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    FDA-Cleared · 5-Day Accelerated TMS

    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

    The Basics

    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 It Works

    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.

    Course length

    Traditional TMS~6 weeks
    SAINT®5 consecutive days

    Sessions

    Traditional TMS1/day, 5 days a week
    SAINT®Multiple per day

    Targeting

    Traditional TMSAnatomical landmarks
    SAINT®fMRI-guided, individualized

    Imaging required

    Traditional TMSNo
    SAINT®Yes — MRI mapping session

    Time away from routine

    Traditional TMSSpread across 6 weeks
    SAINT®One concentrated week

    Both are non-invasive, drug-free, and do not require anesthesia.

    Honest Eligibility

    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?
    SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) is an FDA-cleared form of transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression. It uses functional MRI to identify an individualized treatment target and delivers multiple stimulation sessions per day over five consecutive days.
    How is SAINT different from regular TMS?
    Standard TMS typically runs five days a week for about six weeks using anatomical landmarks for targeting. SAINT compresses treatment into five consecutive days and uses functional MRI to identify a target specific to your brain.
    Is SAINT FDA-cleared?
    Yes. SAINT received FDA 510(k) clearance for treatment-resistant depression in adults who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medications.
    Does SAINT require medication or anesthesia?
    No. SAINT is non-invasive and drug-free. Patients remain awake and alert throughout treatment. No anesthesia or sedation is required.
    Who is SAINT for?
    SAINT is intended for adults with major depressive disorder who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medications during their current depressive episode. Treatment eligibility is determined through clinical evaluation.
    How long does SAINT treatment take?
    The core SAINT protocol is completed over five consecutive treatment days, with multiple short stimulation sessions per day separated by rest periods. Individual results vary.
    Your Next Step

    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.