How Long Does TMS for depression Treatment Take? Standard vs Accelerated Options at Pivot Integrative Health

When considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression, one of the most common questions is:

“How long does TMS take?”

Treatment duration can influence scheduling, convenience, and patient experience. At Pivot Integrative Health, we offer both traditional FDA-approved TMS protocols and accelerated options based on the SAINT protocol. This article explains both approaches so you can make an informed choice.

Standard TMS Treatment

Traditional TMS treatment typically involves daily sessions, five days a week, over a course of about six weeks. Each session usually lasts approximately 20 minutes with most standard protocols.

New 3-Minute Sessions (Coming Early 2026)

Pivot Integrative Health will soon offer next-generation TMS technology that significantly reduces daily treatment time:

• Daily sessions: ~3 minutes per session

• Total course: ~6 weeks (covered by insurance when criteria are met)

• FDA-approved protocols: Ensuring safety and clinical reliability

This advancement allows patients to experience the benefits of standard TMS in much less time per visit, making scheduling and treatment adherence easier.

Accelerated TMS: The SAINT Protocol

For patients seeking a faster treatment option, Pivot will also offer an accelerated TMS protocol based on Stanford’s SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) research.

Key points about the SAINT protocol:

• Treatment timeline: Compressed into approximately one week

• Sessions per day: Multiple daily sessions

• Targeting: Individualized stimulation for precise brain region activation

• Coverage: This protocol is not covered by insurance and is offered as a self-pay option

The SAINT protocol is based on Stanford University research and is designed to accelerate the overall treatment process while maintaining safety and effectiveness in clinical studies.

Comparing Standard and Accelerated Options

Feature	Standard TMS (3 min sessions)	SAINT Protocol (Accelerated)
Daily session time	~3 minutes	Multiple per day (~1 week total)
Total course	~6 weeks	~1 week
Insurance coverage	Covered	Not covered
FDA approval	Yes	No (based on research)
Setting	Outpatient	Outpatient

Choosing the Right Option for You

When deciding between standard and accelerated TMS:

• Insurance considerations: If coverage is important, standard TMS sessions may be the best option

• Time and scheduling: If you want a condensed timeline and are willing to self-pay, the SAINT protocol may be appealing

• Clinical suitability: Your provider will evaluate your depression history, treatment response, and any medical considerations to determine the safest and most effective approach

Depression and Anxiety Don’t Wait. Your treatment shouldn’t either.

Next Steps

Pivot Integrative Health offers consultations to review your history, discuss insurance and self-pay options, and determine which TMS protocol best fits your needs. Early evaluation allows you to start treatment sooner and avoid unnecessary delays with additional medications.

Call Pivot Integrative Health today at 870-336-6450 to schedule your TMS consultation and explore both standard and accelerated treatment options.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual responses to TMS vary. Treatment decisions, including standard and accelerated protocols, should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.