15 Oct Sonder’s Accelerated TMS Study: Redefining Depression Care
What if relief from depression didn’t have to take weeks or months—but could start in just days?
That’s the question that inspired our team at Sonder Behavioral Health & Wellness to explore Accelerated TMS for Depression—a cutting-edge, research-backed approach that’s redefining how clinicians and patients think about recovery timelines. Our pilot study on Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) showed that safe, fast-acting, and lasting relief is not just possible—it’s already happening.
A Faster Path to Healing
For years, traditional TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) has offered hope to people whose depression hasn’t improved with medication or therapy. It works by using gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain involved in mood regulation—without medication, anesthesia, or downtime.
Normally, TMS takes about six weeks, with patients coming in five days a week for one session per day. Accelerated TMS compresses that same total treatment into just five days.
In our pilot study, Sonder’s clinicians and researchers asked: Could this faster approach deliver the same kind of life-changing results safely and effectively?
The Results: Safe, Effective, and Fast-Acting
The findings from our pilot study on Accelerated TMS for Depression, published in the journal Brain Stimulation, were remarkable. Participants completed multiple short sessions each day over a five-day period, and most reported that the experience was comfortable and well-tolerated—with no major side effects and no serious adverse events.
Even more powerful: most participants experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms by the end of the treatment week. For some, improvements were noticeable within days—something previously unheard of for individuals who had battled depression for years.
And this isn’t just research anymore. Accelerated TMS is now a proven, evidence-based treatment that Sonder is proud to offer today—helping patients experience meaningful improvement faster, while studies continue to expand what’s possible.
“When you’ve lived with depression for years, even one good day can feel like a miracle.”
— Dr. John Luehr, MD, Lead Psychiatrist at Sonder
How It Works: Real Brain Change
Unlike medication, which primarily affects chemical signaling, TMS works by stimulating neuroplasticity—the brain’s natural ability to rewire and strengthen its own pathways. Research has shown that TMS can create measurable and lasting changes in the brain regions involved in mood regulation (Harvard Health, 2018; PMC, 2022).
This means the benefits of TMS can continue long after treatment ends, because it doesn’t just mask symptoms—it helps retrain the brain itself. That’s what makes both traditional and accelerated TMS uniquely capable of producing real, lasting improvement in mood and emotional function.
From Minnesota to London: Sharing Sonder’s Work with the World
In June 2024, Sonder’s team traveled to London to present the study findings at the Clinical TMS Society’s 12th Annual Meeting, joining researchers and clinicians from across the globe.
It was an incredible moment to stand among world leaders in brain-stimulation research and share how a Minnesota-based clinic is contributing to the global future of depression care.
Why Treating Depression Matters More Than Ever
Depression isn’t just sadness—it’s a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 21 million adults in the United States each year (NIMH). Globally, the World Health Organization reports that depression impacts more than 280 million people, cutting across age, gender, and background.
When left untreated, depression can be devastating. It affects concentration, motivation, relationships, and physical health—and it is closely linked to suicide risk. In fact, suicide is now among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., claiming over 49,000 lives in 2022 alone (CDC).
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re reminders that timely, effective treatment can be lifesaving. The ability to access care that works quickly, like Accelerated TMS, can make all the difference for someone who feels they can’t wait another month for relief.
Access for Everyone—Near or Far
Because Accelerated TMS condenses the full treatment course into just five days, it’s now accessible to people from anywhere. You don’t have to live in Minneapolis—or even Minnesota—to receive care.
We welcome patients from any state, rural region, or even our neighboring country, Canada, to come stay with us for a week and experience this breakthrough for themselves. Sonder has partnered with local hotels to make travel simple and comfortable for out-of-town guests.
Five days could truly change the trajectory of your life, relationships, and career. You deserve to feel joy, energy, and purpose again—and we’re here to help you get there.
Sonder’s Commitment to Innovation and Healing
At Sonder, we’re not content to simply keep pace with mental-health innovation—we want to help lead it. We are proud to offer both Accelerated TMS and Traditional TMS for the treatment of Major Depression, giving each individual the option that best fits their life, symptoms, and goals.
Our team is passionate about offering the very best depression treatment available—and we work tirelessly to stay at the forefront of research and technology so our community can access the most effective, evidence-based care available.
“We’re passionate about helping people feel better, faster.”
— Dr. John Luehr, MD
Your Path to Transformation
If you’ve been struggling with depression, it might only take five days to change your story with Accelerated TMS for Depression.
Accelerated and Traditional TMS are both available now at Sonder Behavioral Health & Wellness, delivered by a compassionate, experienced team dedicated to helping you rediscover yourself.
For more information on how TMS can help you or someone you care about, just fill out the form on this page, and Ingrid, our TMS Coordinator, will contact you within one business day.
Because when it comes to healing, we believe no one should have to wait to feel better.