Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Advanced Depression Treatment
You're not the only one with these questions. Here are answers to the things people ask us most often — in plain language, without pressure.
Want to know if SAINT® is right for you?
Tell us about your treatment history and symptoms. A consultation is an evaluation, not a commitment — and it starts with your story.
Getting Started
Starting the conversation is often the hardest part. Here's what you need to know before you reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it's time to consider another depression treatment?
If you've tried medication and/or therapy and are still experiencing depression, it may be worth learning about other options. The decision to explore additional treatments is made with your clinician based on your full history.
Do I need a referral?
You can contact us directly to schedule a consultation. If you have a current psychiatrist or therapist, we can coordinate with them, but a formal referral is not required to start the conversation.
Do I need a diagnosis?
A consultation helps us understand your situation. If you have an existing diagnosis, that's helpful. If not, we can discuss next steps during the consultation.
Can a family member call for me?
Yes. A family member may contact us to learn general information about our services and the consultation process. The patient must consent to and participate in treatment.
Can I call for my adult child?
Yes. You can call to learn about treatment options on behalf of your adult child. The patient themselves must consent to treatment, but gathering information is something you can do now.
Can I speak with someone before deciding on a treatment?
Absolutely. That's exactly what the consultation is for. You don't need to know which treatment you want before calling us.
Can I receive TMS while taking antidepressants?
TMS may be used alongside oral antidepressants. Whether that's appropriate for you is a clinical decision made with your care team. Do not stop or change medication without discussing it with your prescribing provider.
What if I'm starting a new antidepressant?
If you're starting a new medication, it's often worth allowing adequate time to assess its effect before exploring other options. Your prescriber can help you think through the timing.
Should I stop medication before TMS?
Do not stop or change prescribed medication without discussing it with your prescribing healthcare provider. TMS does not require you to stop medication.
What if medication hasn't worked?
If medication hasn't provided adequate relief, you may be experiencing treatment-resistant depression. Other treatments, including TMS, SAINT®, and SPRAVATO®, work through different mechanisms and may be worth exploring.
What does TMS feel like?
Most people describe a tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment. Some experience mild scalp discomfort or headache, which typically improves over the course of treatment.
Is TMS painful?
TMS is generally not described as painful. Some people experience mild discomfort at the treatment site, particularly during early sessions. This usually decreases over time.
Is anesthesia required for TMS?
No. TMS is a non-invasive treatment performed while you are awake. No anesthesia or sedation is required for standard TMS.
Can I drive after TMS?
For standard TMS, most people can drive themselves to and from appointments. SAINT® and other accelerated protocols may have different guidance — ask your care team.
How long is TMS treatment?
A traditional TMS course typically involves sessions over several weeks. Accelerated protocols, like SAINT®, compress treatment into five consecutive days.
How many TMS sessions are involved?
A traditional course typically involves multiple sessions per week over several weeks. SAINT® delivers multiple sessions per day over five days. The exact number is determined clinically.
Is TMS a medication?
No. TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic stimulation rather than medication to stimulate targeted areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.
How does TMS work?
TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is believed to influence brain activity in regions associated with depression.
What is SAINT®?
SAINT® (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) is an FDA-cleared accelerated TMS protocol that uses fMRI to individually map and target the treatment area.
How is SAINT® different from traditional TMS?
SAINT® differs in its use of fMRI-guided individualized targeting and its accelerated five-day schedule. Traditional TMS uses a standard targeting approach over several weeks.
Why is SAINT® considered accelerated TMS?
SAINT® delivers multiple treatment sessions per day over five consecutive days, compressing what is traditionally a multi-week course into a single week.
How is the SAINT® treatment target selected?
SAINT® uses an fMRI scan to identify the treatment target specific to your brain's connectivity, rather than relying on population averages.
How long does the SAINT® treatment protocol take?
The SAINT® protocol takes place over five consecutive days, with multiple sessions per day.
Who may qualify for SAINT®?
Eligibility for SAINT® is determined through clinical evaluation. It is intended for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Whether it's appropriate for you is a clinical decision.
What is SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, administered under medical supervision at a certified treatment center.
Is SPRAVATO® the same as ketamine?
SPRAVATO® contains esketamine, a form of ketamine. However, they are different treatments with different administration, regulation, and insurance considerations. SPRAVATO® is FDA-approved and given as a nasal spray; IV ketamine is administered as an infusion and used off-label for depression.
How is SPRAVATO® administered?
SPRAVATO® is a nasal spray that you self-administer under the supervision of a healthcare provider at a certified treatment center. You remain for observation afterward.
Why does SPRAVATO® have to be administered in a medical setting?
Because of its risks, SPRAVATO® is only available through a restricted program called the SPRAVATO® REMS. It must be given in a certified setting with monitoring afterward.
How long will I be at the office for SPRAVATO®?
Plan for about two to three hours per visit, including the required monitoring period after each dose.
Will I need someone to drive me for SPRAVATO®?
Yes. You cannot drive after a SPRAVATO® session. You'll need to arrange a ride home after each visit.
Does insurance cover TMS?
Many plans cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression when medical necessity criteria are met. Coverage varies by plan. We verify your benefits before any financial commitment.
Does insurance cover SAINT®?
Coverage for SAINT® varies by plan. We verify your benefits and handle prior authorization on your behalf.
Does insurance cover SPRAVATO®?
Many commercial plans and Medicare cover SPRAVATO® with prior authorization. We verify your specific plan's coverage.
What if I'm paying privately?
We offer self-pay options. Contact our team to discuss pricing and payment arrangements that may work for your situation.
Can you verify my insurance before treatment?
Yes. We verify your benefits and handle prior authorization before treatment begins, so you know your cost before you commit.
Ready to talk to someone?
The hardest part is usually the first phone call. Everything after that is a series of small, defined steps.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to answer them. Call our team for a free consultation — no pressure, no commitment, just answers.