Standard TMS is delivered as one session per day over several weeks. Accelerated TMS uses the same underlying technology but delivers multiple sessions per day in a structured, closely spaced schedule over a shorter timeframe.

The key difference lies in how stimulation is scheduled, allowing for a more time-efficient treatment approach in appropriately selected patients.

Clinical studies of accelerated TMS protocols suggest that some patients may begin to notice improvement within days to a few weeks, though response varies.

In published data on the BrainsWay SWIFT protocol, the median time to response was approximately 14 days, with remission observed by around 21 days. High overall response and remission rates have been reported in clinical studies (Hanlon et al., 2025). 

For one-day accelerated protocols, early studies suggest that many patients experience symptom improvement within the first several weeks after treatment, with continued improvement over time and sustained benefits in follow-up periods, with reported response and remission rates of approximately 90% and 70% in early studies, though these findings are based on small cohorts and should be interpreted with caution (Vaughn et al., 2025).

It is important to note that individual response varies, and not all patients will experience rapid improvement.

Accelerated TMS is generally well tolerated and has a safety profile similar to standard TMS. The most common side effects include mild scalp sensitivity or headache, typically early in treatment (Caulfield et al., 2022). 

Because accelerated TMS involves multiple sessions in a single day, treatment is delivered in a structured, monitored clinical setting. Rare risks are reviewed in detail during your evaluation.

Yes. There is no anesthesia or sedation, and most patients return to normal activities between or after sessions.

For some patients, the one-day protocol may serve as a complete course of treatment. For others, it may function as an initial intensive intervention, with additional sessions recommended based on clinical response.

Treatment planning is individualized and discussed in detail during your consultation.

In most cases, yes. Patients typically continue their current medications and therapy during treatment.

Your provider will review your medications and overall treatment plan and may recommend adjustments when appropriate to optimize efficacy and ensure safety.

Accelerated protocols are generally not covered by insurance; however, some carriers have recently begun covering certain accelerated treatments, such as SWIFT, when medical criteria are met. Standard TMS is more commonly covered. We’re happy to explore both options with you and verify your specific benefits.

No - we accept Medicare but do not accept Medicaid. If you have questions about coverage, call our team and we’ll help.

Many commercial plans cover standard TMS when medical-necessity criteria are met. Accelerated/fast-track TMS is often self-pay. We verify benefits and submit prior authorization on your behalf.

This is uncommon because we are credentialed with most plans. If needed, we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.

Request a free 20-minute expert call. We’ll run a benefits check, explain likely coverage, and send a written estimate of patient responsibility before any treatment.

Yes. We offer sliding scale pricing for eligible patients and can provide a written cost estimate before treatment. To be considered, we’ll ask for proof of income, such as tax documents.

At this time, sliding scale pricing is not available for Medicare patients or for accelerated TMS protocols.