Interventional Psychiatry · 1–2 Week Protocol
Accelerated TMS
The benefits of a full TMS course, compressed from six-plus weeks into one to two. Accelerated TMS uses several short theta-burst sessions per day, so you can complete treatment faster and often start feeling the effects sooner.
How It Works
What is Accelerated TMS?
In 2018 the FDA cleared intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS), a pattern that delivers an effective TMS dose in about three minutes instead of 20–40. Because each session is so short, it's practical to give several in a single visit, spaced apart so the brain can consolidate each one.
That's the basis of Accelerated TMS: the same number of sessions as a standard course (or more), delivered over days instead of weeks. Research on accelerated iTBS, including Stanford's work on high-dose accelerated protocols, has shown it can work faster than once-daily treatment for many patients.
Why patients choose it
- Finish in 1–2 weeks instead of 6–9
- Fewer weeks of disruption to work and family life
- Effects often begin sooner than with daily TMS
- No medication add-on required
- Same psychiatrist-led monitoring and follow-up
The Schedule
What a typical course looks like
Daily treatment
Several 3-minute iTBS sessions, roughly 50–60 minutes apart. Most patients spend about 2–4 hours in the office per treatment day and can read, work, or relax between sessions.
5–10 treatment days
Typically Monday through Friday, totaling up to about 40 sessions. Your psychiatrist tailors the number of days and sessions to your history and response.
Follow-up
Follow-up visits with rating scales track how you're doing. Benefits commonly continue to build in the weeks after the course ends.
Getting Started
Your path to treatment
- Psychiatric evaluation. A full review of your diagnosis, prior treatments, and goals with a board-certified psychiatrist.
- TMS safety screen. Medical history, metal and implant screening, seizure risk, and a medication review.
- Mapping visit. On day one, we find your motor threshold and set the coil position and dose for your treatment.
- Treatment days. Multiple iTBS sessions per day under continuous clinical supervision.
- Follow-up and maintenance. Ongoing visits to track progress, with booster sessions discussed if symptoms return.
Candidacy
Who may be a good fit
- Adults with depression that hasn't improved enough with medication or therapy
- Patients who want TMS but can't commit to six weeks of daily visits
- People who need relief sooner, under close psychiatric monitoring
- Patients who prefer an option without the ONE-Day medication add-on
Safety Screening
When it may not be right
- Non-removable metal in or near the head, or implanted stimulators
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Active psychosis, mania, or substance use requiring a higher level of care
- Unstable medical conditions
Your evaluation includes a complete safety screen.
Compare Protocols
How Accelerated TMS compares
| Protocol | Schedule | Sessions | Time in office | Medication add-on | FDA status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONE-Day TMS | 1 day | 20 iTBS | ~10–11 hrs in clinic | Single pre-treatment dose | Off-label |
| Accelerated TMS | 1–2 weeks | Up to ~40 iTBS | ~2–4 hrs/day | None | Off-label schedule |
| Standard rTMS | ~6 weeks + taper | ~30–36 | ~20–40 min/day | None | FDA-cleared for MDD |
Schedules are typical; your psychiatrist sets the final protocol. Mindspring Health is self-pay and does not bill insurance — see the Fees page for current pricing. We can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement, but reimbursement isn't guaranteed.
Physician-Led Care
Overseen by a board-certified psychiatrist
Dr. A. Umair Janjua, M.D., FAPA, founded Mindspring Health and oversees its interventional psychiatry program. Every interventional treatment is reviewed with you by a psychiatrist before it becomes part of your plan, and monitored and adjusted the same way the rest of your care is.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Accelerated TMS FDA-approved?
The TMS device and the iTBS stimulation pattern are FDA-cleared for depression. Giving multiple sessions per day on a compressed schedule is an off-label use, which we review with you before starting.
How soon will I notice results?
Many patients notice changes within the first one to two weeks, though everyone responds differently and improvement can continue after the course ends.
What are the side effects?
The most common are mild headache and scalp discomfort, usually in the first few days and typically relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers. Seizure is a rare but serious risk, and we screen carefully for it.
Can I drive myself and go back to work?
Yes. There's no sedation, so most patients drive themselves and return to normal activities after each treatment day.
Is someone with me during treatment?
Yes. A trained clinical team member is present during every session, and a psychiatrist oversees your care.
Can I combine it with IV ketamine or my medications?
Often, yes. Your psychiatrist will decide whether combining treatments makes sense and how to sequence them safely.
How is this different from ONE-Day TMS?
Accelerated TMS spreads sessions over 1–2 weeks with shorter daily visits and no pre-treatment medication. ONE-Day TMS delivers 20 sessions in a single long day with a one-time medication dose.
Does insurance cover Accelerated TMS?
Mindspring Health is self-pay and does not bill insurance. Accelerated protocols are generally not covered by insurers. We can provide a superbill on request.
Interventional Psychiatry
Other options we offer
Single-Day Protocol
ONE-Day TMS
A full TMS course in one clinic day.
Standard Daily Protocol
Standard rTMS
One session a day, the most-studied schedule.
In-Office Infusion
IV Ketamine Therapy
Medically supervised infusion series.
EEG-Guided Neurofeedback
PRISM for PTSD
Medication-free, FDA-cleared PTSD therapy.
Implantable Neuromodulation
VNS Therapy
Long-term option for treatment-resistant depression.
Find out if you're a candidate
Every interventional treatment at Mindspring Health starts with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by a board-certified psychiatrist.