SAINT® vs Ampa One: Two Accelerated TMS Options, One Florida Clinic
Both are FDA-cleared TMS for depression that hasn't improved on medication, and both can shorten treatment far below the usual 6 weeks. SAINT® uses an fMRI brain scan to personalize your target and runs over 5 days, with randomized-trial data behind it. Ampa One uses camera-guided targeting with a pre-printed cap, takes minutes per session, and supports accelerated and one-day schedules at a lower cost. Our physicians help you choose at a free consultation. Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan. Ampa One is available by prescription after a clinical evaluation.
Key takeaways
- Both are FDA-cleared TMS for depression that hasn't improved on medication.
- SAINT®: fMRI-personalized targeting, 5 days, randomized-trial data (78.6% remission, Cole et al. 2022).
- Ampa One: camera-guided cap targeting, minutes-long sessions, accelerated and one-day schedules, lower cost.
- SAINT® requires an fMRI scan; Ampa One does not require an MRI.
- We are the only Florida clinic offering both — our physicians help you choose at a free consultation.
Quick answer
SAINT® and Ampa One are both FDA-cleared TMS for depression that hasn't improved on medication, and both can shorten treatment far below the usual 6 weeks. They differ in targeting, schedule, evidence, and price. Because we offer both, our physicians help you choose based on your situation — not on which device we happen to sell.
Side by side
| SAINT® | Ampa One | |
|---|---|---|
| Targeting | fMRI-personalized (brain scan chooses your target) | Camera-guided (pre-printed cap + camera in the coil) |
| Days | 5 days | Standard, accelerated (as few as 1–2 days), or one-day |
| Sessions | 10 sessions/day for 5 days (~50 total) | Minutes-long sessions; schedule varies |
| Evidence | Randomized trials: Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2020 and 2022 (78.6% remission) | Early non-randomized results (87% response, 72% remission at 6 weeks, NRx press release Nov 2025) |
| FDA clearance | SAINT® K220177 (September 2022) | Ampa One cleared for MDD |
| Price | From $25,000 (self-pay starting at $25,000, with free benefits verification and financing available); Medicare rate $19,703 | Lower self-pay; standard course commonly covered by insurance |
| Insurance | Medicare rate; commercial plans may approve via prior auth | Standard course commonly covered; accelerated/one-day typically self-pay |
| Requires MRI | Yes (fMRI) | No |
Who each fits best
SAINT® fits patients who want the protocol with randomized-trial data and fMRI-personalized targeting, and who can get an MRI and travel for a 5-day week. Ampa One fits patients whose biggest barrier is time or who cannot get an MRI, and who want shorter sessions and a lower cost. Both require that depression hasn't improved enough on antidepressants.
Can I start with one and switch?
It is possible to start with one and, if you don't get the response you hoped for, discuss the other with your physician — but they are different treatments, not interchangeable doses, and a switch is a clinical decision. Our physicians track your response (PHQ-9 before, during, and after) and help you decide. We discuss any switch as part of your treatment plan at your consultation.
Why we offer both
We are the only Florida clinic offering both SAINT® and Ampa One. That means we can recommend the one that fits you, rather than the one we happen to have. Our physicians help you choose at a free consultation. See also SAINT® vs accelerated TMS and SAINT® vs one-day TMS.
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® uses an fMRI brain 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
Is Ampa One the same as SAINT?
No. SAINT® uses an fMRI brain scan to personalize your stimulation target and runs over 5 days (FDA 510(k) K220177). Ampa One uses camera-guided targeting with a pre-printed cap and a camera built into the coil, takes minutes per session, and supports accelerated and one-day schedules. Both are FDA-cleared TMS for depression that hasn't improved on medication, but they are different systems with different targeting methods.
Which is more effective, SAINT® or Ampa One?
They have not been compared head-to-head. SAINT® produced 78.6% remission in a 2022 randomized controlled trial (Cole et al., Am J Psychiatry 2022) — a striking result from a small single-site study. Ampa One has reported early, non-randomized results (87% response, 72% remission at 6 weeks, per a November 2025 NRx Pharmaceuticals press release). Neither has been compared to the other directly. Individual results vary.
Which is cheaper, SAINT® or Ampa One?
Ampa One is generally the lower-cost option. SAINT® starts at $25,000 for the full 5-day course (self-pay starting at $25,000, with free benefits verification and financing available) and has a Medicare hospital outpatient rate of $19,703. A standard Ampa One course is commonly covered by insurance, and accelerated/one-day schedules are typically self-pay at a lower price point. We quote your exact Ampa One self-pay price at your free consultation and verify your benefits either way.
Can I do Ampa One if I can't get an MRI?
Yes — that is one of Ampa One's advantages. SAINT® requires an fMRI brain scan to personalize the target, which not everyone can have (certain implants, claustrophobia, availability). Ampa One uses camera-guided targeting with a pre-printed cap and does not require an MRI. If you cannot get an MRI, Ampa One may be the better fit. Our physicians help you decide at a free consultation.
Cited Research
- 1. Cole EJ, Stimpson KH, Bentzley BS, et al. Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT): A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Psychiatry. 2022;179(2):132-141.
- 2. U.S. FDA. 510(k) K220177 — Magnus Neuromodulation System with SAINT Technology (September 2022).
- 3. Ampa Inc. Ampa One — FDA-cleared TMS system for major depressive disorder.
Important Safety Information
Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan. Ampa One is available by prescription after a clinical evaluation. SAINT® is contraindicated for people with non-removable magnetic-sensitive metal in or near the head. 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 which accelerated TMS fits you, free
Speak with our clinical team. A free consultation is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.
Ampa and Ampa One are trademarks of Ampa Inc. Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America is an independent provider and is not owned by Ampa.
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