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What is SAINT®?
SAINT is a groundbreaking, FDA-cleared form of MRI-guided neuromodulation for treatment-resistant depression. Developed by doctors at Stanford University and available throughout the U.S., SAINT combines advanced brain imaging, personalized targeting and accelerated treatment protocols to deliver rapid relief for adults who have not responded to medications or therapy.
Also known as “SAINT TMS”, Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy delivers 10 sessions of treatment per day for five days, with each session tailored to the individual’s brain activity. This accelerated approach allows many patients to achieve remission from their depression in days instead of months.
What does SAINT TMS treat?
SAINT is designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Specifically, those who have not found adequate relief from antidepressants, psychotherapy or standard TMS. It may also be appropriate for individuals seeking a faster treatment timeline due to work, caregiving or other personal circumstances.
Candidates typically include:
- Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Those who have tried one or more antidepressants without sufficient improvement
- Individuals who did not respond to standard TMS
- Patients who prefer a non-medication approach
- Those who can commit to five consecutive days of in-clinic treatment
How SAINT TMS works
SAINT uses structural and functional MRI scans to map each person’s unique brain activity. A proprietary algorithm identifies the most strongly connected region of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in relation to the subgenual cingulate, a region known to be overactive in depression.
By delivering high dose theta-burst magnetic stimulation to this precise target, SAINT can reduce abnormal subgenual activity and restore healthier mood regulation. Treatments follow the principle of spaced learning, which includes short, focused periods of stimulation with rest intervals in between to maximize effectiveness.
SAINT treatment time
SAINT’s accelerated TMS protocol is delivered over five consecutive days in a clinic setting. Each day includes 10 sessions of approximately 10 minutes each, with 50-minute rest breaks between sessions. The full course totals 50 sessions over five days. Patients remain awake throughout and can typically drive themselves home and resume normal activities after each treatment day.
SAINT results
SAINT delivers rapid, measurable results for treatment-resistant depression, with many patients achieving remission in days rather than the weeks or months often required by other treatments.
Results are based on a double-blind randomized controlled trial in which only 13% of sham-treated patients achieved remission, and a Stanford open-label pilot study.
Insurance and cost
Many commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover SAINT on a case-by-case basis for treatment-resistant depression, when eligibility criteria are met. Our team will verify your benefits, coordinate prior authorization and explain any out-of-pocket costs before your first session. Self-pay patients are welcome.
SAINT treatment process
Getting started with SAINT begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist at Salma Health. If the therapy is right for you, the next step is an MRI scan to map brain activity, which guides the creation of a personalized treatment plan. Many health insurance plans are covering SAINT on a case-by-case basis, please ask about this during your SAINT consult.
Pre-treatment: Baseline and mapping
- Clinical and psychiatric assessments.
- MRI brain scans and targeting of the optimal stimulation site for SAINT
Day 1-5: Treatment sessions
- 10 daily sessions (10 minutes each, with 50-minute breaks) delivered over five consecutive days.
- Delivered comfortably in a clinic setting, with private resting rooms during the 50-minute breaks.
- Patients remain awake and may resume normal activities afterward.
- Side effects include fatigue, headaches and a slight tapping feeling on the skull.
Day 5: Evaluation
- Post treatment assessment following the final round of therapy to measure symptom relief.
- Discharge planning and development of a long-term support plan.
