Transcranial magnetic stimulation has become an important therapeutic option for patients seeking non-medication treatments for depression. With advances in neurostimulation research, a newer model known as accelerated TMS has emerged, offering a condensed schedule designed to shorten the total treatment timeline. For individuals balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities, or longstanding emotional strain, the possibility of achieving therapeutic benefits within days rather than weeks can feel especially meaningful. NeoPsych in Los Angeles, led by Dr. Thomas Hughes, focuses on evidence-based psychiatric care, and accelerated TMS reflects the practice’s commitment to providing contemporary, research-sup
At NeoPsych, the goal is to help patients understand what accelerated TMS is, how it works, and whether the approach is appropriate for their clinical needs. While the promise of faster treatment is appealing, it is important to approach this option with clear expectations and a thorough grasp of its indications, limitations, and advantages. The following sections outline key considerations to help patients make informed decisions.
Understanding Accelerated TMS
Traditional TMS protocols typically require daily sessions over the course of several weeks. Accelerated TMS refers to treatment models that condense this schedule into a shorter period by delivering multiple sessions each day. One of the most recognized accelerated protocols is based on Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT), a model that has been evaluated in peer reviewed research, including a 2022 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry that found accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation produced rapid symptom improvements in select patients.
Although accelerated TMS shares the same underlying mechanism as standard TMS, the treatment cadence differs. Magnetic pulses target specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation, such as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The goal is to strengthen or modulate neural pathways implicated in depressive symptoms. Accelerated treatment schedules aim to achieve cumulative neuromodulatory effects within a shorter timeframe, which may benefit individuals seeking timely relief or those who may not be able to commit to the longer daily schedule of conventional TMS.
NeoPsych tailors its protocols based on the latest research and the patient’s clinical presentation, diagnostic history, and tolerance levels. The approach is structured, closely monitored, and adapted to support both safety and effectiveness throughout the condensed schedule.
Patient Concerns, Symptoms, and Treatment Motivations
Many patients who consider accelerated TMS have experienced persistent depressive symptoms that have not responded fully to medication or psychotherapy. Common concerns include ongoing low mood, diminished interest in meaningful activities, difficulty focusing, changes in sleep patterns, or a sense of emotional fatigue. Others may be navigating situational challenges that have intensified depressive symptoms, including professional stress, relationship strain, or major life adjustments.
Patients often express interest in accelerated TMS when timelines are an important factor. This may include individuals who must travel for treatment, those with limited availability due to work schedules, or those who have not found relief through traditional treatment durations. Some patients also seek non-medication options due to side effects or limited responses to antidepressants.
Another common concern involves safety. Patients want reassurance that undergoing multiple sessions per day is clinically appropriate. Accelerated TMS has been studied in controlled settings, and while research indicates promising response rates for certain populations, it is not recommended for every patient. NeoPsych emphasizes education, assessment, and transparency so that patients understand the benefits and limitations of this approach before proceeding.
Treatment Technique and NeoPsych’s Customized Approach
While accelerated TMS follows research-supported methodologies, a successful course of treatment requires individualized planning. NeoPsych begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the patient’s mental health history, symptom profile, and prior treatment experiences. This includes determining whether the individual meets clinical criteria for major depressive disorder and exploring co-occurring conditions that may affect treatment suitability.
During accelerated TMS, patients typically receive several short sessions each day, spaced to allow the brain time to recover between stimulations. NeoPsych follows a structured model based on research and clinical best practices, adjusting parameters such as pulse intensity, coil positioning, and treatment frequency according to the patient’s motor threshold and overall response. Because accelerated schedules are more intensive, continuous monitoring is essential. NeoPsych’s team carefully evaluates how the patient is responding in real time, noting any changes in mood, cognition, or comfort.
NeoPsych also integrates supportive elements into the treatment plan. Patients may receive therapeutic check-ins, education about what to expect throughout the process, and guidance for maintaining emotional and behavioral stability between sessions. This integrated care model is consistent with the practice’s broader goal of providing thoughtful, patient-centered psychiatric care.
Recovery, Expected Outcomes, and Realistic Timelines
One of the main benefits of accelerated TMS is the possibility of experiencing improvement within a shorter period. In the 2022 American Journal of Psychiatry study evaluating accelerated iTBS, some participants demonstrated rapid symptom reduction within days. However, responses vary, and it is important to understand that while accelerated TMS may expedite the treatment schedule, outcomes are not always immediate and cannot be guaranteed.
After each session, most patients can resume daily activities. Fatigue, mild scalp discomfort, or transient headaches may occur, but these typically resolve quickly. Because the schedule is intensive, NeoPsych encourages patients to rest between sessions, maintain hydration, and avoid overstimulating activities during treatment days.
The full treatment experience includes not only the sessions themselves but also the follow-up observation period. Some patients feel improvement soon after completing the accelerated protocol, while others may notice gradual changes over several weeks. The goal is not instant transformation but the potential for meaningful symptom relief within a clinically supported and accelerated timeframe.
NeoPsych also monitors patients after treatment concludes, offering follow-up appointments to assess stability, determine whether supplemental sessions are appropriate, and support long-term emotional wellness. Clear communication about goals, progress, and expectations is a central part of the practice’s approach.
Who Is a Candidate for Accelerated TMS
Accelerated TMS is intended for specific clinical situations. Appropriate candidates are typically individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not achieved sufficient improvement with standard treatments such as SSRIs, SNRIs, psychotherapy, or prior TMS. Patients should be able to commit to several sessions per day over a condensed period, as consistency is essential for this protocol.
Patients with certain neurological conditions, active substance use disorders, or implanted metallic or electronic devices may not be suitable for TMS. Individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises may require stabilization before beginning neuromodulation treatment. NeoPsych conducts a detailed screening process to determine eligibility and to ensure that the treatment aligns with both safety guidelines and therapeutic goals.
Those who benefit most from accelerated TMS often appreciate a structured environment, a clear schedule, and a focused treatment plan. The protocol may also be appropriate for patients who are traveling to Los Angeles for care or who need a clinically supported short-term treatment option that accommodates personal or professional demands.
Accelerated TMS offers a promising pathway for patients seeking a research-supported, non-medication treatment option delivered within a shorter timeframe. While the approach is not suitable for everyone, it may provide meaningful relief for individuals whose depression has persisted despite traditional therapies. NeoPsych and Dr. Thomas Hughes are committed to guiding patients through the evaluation and treatment process with clarity, compassion, and clinical precision.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, visit the NeoPsych contact page.A confidential appointment allows you to explore whether accelerated TMS is appropriate for your needs and to begin a personalized treatment plan designed to support long-term mental wellness.