Fast, Medication-Free Relief in 4 Days: TMS + VR Therapy

Accelerated TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a non-invasive, drug-free brain stimulation therapy that delivers high-frequency magnetic pulses to targeted brain regions. Unlike standard TMS, which is given once daily over six weeks, accelerated TMS condenses the entire course into 2–4 days for depression, PTSD, and anxiety, with 10–20 sessions per day. For ADHD, the protocol involves 20–40 sessions a day over 2–4 days.

Each session lasts just a few minutes and is followed by a rest period. This intensive approach jump-starts the brain’s neuroplasticity, enabling faster symptom relief than traditional schedules. Multiple studies have shown that when TMS pulses are grouped into repeated sessions across a short window, they can drive more rapid and lasting changes in neural circuits responsible for mood, focus, and anxiety.

Accelerated TMS has shown remarkable results for depression, PTSD, and anxiety, even in people who did not respond to medication or talk therapy. Studies using 10–20 sessions per day over 4–5 days (such as Stanford’s SAINT protocol) report remission rates as high as 70–80% for severe depression—much higher than standard TMS or most medications. For PTSD and anxiety, intensive TMS protocols have led to substantial reductions in core symptoms, including mood improvement, fewer intrusive memories, reduced avoidance, and better sleep.

Most patients notice improvement within days of starting the protocol, with benefits often emerging by the end of the treatment week. Because the entire course is delivered so quickly, many people experience a significant drop in depression or anxiety symptoms within one week—rather than waiting a month or more with conventional TMS.

Yes, TMS is showing promise for adults and adolescents with ADHD—especially those who want to avoid medication or haven’t responded well to stimulants. For ADHD, the accelerated protocol uses 20–40 short TMS sessions per day over 2–4 days. The magnetic pulses are aimed at brain regions responsible for attention and impulse control, usually the right or bilateral prefrontal cortex.

Several recent studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that TMS can improve sustained attention, reduce distractibility, and help with executive function in ADHD. Many patients report feeling more focused and able to complete tasks within days of finishing the protocol. While not yet FDA-approved for ADHD, this is a drug-free option with a strong safety profile and rapidly growing clinical evidence.

Many people notice the first improvements in mood, anxiety, or focus within 2–3 days of starting the protocol. For depression, PTSD, and anxiety, most patients see major changes by the end of the fourth day. In ADHD protocols, cognitive benefits can become obvious even sooner, especially regarding attention and mental clarity.

Clinical research and our own experience both suggest that accelerated TMS achieves results in a matter of days, not weeks. Full symptom relief continues to evolve for up to two weeks after treatment as your brain’s new neural connections strengthen.

Most patients enjoy relief from their symptoms for several months or longer after completing the accelerated TMS protocol. Research shows that over 70% of people who respond to accelerated TMS for depression or PTSD maintain their improvement for at least 6 months. If symptoms do return, they are usually less severe and can often be managed with a single booster day (10 sessions) or a 2-day refresher (20 sessions).

Many patients never need a booster; others may return once or twice a year. Booster sessions are quick, convenient, and cost less than the initial protocol. You do not need to repeat the full course unless your doctor recommends it.

You’ll arrive at the clinic in the morning and receive short TMS sessions spaced out over the day. For depression, PTSD, and anxiety, you’ll have 10–20 sessions (each lasting 3–5 minutes) with 20-minute breaks in between. For ADHD, the daily total is 20–40 sessions. There’s no sedation or anesthesia, and you can read, relax, or use your phone between sessions.

Most patients describe the treatment as mildly tapping or pulsing at the scalp—uncomfortable at first but not painful. After the final session each day, you can go home, drive, eat, or continue with normal activities.

TMS is widely considered one of the safest brain-based treatments available. The most common side effects are mild scalp tenderness or a temporary headache, which usually resolve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief. There are no systemic side effects (such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or drowsiness), and no impact on memory or cognition.

The risk of seizure is extremely low (less than 0.1%) and all patients are carefully screened to minimize any risk. There is no downtime: you can drive and return to normal activities immediately after each day’s treatment. TMS does not require anesthesia, and there are no lasting negative effects reported in the medical literature.

Most adults aged 18–70 with a diagnosis of depression, PTSD, anxiety, or ADHD are eligible for accelerated TMS, especially if symptoms have not responded well to medication or therapy. The main exclusions are: metal or electronic implants in or near the head (such as cochlear implants or deep brain stimulators), a history of seizures or epilepsy, or certain unstable medical conditions.

Most patients continue their prescribed psychiatric medications during treatment. Antidepressants, ADHD stimulants, and other common medications are typically fine.

No—accelerated TMS is currently a cash-only service at our clinic. Because this protocol is newer and more intensive than standard TMS, insurance companies do not reimburse for this treatment, regardless of diagnosis. We provide transparent pricing, and financing options are available for those who qualify.

While insurance may reimburse for standard TMS in some cases, accelerated protocols are not recognized by insurers at this time. If reimbursement becomes possible in the future, we will update our policy and notify all patients.