What Is a Week of SAINT® TMS Treatment Like?
SAINT® is delivered over five consecutive days at Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America in Coral Springs, Florida. Each day includes ten 10-minute sessions with roughly 50-minute breaks. This guide walks through every stage — from consultation and fMRI to Day 5 and follow-up.
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Quick Answer
SAINT® TMS is an outpatient treatment delivered over five consecutive days at Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America in Coral Springs, Florida. Each day includes ten 10-minute treatment sessions with roughly 50-minute breaks between them. Before treatment, patients complete a psychiatric consultation and a resting-state fMRI scan. Patients stay at a nearby hotel during the week — not in a hospital. No anesthesia or sedation is used. In clinical trials, 79% of participants reached remission, with an average of 2.6 days to remission. Individual results vary.
The SAINT® Treatment Week: Step by Step
Consultation & fMRI
Before the treatment week, patients complete a psychiatric consultation with Dr. Daniel Pietras, MD, or the clinical team. This can be done via Zoom or in person. After the consultation, a resting-state fMRI scan is scheduled. The fMRI takes about 45 minutes and maps brain connectivity to compute the individualized stimulation target. The fMRI must be completed before Day 1.
Day 1: Starting Treatment
Patients arrive at the Coral Springs clinic. The treatment team positions the stimulation coil using the fMRI-derived target. The first session establishes the protocol. Over the day, patients complete ten 10-minute sessions with 50-minute breaks.
Common sensations include a tapping or knocking feeling on the scalp. Mild headache or scalp discomfort may occur and usually lessens over the first day or two. Patients are awake throughout — no anesthesia.
Days 2–4: Continuing the Protocol
Days 2 through 4 follow the same structure: ten sessions per day with 50-minute breaks. The stimulation target remains the same throughout the week. Between sessions, patients read, work, rest, or relax in the private suite or SAINT lounge. Most patients have adjusted to the sensation by Day 2.
Day 5: Final Treatment Day
Day 5 completes the 50-session protocol. After the final session, the treatment team reviews the week and discusses next steps. Some patients notice mood changes during or shortly after the treatment week. Individual results vary, and a five-day course does not guarantee remission in five days.
After Treatment: Follow-Up
Patients have follow-up appointments with the clinical team. Some follow-up may be remote via Zoom, particularly for traveling patients. A maintenance plan may include medication, psychotherapy, and the possibility of another course if symptoms return. Discuss a maintenance plan with your psychiatrist.
What to Bring for Treatment Week
Travel & Accommodation
Nearby Hotel
Neuro Wellness coordinates nearby hotel accommodations with concierge-level support. Patients typically arrive the day before treatment and stay through Day 5.
Airports & Transportation
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is ~30 minutes away. Miami International Airport (MIA) is ~45 minutes. A rental car or rideshare is recommended.
9734 West Sample Road, 2nd Floor, Suite B, Coral Springs, FL 33065
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
An overview of SAINT® TMS and how it differs from conventional TMS
Tried antidepressants without enough relief? See if SAINT® may be right for you
What SAINT® is, how it differs from standard TMS, and what research shows
How SAINT works and how it differs from conventional TMS
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.
Have Questions About the SAINT® Treatment Week?
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Explore SAINT® Resources
SAINT® Accelerated TMS
The 5-day, fMRI-guided protocol
What Happens Between SAINT® Sessions
The 50-minute breaks and the full treatment day
What to Expect During SAINT®
Patient guide to the five days
Travel for SAINT® TMS
Hotel, airport, and travel planning
SAINT® Cost
Cost and insurance information
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