An accelerated protocol for better results, faster.
What is aTMS
For those suffering from severe treatment resistant major depressive disorders and are struggling to find relief, we provide an accelerated treatment protocol to get you feeling better, faster. Accelerated TMS protocols have been clinically shown to deliver better results in a shorter amount of time than the conventional four- to six-week courses, while remaining off-label until receiving FDA clearance. In just one week of 36 sessions completed over the course of 5 days, our patients demonstrated significant improvement, often by the middle of the week, with further improvement as shown in pilot studies in the weeks following completion of care. With ongoing monitoring and consistent psychotherapeutic support, their positive outcomes continue to be sustained without any significant side effects or additional medications.
Following the latest science and using the highest quality biotechnology, our accelerated protocols utilize NeuroStar technology to deliver a rapid treatment schedule of 36 sessions with several sessions per day over 5 consecutive days. By specifically targeting the left DLPFC with precision imaging guidance, our delivers over 100,000 pulses - a full course of treatment in a shorter time frame - for up to a 79% remission rate in clinical trials, allowing our patients safe and effective relief, faster. Foundational to our therapeutic approach, we believe that every patient has a different treatment need, and so our accelerated protocol offers flexible targeting options including neuronavigation and fMRI compatibility when indicated, or validated Beam F3 methodology when MRI is not utilized. This approach delivers a robust clinical response—meaningful symptom improvement within 5 days for treatment-resistant depression—with the established safety profile of FDA-cleared TMS therapy. Research shows that having sessions spaced closer together results in a significantly greater chance of remission and response.
36
sessions
5
days
70%
response rate
Rapid results are proven.
A recent pilot study looked at a series of 21 patients with severe treatment-resistant depression and treated them with a rapid TMS protocol, providing six to eight treatment sessions per day, each lasting only three and a half minutes, to deliver over 21,000 magnetic pulses in total. Importantly, no intensive techniques were required for localizing the treatment area. In this series of patients, 55% achieved a remission of depression, and 70% a robust response, after 4 weeks.
Transformative outcomes, in less time.
Here’s how.
We start with an MRI-guided treatment plan.
We utilize cutting edge fMRI imaging to establish your unique neurologic foundation, allowing us the ability to assess and monitor measurable results throughout the course of treatment. fMRI has been proven safe and effective in providing ongoing measurement of the neurological shifts made by your aTMS therapy and allows us to adapt your treatment to address your specific response to therapy, alleviate any immediate neurologic issues, and ensure real, transformative, and optimal results.
For MRI-guided treatment planning and care, Dr Brenner partners with Dr Mark Allen PhD, a leading neuroscientist and cofounder of Cognitive FX, to determine what type of brain imaging would be most helpful and the best approach to measure and evaluate progress throughout your treatment.
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MRI-guided treatment is especially helpful if you're dealing with complex mental health challenges that go beyond typical depression or OCD, or if you've tried standard TMS treatment before without the results you were hoping for. Some people have unique brain anatomy that requires a more individualized approach to treatment. MRI brain imaging gives us detailed information that helps us move beyond one-size-fits-all protocols to create a treatment plan designed specifically for you.
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An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a painless 30-minute scan that produces very clear images of the brain. MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce detailed images. There are two main types of MRI scans that we might use: sMRI (structural) and fMRI (functional). sMRI shows us the detailed anatomy of your brain to help us target the right areas, while fMRI shows us how different parts of your brain communicate with each other. This functional imaging helps us understand your brain's network patterns, which allows us to choose both the best treatment locations and the most effective treatment approach.
We develop an agile and adaptive protocol, designed for you.
Although we can reliably and accurately replicate any of the clinically approved TMS approaches currently in practice, we believe that each patient requires a unique and adaptive approach throughout the treatment process. We actively measure and evaluate your individual response to treatment using comprehensive therapy as well as fMRI imaging, and will adjust the protocol accordingly to address your specific response and results, safely and efficiently. Due to our highly personalized, collaborative and data-backed treatment process, we have seen our patients achieve above average results within a shorter amount of time.
In developing a personalized aTMS treatment plan for each patient, we reference and pull from widely used clinically proven protocols, research and data from Stanford SAINT®, SWIFT™ Deep TMS, and Dash™ Protocols.
One protocol does not fit all.
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Stanford SAINT® protocol, by Magnus Medical.
10 ten-minute sessions per day for 5 days (approximately 50 sessions)
Utilizes figure-8 device. 50 Hz bursts delivered in a theta pattern (accelerated).
Individualized targeting using fMRI-guided navigation.
FDA approved 2022 for MDD.
Insurance coverage pending.
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SWIFT™ Deep TMS protocol by Brainsway.
36 ten-minute sessions over 6 days.
Utilizes an H-coil device. 50 Hz bursts delivered in a theta pattern.
Standard DFLPFC targeting.
FDA approved 2025 for MDD, including comorbid anxiety.
Insurance coverage pending.
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Dash™ Protocol by NeuroStar®
1 nineteen-minute session per day for 4-6 weeks (approximately 36 sessions).
10 Hz with variable inter-train intervals.
Standard DFLPFC targeting.
FDA approved for MDD in 2016.
Widely covered by most insurance plans.
We use a highly targeted and informed aTMS approach.
Utilizing your fMRI results and analysis, we are able to uniquely target specific areas of the brain depending on your specific neurological foundation and goals. We partner with Neuronetics’ NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy for Mental Health, the leading TMS technology that is backed by more clinical evidence than any other TMS technology for depression.
When you come in for each of your aTMS sessions, Dr Brenner and his team use advanced equipment including the NeuroStar® TMS system as well as the ANT Neuro visor2™ navigation system, a 3D functional mapping and combined EEG-EMG-TMS technology. Utilizing these cutting edge innovations helps us to ensure that we are successfully targeting the exact neurologic positions necessary, for every pulse, in every session, throughout the course of treatment. While the field of MRI-guided aTMS is still developing, early results have shown its ability to achieve better therapeutic outcomes, in less time than rTMS as well as other accelerated protocols.
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NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).
What is NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)?
NeuroStar uses figure-8 coils to deliver focused magnetic pulses (similar in strength to an MRI), to revitalize underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. When these regions are underactive, depression can result. “Waking up” these regions can have a lasting effect on depression, making long-term remission from depression a reality for many people.
When receiving your NeuroStar Advanced Therapy,
• You can return to normal activities right away
• You are awake during treatment
• There are no negative effects on memory or sleep
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Here’s what you can expect from a NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS) session:
Before Treatment
You’ll recline comfortably in the treatment chair. A curved magnetic coil will be positioned on your head.
During Treatment
You’ll hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head as the NeuroStar figure-8 coil focuses treatment precisely at the source of the depression: the brain. The patented Contact Sensing technology ensures the prescribed dose is delivered, every treatment, every pulse.
After Treatment
With NeuroStar TMS you are fully awake and alert during treatment and may drive home and resume daily activities immediately afterwards. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, an accelerated treatment protocol with NeuroStar technology includes 36 sessions that each last between 3-4 minutes, and are delivered over 5 consecutive days. Completing the full accelerated NeuroStar treatment course gives the best chance for delivering long-lasting relief from depression.
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The accelerated TMS treatment protocol for Major Depressive Disorders follows an intensive treatment schedule which includes:
6-8 sessions daily (2-3 minutes each)
Held over 5 consecutive days
Specifically targeting the left DLPFC with precision guidance, our protocol matches the ~90,000 pulse dose and 50-60 minute inter-session spacing that drives a remarkable 79% remission rate in clinical trials.
Our aTMS treatment can be adjusted to accommodate your therapeutic needs by offering flexible targeting options including neuronavigation and fcMRI compatibility, as well as validated Beam F3 methodology when MRI is not utilized.
Safe and effective results in one week with aTMS.
NeuroStar® Indication
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indi-cated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode. The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy system is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary. Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing