What Is Accelerated TMS?
Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Accelerated TMS) is a cutting-edge advancement in mental health treatment. It’s a faster, more intensive version of standard TMS therapy—designed to deliver results in days, not weeks.
While traditional rTMS requires daily sessions over 6–8 weeks, Accelerated TMS condenses multiple sessions into a single day, often delivering a full course of treatment in just 5–10 days.
This makes it a transformative option for people who:
- Are experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts
- Need rapid relief due to work, travel, or caregiving responsibilities
- Have not responded to medications or therapy
- Want a non-drug, non-invasive treatment that works fast
How Does Accelerated TMS Work?
Accelerated TMS uses the same safe, FDA-cleared technology as standard TMS: magnetic pulses that stimulate underactive areas of the brain linked to mood regulation. The difference lies in treatment intensity and frequency.
Instead of one session per day, patients may receive:
- 6–10 sessions per day,
- spaced out over several hours,
- for a period of 5–10 days.
Each session lasts just a few minutes and is followed by rest. The goal is to quickly build neuroplastic changes in the brain, potentially leading to faster and longer-lasting symptom relief.
What the Research Says
The landmark Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) study, published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, found that:
- 90% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experienced remission within 5 days
- The protocol used multiple sessions per day with Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS)
- Results were maintained in many patients for weeks to months
Accelerated TMS is also being studied for PTSD, anxiety disorders, and OCD, with early data showing promising outcomes.
Who Is a Candidate for Accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS may be right for you if:
✅ You have moderate to severe depression
✅ You’ve tried multiple medications without success
✅ You need rapid symptom improvement
✅ You’re at risk of hospitalization or job loss due to mental health
✅ You want fast, drug-free treatment with little downtime
It is not recommended for patients with a history of seizures or certain neurological conditions. A comprehensive medical assessment is required to determine eligibility.
Benefits of Accelerated TMS
- Rapid symptom relief—often within days
- No anesthesia, sedation, or recovery time
- Drug-free, so no long-term medication side effects
- Convenient for busy professionals, students, or caregivers
- May be suitable for booster sessions or relapse prevention
What to Expect During Treatment
At Bella Vida TMS, your Accelerated TMS journey includes:
- Comprehensive evaluation by our clinical team
- Custom treatment plan, including session schedule and pulse settings
- Multiple sessions per day in a peaceful, private environment
- Ongoing progress checks throughout the week
- Follow-up care to monitor your long-term wellness
Patients often describe the experience as relaxing and empowering. There is no need to take time off work for recovery.
Is Accelerated TMS Covered by Insurance?
While traditional TMS is widely covered, Accelerated TMS is still considered experimental by many insurers. However, Bella Vida TMS offers:
- Pre-authorization support
- Single case agreement (SCA) submissions
- Cash-pay and financing options, including CareCredit
- Sliding scale rates for eligible patients
We work with most major insurance providers and help patients in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert explore every available option.
Why Choose Bella Vida TMS?
We’re more than a treatment center—we’re your partner in healing. Bella Vida TMS offers:
✅ Experienced providers trained in accelerated protocols
✅ State-of-the-art equipment and serene clinic spaces
✅ Individualized care based on your goals and symptoms
✅ Compassionate support from consultation to aftercare
Accelerated TMS
Accelerated TMS represents the future of mental health care—fast, safe, and effective. If you’ve been struggling with depression and feel like time is running out, this may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
📚 References
- The American Journal of Psychiatry (2021)
Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT): A Randomized Controlled Trial
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org - National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Accelerated TMS Research and Outcomes
https://www.nih.gov - Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School
Breakthrough TMS Treatments for Rapid Depression Relief
https://www.health.harvard.edu - Mayo Clinic
Overview of TMS and Advancements in Protocols
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about - U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
TMS Device Approvals and Protocol Information
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices
