Accelerated TMS Therapy

Unlike traditional TMS, which involves daily sessions over weeks, aTMS compresses the treatment schedule into just five days.

What Is Accelerated TMS Therapy? 

Five-Day TMS for Depression In Connecticut

Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (aTMS) represents the newest evolution in TMS therapy, designed to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of treatment for conditions such as depression. Unlike traditional TMS, which involves daily sessions over weeks, aTMS compresses the treatment schedule into just five days. Recent studies have indicated that this accelerated approach achieves quicker symptom relief by intensifying the stimulation protocol as well as increases response rates by optimizing the treatment protocol. Mechanistically, aTMS for depression retains the core principle of modulating neural activity in the prefrontal cortex but does so by optimizing the number of pulses delivered and time in between sessions. The advancements in accelerated TMS reflect a promising shift toward more efficient and effective treatment options for those battling depression.

How Effective Is Accelerated TMS? 

The accelerated TMS (aTMS) protocol used at Evolve is derived from the research of Nolan Williams and Stanford’s Brain Stimulation Lab, where Dr. Knightly is an active member, and builds upon their SAINT TMS protocol. SAINT TMS, which received FDA breakthrough status and rapid approval, demonstrated substantial effectiveness in clinical trials. In the initial trial, 90% of participants with severe, treatment-resistant depression achieved complete remission, meaning they no longer met the criteria for depression. A subsequent randomized clinical trial further validated its effectiveness, showing that 80% of those in the treatment group experienced remission compared to just 13% in the placebo group.

At Evolve, we’re seeing an 84.6% response rate and a 76.9% remission rate for depression.

Accelerated TMS Therapy Cost

Currently, insurance does not cover the cost of accelerated TMS therapy. At Evolve, we are committed to providing exceptional treatment and care, which is why we are proud to offer accelerated TMS as an option. The all-inclusive cost for the treatment is $12,500, which breaks down to $250 per session. This price covers 50 sessions, and we are dedicated to ensuring you receive comprehensive support, including expert advice, thorough evaluation, and effective treatment throughout your therapy.

Read more: TMS pricing guide →

What to Expect During Accelerated TMS at Evolve Brain Health

Receiving TMS therapy is a straightforward and non-invasive process. During each session, you'll relax in a comfortable chair while a magnetic coil is positioned near your head. The therapy involves brief, repetitive pulses of magnetic energy that target brain areas involved in mood regulation. Many patients report a tapping or tingling sensation on the scalp, which is typically well-tolerated. For accelerated treatment, sessions last 10 minutes each, with 50 minutes in between, leading to one session per hour. Treatments generally run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You'll have your own private room for the week, equipped with a couch, TV, and workspace, allowing you to relax and/or stay productive between sessions. Overall, the experience is designed to be as comfortable and accommodating as possible during your treatment week.

Read Our Patient Reviews

"I highly recommend Evolve Brain Health if you are considering TMS. My experience was extremely positive. Dr. Knightly is very bright, compassionate and patient. He took time to answer all of my questions without ever making me feel rushed. It’s very easy to schedule appointments and always runs right on time. The treatment is very easy-in and out in less than 15 minutes with no side effects!"

"Dr. Knightly was without a doubt, one of the most professional, knowledgeable and experienced Psychiatrists I have ever seen. Honestly, it was an appointment I would look forward to, rather than just any generic Doctor visit, which we all definitely know is not where we want to be. His follow up and true commitment to his patients is hard to find these days. 5 Stars is not enough. He is better than any rating scale and I know will humbly continue to help as many people as he can."

"Dr Knightly is empathetic, professional & informative. He’s walked me through the process & has answered all my questions without hesitation, even the questions I’ve repeatedly asked. During my first session I was overwhelmed with emotion (I’ve tried many things to try to treat my depression) & he validated my experience & made me feel comfortable. I recommend anyone who is interested in TMS to visit his office, you‘re in good hands."

Featured Resources

Interested in learning about various mental health treatments? Visit our Learning Center for clear, easy-to-understand explanations of procedures, protocols, comparisons, and the conditions they address.