What Is SAINT® TMS — and How Is It Fighting Depression?
An advanced, non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that delivers personalized, fMRI-guided treatment over just five consecutive days — for adults whose depression hasn't responded to medication.
5
Consecutive Treatment Days
10
Sessions Per Day
~10 min
Per Stimulation Session
fMRI
Personalized Brain Targeting
SAINT® in Plain English
What it stands for
Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy — an advanced form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) designed for adults with major depressive disorder.
Who it's for
People whose depression has not responded satisfactorily to antidepressant medications during their current depressive episode. Treatment eligibility is determined through clinical evaluation.
Two things make SAINT different from conventional TMS: it is delivered over five consecutive days instead of roughly six weeks, and the treatment target is identified using functional MRI of your own brain rather than standard anatomical landmarks.
How SAINT® Fights Depression
1. Personalized Targeting
Functional brain imaging helps identify an individualized treatment target — because the region involved in mood regulation differs measurably from person to person.
2. Magnetic Stimulation
Magnetic pulses stimulate the targeted area of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is non-invasive — no surgery, no anesthesia, no medication.
3. Accelerated Schedule
Multiple short sessions per day, spaced with rest periods, across five consecutive days — instead of a conventional multi-week schedule.
SAINT® vs. Traditional TMS
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your history, schedule, and coverage.
| Traditional TMS | SAINT® | |
|---|---|---|
| Course length | ~6 weeks | 5 consecutive days |
| Sessions | 1/day, 5 days a week | Multiple per day |
| Targeting | Anatomical landmarks | fMRI-guided, individualized |
| Imaging required | No | Yes — MRI mapping session |
| Time away from routine | Spread across 6 weeks | One concentrated week |
Course length
Sessions
Targeting
Imaging required
Time away from routine
Both are non-invasive, drug-free, and do not require anesthesia.
Who SAINT® Is For — and Who It Isn't
It may be appropriate if:
- You've been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
- Medication hasn't worked or side effects were intolerable
- You're looking for a non-drug treatment option
- You can commit to one concentrated treatment week
It may not be appropriate if:
- You have certain metallic implants or devices near the treatment coil
- You have a seizure disorder or history of seizures
- You have active psychosis or specific neurological conditions
- Another treatment is clinically more appropriate
Wondering if SAINT® is right for you?
You don't have to know the answer before you call. Start with a conversation — we'll help you understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SAINT TMS?
How is SAINT different from regular TMS?
Is SAINT FDA-cleared?
Does SAINT require medication or anesthesia?
Who is SAINT for?
How long does SAINT treatment take?
Start With a Private Conversation
If depression has continued despite medication or other treatment, you don't have to decide what comes next by yourself. Start by understanding your options.
Individual results vary. Treatment eligibility is determined through clinical evaluation. Insurance coverage varies by plan and is not guaranteed. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider.