Is SAINT® TMS Right for Me?
SAINT® TMS is FDA-cleared for adults (22 and older) with major depressive disorder who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode. Eligibility also depends on TMS and MRI safety screening — including checks for metal implants, implanted devices, and seizure history — and screening for bipolar disorder, psychosis, and substance use. A psychiatric evaluation determines whether SAINT® is appropriate for a specific person. Individual results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed.
Key takeaways
- SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults 22+ with MDD who haven't improved on antidepressants.
- Eligibility requires TMS and MRI safety screening.
- People with certain metal implants or implanted devices are not candidates.
- A psychiatric evaluation determines individual eligibility.
- No outcome is guaranteed; individual results vary.
Is SAINT® TMS right for me? Quick answer
SAINT® (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided accelerated TMS protocol for adults with major depressive disorder whose depression has not improved enough on prior antidepressant medication. If you are 22 or older, have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and have not had adequate relief from at least one antidepressant, SAINT® may be an option — after a full psychiatric evaluation and MRI safety screening.
A psychiatrist reviews your diagnosis, medication history, and overall health, and screens for conditions that may affect eligibility (bipolar disorder, psychosis, seizure history, and certain metal implants or devices). If you appear to be a candidate, the next steps are scheduling an fMRI and planning the 5-day treatment week. Individual results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed.
SAINT® protocol at a glance
| What it is | Who it's for | How it's delivered | FDA status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sessions of fMRI-guided intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) | Adults 22+ with MDD who haven't improved enough on antidepressants | 10 sessions/day for 5 consecutive days, ~10 min each with 50-min breaks | 510(k) K220177, cleared September 2022 |
Who may be a good fit
SAINT® may be a good fit if:
- You are an adult (22 or older).
- You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
- You have tried antidepressant medication without satisfactory improvement.
- You can safely undergo a brain MRI. [[Does SAINT® require an MRI?|/learn/does-saint-tms-require-an-mri]]
- You do not have ferromagnetic metal in or near the head.
- You do not have implanted electronic stimulators.
- You do not have a seizure history that would rule out treatment.
- You can commit to 5 consecutive treatment days at a verified site.
Who isn't a fit
SAINT® is generally not appropriate for:
- People with ferromagnetic metal in or near the head (cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, certain stents).
- People with implanted electronic stimulators.
- People who cannot safely undergo an MRI.
- People with a history of seizures or epilepsy (requires careful evaluation).
- People currently in a manic episode.
- Anyone under 18 — SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults only. [[SAINT® age requirements|/learn/saint-age-requirements]]
- People whose primary diagnosis is bipolar depression, PTSD, an anxiety disorder, or OCD (SAINT® is not FDA-cleared for these conditions).
What happens if I'm not a candidate
If a psychiatric evaluation shows SAINT® is not the right fit — because of an implant, a seizure history, an MRI contraindication, or a diagnosis SAINT® isn't cleared for — that is not the end of the road. Neuro Wellness offers other evidence-based options in the same clinic: conventional TMS, SPRAVATO® (esketamine), IV ketamine, medication management, and psychotherapy. A psychiatric evaluation can clarify which of these may be appropriate for your situation.
If the reason is a metal implant or MRI contraindication specifically, conventional TMS — which does not require an fMRI — may still be an option, though it uses a different, non-personalized targeting method. We help you weigh the trade-offs honestly, including cost, coverage, and the evidence behind each option. Explore other options when treatment isn't working.
Check if you may be a candidate · Learn more about SAINT® at Neuro Wellness · Request a consultation or call 954-827-9793.
Do you need treatment-resistant depression?
SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults whose depression has not improved on antidepressant medication. This overlaps with common definitions of treatment-resistant depression, which typically requires inadequate response to at least two antidepressant trials of adequate dose and duration.
However, the FDA-cleared indication does not specify a minimum number of failed medication trials. A psychiatrist determines whether your treatment history meets the criteria for SAINT® based on your individual circumstances.
What this means for patients
Eligibility for SAINT® is determined by a psychiatric evaluation. A psychiatrist reviews your diagnosis, medication history, and overall health, and screens for conditions that may affect eligibility. If you appear to be a candidate, the next steps include scheduling an fMRI and planning the treatment week.
No treatment is guaranteed to work, and individual results vary. The clinical trials showed promising results, but they were small and conducted at a single site. A realistic treatment plan includes a follow-up strategy and what to try next if SAINT® does not provide adequate relief.
Check if you may be a candidate · Learn more about SAINT® at Neuro Wellness · Request a consultation 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
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 SAINT® TMS right for me?
SAINT® may be right for you if you are 22 or older, have major depressive disorder, and have not had adequate relief from prior antidepressant medication. A psychiatric evaluation confirms eligibility, including MRI and TMS safety screening. Individual results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed.
Who qualifies for SAINT® TMS?
SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults (22+) with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressant medication. Eligibility also requires TMS and MRI safety screening. A psychiatric evaluation determines whether SAINT® is appropriate for a specific person. Individual results vary.
Do I need treatment-resistant depression to receive SAINT®?
SAINT® is FDA-cleared for adults whose depression has not improved on antidepressant medication, which overlaps with treatment-resistant depression. The FDA indication does not specify a minimum number of failed trials. A psychiatrist determines whether your treatment history meets the criteria.
Who should not receive SAINT®?
People with ferromagnetic metal in or near the head, implanted electronic stimulators, or who cannot have an MRI are not candidates. A history of seizures requires careful evaluation. SAINT® is not FDA-cleared for bipolar depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders alone, OCD, or anyone under 18.
What happens if I'm not a candidate for SAINT®?
If SAINT® isn't a fit — because of an implant, MRI contraindication, or a diagnosis it isn't cleared for — other evidence-based options are available at Neuro Wellness, including conventional TMS, SPRAVATO®, ketamine, medication management, and psychotherapy. A psychiatric evaluation helps determine which may be appropriate.
Can SAINT® work if antidepressants didn't?
SAINT® may help when antidepressants have not, because it works through magnetic brain stimulation rather than chemical neurotransmitters. It is FDA-cleared specifically for adults whose depression has not improved on medication. Individual results vary, and a psychiatric evaluation determines eligibility.
How quickly can I start SAINT®?
After a psychiatric evaluation confirms eligibility, the next steps are scheduling an fMRI and planning the treatment week. Self-pay patients can often start within days. Insurance verification, if applicable, may take longer. Contact Neuro Wellness to discuss timing.
Cited Research
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.
Have questions about whether TMS may be appropriate for you?
Speak with our clinical team. A free consultation is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.
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