SAINT® vs $5K–$12K “Accelerated TMS”: What You're Really Buying
A 5-day, 10-sessions-a-day schedule does not make a treatment SAINT®. SAINT® is the FDA-cleared Magnus system with its own fMRI targeting software, and its trial results apply only to SAINT®. Lower-cost “accelerated TMS” programs (ranging from under $5,000 to $12,000) copy the schedule, but their own providers describe them as off-label and untested in the SAINT clinical trials.
Key takeaways
- A 5-day, 10-sessions-a-day schedule alone is not SAINT®.
- SAINT® is the FDA-cleared Magnus Neuromodulation System with its own fMRI targeting software (510(k) K220177, September 2022).
- Lower-priced weeks ($5K–$12K) usually skip the brain MRI and use standard machines off-label.
- The 78.6% remission result comes only from the SAINT® 2022 randomized controlled trial (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2022).
- Only clinics listed on Magnus Medical's official provider locator deliver SAINT®.
Why is SAINT more expensive than 5-day accelerated TMS?
SAINT® includes a functional brain MRI, FDA-cleared targeting software, a licensed Magnus system and protocol, and verified-provider training. Lower-priced 5-day weeks (typically under $5,000 to $12,000) usually skip the brain scan and use standard machines with an off-label schedule.
A 5-day, 10-sessions-a-day schedule does not make a treatment SAINT®. SAINT® is the FDA-cleared Magnus Neuromodulation System with its own fMRI targeting software, and its trial results apply only to SAINT®. Lower-cost “accelerated TMS” programs copy the schedule but not the parts that make it SAINT®, and their own providers describe them as off-label and untested in the SAINT clinical trials. Check your candidate status or call 954-827-9793.
Is a 50-session, 5-day TMS program SAINT?
Not by itself. The schedule can be copied, but the personalized MRI target, the cleared software, and the published trial results cannot. SAINT® requires a brain MRI processed by FDA-cleared software before session one.
Price claims you may see online
Some online ads claim that other clinics charge “up to $39,000” for a 5-day program. SAINT® self-pay at Neuro Wellness starts at $25,000, which includes the pre-treatment brain MRI, physician oversight, all 50 sessions, and follow-up care.
A quote only means something if you know exactly what is included. Ask whether the price includes the MRI scan, consultation, full 50 sessions, physician oversight, and follow-up check-ins.
Side by side
| SAINT® (Neuro Wellness) | Lower-cost $5K–$12K “accelerated TMS” | |
|---|---|---|
| Targeting | FDA-cleared SAINT® software personalizes the target from your fMRI scan. | Scalp or head measurement method (e.g. BEAM F3), not FDA-cleared for this. |
| FDA status | FDA-cleared, 510(k) K220177 (September 2022). | Described by its own providers as off-label. |
| Brain MRI included? | Yes, required before treatment. | Usually no. |
| Evidence | 78.6% remission in 2022 RCT (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2022). | Providers state it has not been tested in SAINT clinical trials. |
| Ages | Adults 22+ with major depressive disorder. | Varies, some advertise teens. |
| Price | Self-pay from $25,000 for the full 5-day course. | Under $5,000 to $12,000. |
| Verified provider | Listed on Magnus Medical's official provider locator. | Not listed on Magnus Medical provider locator. |
5 questions to ask any 5-day TMS clinic
Before you book or pay a deposit, ask the clinic directly:
- 1. Is this the FDA-cleared SAINT® protocol from a provider listed on Magnus Medical's provider locator?
- 2. Are the brain MRI scan, psychiatric consultation, all 50 sessions, and follow-up included in your quote?
- 3. Is the targeting software FDA-cleared for personalized fMRI targeting?
- 4. Was your exact protocol tested in the SAINT® clinical trials?
- 5. Can my insurance or Medicare be billed for a benefits check or prior authorization?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is SAINT more expensive than 5-day accelerated TMS?
SAINT® includes a functional brain MRI, FDA-cleared targeting software, a licensed Magnus system and protocol, and verified-provider training. Lower-priced 5-day weeks usually skip the brain scan and use standard machines with an off-label schedule.
Is a 50-session, 5-day TMS program SAINT?
Not by itself. The schedule can be copied, but the personalized MRI target, the cleared software, and the published trial results cannot.
Is there a cheaper version of SAINT®?
No. Programs sold for under $5,000 to $12,000 copy SAINT's five-day schedule but not its FDA-cleared targeting system, and their own providers say they have not been tested in the SAINT trials. They are a different treatment, not a discount on SAINT®.
How do I know a clinic really offers SAINT®?
Check Magnus Medical's official provider locator. In Florida, Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America in Coral Springs is the verified SAINT® provider.
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 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.
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 does not name or endorse any competitor. Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan.