A breakthrough in depression treatment
Kaizen Brain Center is among the first clinics in the world to personalize TMS targeting, a Harvard innovation that evolved into the FDA-cleared SAINT® protocol. Today, we are proud to be the only site in San Diego offering this scientifically-backed and groundbreaking treatment.
The SAINT® neuromodulation system delivers MRI-guided, accelerated theta-burst stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). For patients who have struggled with medications or traditional therapies, SAINT represents a new model of care: fast, precise, and highly effective.
Why SAINT Is Different
Traditional TMS delivers one session per day to a general brain region. SAINT is both targeted and accelerated:
- Personalized targeting: MRI scans identify each patient’s unique depression network.
- Accelerated schedule: Ten short sessions per day over just five days.
- Intelligent dosing: AI algorithms adapt stimulation to maximize effectiveness.
The result? Rapid relief from depressive symptoms and life-changing improvement for many patients.
Patient Testimonial
More about SAINT®
Magnus Medical Announces Commercial Launch of Groundbreaking SAINT Treatment
Saint Treatment For Depression
What is SAINT?
Developed by doctors at Stanford University, SAINT is a cutting-edge intervention for the treatment of depression using theta burst brain stimulation, which is a form of Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). SAINT is different from the traditional TMS: targeted and accelerated. Traditional TMS does not target individual depression spots using an MRI scan and is usually one treatment each day. SAINT targets individualized depression spots and uses ten treatments each day, and the entire treatment is complete in just five days. The “intelligent” component of SAINT is due to the AI algorithms that process brain activity data to adjust the stimulation parameters for each patient.
The SAINT Process
Step 1: Consultation
Patients meet with a Kaizen psychiatrist to determine eligibility for SAINT
Step 2: Brain Mapping
Structural and functional MRI scans identify the optimal treatment target for depression
Step 3: Treatment
Day 5: Final treatments, assessment of outcomes, and post-treatment planning
Day 1: Baseline assessments, brain mapping, and first treatment sessions
Days 2–4: Ten treatments daily (10 minutes each, spaced hourly). Patients rest or relax between sessions.
The Science Behind SAINT
In clinical trials:
- 79% of patients achieved remission after just five days of SAINT, compared with 13% in the placebo group.
- Open-label studies have shown remission rates of 80–90%.
- Side effects are generally mild and include scalp irritation or temporary headache.
The SAINT protocol is the only FDA-cleared neuromodulation system that uses an FDA-cleared algorithm to guide individualized targeting.
Patient Experience
“SAINT gave me my life back. After years of struggling with depression, I finally felt hope, and real progress, in just days.”
— Kaizen Patient
Patients spend approximately 10 hours per day for five days at Kaizen Brain Center. Between sessions, private suites and the relaxing La Jolla environment provide comfort and space to recharge.
Who Can Benefit from SAINT?
- Patients with depression who need rapid relief
- Individuals who have not responded to medications
- Those seeking a non-invasive, non-medication-based option
- Patients with co-existing conditions such as anxiety or PTSD
SAINT vs. Non-Regulated Alternatives
Kaizen Brain Center uses the Magnus Medical SAINT Neuromodulation System, exclusively licensed from Stanford University and FDA-cleared.
Other clinics offering “SAINT-like” treatments without Magnus oversight:
- Are not FDA-regulated
- Use unvalidated, unregulated targeting processes
- Cannot guarantee safety or effectiveness
At Kaizen, every step of SAINT is delivered under the strict FDA-cleared Magnus protocol.
Common Questions
Is SAINT safe?
Yes. SAINT is FDA-cleared, with side effects limited mainly to mild scalp irritation or headache.
How quickly will I feel better?
Many patients experience improvement during or immediately after the five-day treatment.
What happens after treatment?
Our psychiatrists create a personalized follow-up plan, which may include therapy, medication, or maintenance care to sustain progress.
International Patients Welcome
Through our Global Patient Care Program, Kaizen Brain Center welcomes patients from around the world seeking SAINT. We provide guidance on travel, accommodations, and personalized treatment planning.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, Kaizen Brain Center can help.
Contact us Today to learn if SAINT Neuromodulation Therapy is right for you.