By Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry - Published on July 25, 2025

Last updated on July 25, 2025

What is TMS?

“TMS therapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment option that uses painless magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain,” says Dr. David Woo, head clinical psychiatrist and founder of Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry

Often prescribed for patients looking for drug-free alternatives, or when antidepressant medications haven’t worked, TMS can feel like a welcome change — especially because it causes no side effects. 

In 2020, one of the largest TMS studies to date found that over 70% of patients showed a significant reduction in their treatment-resistant depression symptoms. 

For millions of people living with major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD), this was and is a big deal. The study adds to a growing body of research that shows Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is not only effective for treatment-resistant depression but also for other mental health conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and postpartum depression.

For those who have tried medication after medication with little to no relief, findings like these offer something incredibly important: hope. We see the results every day at our practice in NYC — TMS works. 

Read on to see more evidence-based examples of how TMS is a game-changer for mental health. 

TMS Can Augment Psychotherapy and Improve Medication Efficacy

While TMS can be used as an effective treatment in and of itself, it has also been found to enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

For example, one study explored the combined use of TMS and psychotherapy, particularly for patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings demonstrated that pairing TMS with trauma-focused therapy better reduced symptoms than using either approach alone. 

Another study suggests that TMS can make the brain more receptive to medication like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as Zoloft or Prozac. 

A common theme associated with TMS research is neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change. Researchers believe that TMS enhances the brain’s neuroplasticity, resulting in improved and lasting outcomes.

“When we think about mental health treatment, we’re often looking for ways to break through barriers in the brain’s response to care. TMS helps us do that,” says Dr. Woo.

TMS Accelerates Symptom Relief 

The SAINT Protocol 

The SAINT protocol (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) involves 10 TMS sessions per day, spaced roughly 50 minutes apart, over five consecutive days. It also uses advanced imaging (fMRI) to identify the precise brain region to target with intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS). This high-intensity approach dramatically shortens the treatment timeline compared to standard TMS, which typically involves one session per day over 4–6 weeks

In Stanford’s 2020 study, 90% of participants with treatment-resistant depression achieved remission within just five days.

While the results of this study are remarkable, the SAINT protocol is not widely offered yet and is not covered by insurance, making it unviable for most patients. The intensive scheduling demands of the treatment also add complications. 

However, there are other forms of accelerated TMS, including Deep TMS, that are widely available and covered by insurance. 

Deep TMS

Deep TMS (dTMS) is a form of the treatment that targets deeper and broader regions of the brain using a specially designed helmet-shaped coil. Sessions can include one or more per day, depending on individual treatment plans. 

In June 2025, the global medical technology company Brainsway released results from a study it conducted on Deep TMS. They showed that participants who underwent Deep TMS had shorter treatment sessions yet reached symptom remission faster than participants who underwent standard TMS. 

The study reported that more than 80% of participants responded to treatment, and over half achieved remission.

Accessible, Accelerated TMS Treatment in NYC

“At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry, we offer alternatives to the SAINT protocol, including Deep TMS, that deliver life-changing results and are covered by most insurance and Medicaid,” says Dr. Woo. 

These protocols are grounded in the same scientific principles that make SAINT so effective, but provide the accessibility and flexibility that everyday patients need.

“We tailor TMS treatment plans by adjusting the number of theta bursts the patient receives during their appointment,” says Dr. Woo. “As we check in with them week to week, we can continue to refine their treatment plan to meet their needs.” 

You’re Not Out of Options

If you’re struggling with depression that hasn’t improved with medication or therapy, know that you’re not out of options. TMS offers a research-backed, medication-free approach that could help you feel better, possibly sooner than you thought possible.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out if TMS is the right fit for you.

Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry