Accelerated TMS
A full course of TMS, in five days.
Instead of one session a day for six weeks or more, accelerated TMS gives you ten short sessions a day, for five days in a row. It can suit people who can’t come in every day for weeks, or who are travelling to us. It isn’t right for everyone, and we’ll talk through whether it fits you.
Your week, at a glance
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Ten short sessions a day
Each takes about 10 to 15 minutes, with about 45 to 50 minutes between them. You can rest, read or step out in between.
- Five days in a row
Fifty sessions in all, in one week, instead of thirty or more spread over six to nine weeks.
- Awake the whole time
There’s no anesthesia or sedation, so there’s no recovery time afterwards. You’ll feel a tapping on your scalp. Scalp discomfort or a headache can happen, mostly early on; seizures are rare.
- Followed closely
Our clinical team checks how you’re doing through the week, and we follow up with you after it ends.
Who it may suit
Accelerated TMS may be considered for adults with major depression, especially people who:
- are still depressed despite earlier treatment
- haven’t been helped enough by antidepressants, or had side effects
- have responded to TMS before
- can’t commit to weeks of daily appointments, or are travelling for treatment
Before you start
An evaluation comes first, to decide whether an accelerated course is right for you. We look at your diagnosis, the medication and therapy you’ve tried, any TMS you’ve had before, your medical history, your goals and your safety. Where it helps, your target is planned on your own MRI.
Accelerated or daily?
- Daily TMS
One session a day, five days a week, for about six to nine weeks. It’s the longest-studied schedule, and insurance often covers it for major depression.
- Accelerated TMS
Ten sessions a day for five days. Accelerated schedules are newer, and the research is still growing; we’ll explain what it shows and how it applies to you.
What to expect afterwards
Some people notice changes in mood, energy, sleep or focus during their week or soon after. For others, change comes more gradually, or more treatment is needed. Everyone is different, results vary, and no result can be guaranteed.
Cost and insurance
Coverage for accelerated TMS varies from plan to plan, and some plans don’t cover it. We’ll check what yours covers, at no cost, before anything is booked, and explain any cost to you up front. A benefits check isn’t a guarantee of payment; your insurer makes the final decision.
If you’re thinking about suicide or are in crisis, please call or text 988, any time, day or night.