, September 2022). Other accelerated TMS protocols may copy the five-day, 10-sessions-a-day schedule but do not use the same FDA-cleared targeting system, and their own providers state they have not been tested in the SAINT clinical trials. The SAINT® trial outcomes do not transfer to those protocols. See the side-by-side comparison.
Patient stories
[PATIENT STORY PLACEHOLDER — Real patient stories, quotes, and video will be added here only with signed consent and HIPAA authorization. No patient story is fabricated. Individual results vary; no outcome is guaranteed.]
Google reviews for the Coral Springs clinic
You can read verified Google reviews for Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America in Coral Springs, Florida on our Google Business Profile. Reviews reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of any outcome. Read our Google reviews or see our Coral Springs location.
What these results mean for you
The 78.6% remission rate is the strongest published evidence for SAINT®, but it is a group result from a specific trial of a specific system in adults with major depressive disorder whose depression had not improved enough on prior antidepressant medication. Your individual result depends on your diagnosis, history, and screening. SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults 22 and older with major depressive disorder. See if you may be a candidate or verify your insurance benefits. SAINT® at Neuro Wellness starts at $25,000; coverage varies by plan and we verify your benefits for free.
Is a $9,900 “fMRI-guided accelerated TMS” program the same as SAINT®?
No. Programs priced around $9,900 copy SAINT's schedule (5 days, 10 sessions a day, about 90,000 pulses). They do not copy the parts that make it SAINT®, so the two prices are for two different treatments.
FDA-cleared targeting
SAINT®: The only FDA-cleared system that uses an fMRI brain scan to personalize where TMS is aimed (FDA 510(k) K220177, September 2022).
Lower-cost accelerated TMS: Use their own targeting software, which is not FDA-cleared for this purpose.
Off-label
SAINT®: Cleared by the FDA for this use.
Lower-cost accelerated TMS: Their own providers describe these programs as an off-label use of a TMS device.
Evidence
SAINT®: 78.6% remission in the 2022 randomized controlled trial (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2022;179:132–141) — results come only from SAINT.
Lower-cost accelerated TMS: Providers state their protocol has not been tested in the SAINT clinical trials, so those results do not carry over.
Verification
SAINT®: Only clinics listed on Magnus Medical's provider locator deliver SAINT®. Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America is the verified provider in Florida.
Lower-cost accelerated TMS: Not listed on the Magnus Medical provider locator.
Insurance
SAINT®: Has a Medicare payment rate ($19,703 hospital outpatient, set by CMS in July 2025); commercial plans may approve it through prior authorization.
Lower-cost accelerated TMS: Typically self-pay only.
Real price
SAINT®: Starts at $25,000 for the full five-day course, including the fMRI scan, all 50 sessions, the clinical team, and follow-up — lower than the $30,000–36,000 figure often quoted online. We verify your benefits for free.
Lower-cost accelerated TMS: Often around $9,900 — but for a different treatment, not a discount on SAINT®.
Bottom line: comparing $9,900 to SAINT® compares an untested copy of the schedule to the FDA-cleared treatment. It is not a discount on the same thing.
Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan.
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 results did SAINT® show in the clinical trials?
In the 2022 double-blind, sham-controlled randomized controlled trial, 78.6% of the active treatment group reached remission after the five-day SAINT® protocol, compared with 13% of the sham group (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2022;179:132–141). An earlier open-label study reported a similar remission rate (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2020;177:716–726). Individual results vary; no outcome is guaranteed. These results apply to the SAINT® system (the FDA-cleared Magnus Neuromodulation System) only and do not transfer to other accelerated TMS protocols.
Do the SAINT® results apply to other accelerated TMS programs?
No. The 78.6% remission figure comes from trials of the SAINT® system specifically — the FDA-cleared Magnus Neuromodulation System with its own fMRI-guided targeting software. Other accelerated TMS protocols may copy the schedule but do not use the same FDA-cleared targeting system, and their own providers state they have not been tested in the SAINT clinical trials.
Where can I read patient reviews of SAINT® at Neuro Wellness?
You can read verified Google reviews for Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America in Coral Springs, Florida on our Google Business Profile. Individual results vary; no outcome is guaranteed. Patient stories on this page are shared only with signed consent and HIPAA authorization.
Cited Research
- 1. Cole EJ, et al. Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT): A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Psychiatry. 2022;179(2):132-141.
- 2. Cole EJ, et al. Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Am J Psychiatry. 2020;177(8):716-726.
- 3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 510(k) Premarket Notification — Magnus Neuromodulation System with SAINT Technology (K220177, September 2022).
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 and, as with any depression treatment, a risk of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
See if SAINT® is a fit, 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 is not affiliated with Stanford University.
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