Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A New Miraculous Approach to Treatment of PTSD 

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often misunderstood by friends and family members who haven’t ever experienced it — and can feel extremely isolating. Common symptoms include:

• Terror
• Uncontrolled rage
• Negative outlook
• Insomnia
• Night terrors
• Flashbacks
• Severe anxiety/panic attacks
• Depression
• Inability to cope with stress
• Inability to function normally in day-to-day life
• Avoidance of people, events, or places that remind you of the event(s)
• Self-destructive behavior
• Hopelessness
• Feeling numb
• Easily startled
• Mental and physical reactions to loud noises
• Thoughts of suicide
• Suicide attempts

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, can be a life-altering mental health problem. It is caused by experiencing or witnessing terrifying events, violence, or going through extended periods of extreme stress.

For most people who go through a traumatic event, there is a coping or grieving period that occurs afterward. And the majority usually recover with time. However, other people will have symptoms that get much worse and can last for extended periods of time.

The onset of symptoms can occur right after the traumatic incident or can appear many years later, such as in child abuse cases. Additionally, PTSD can be severe enough to disrupt someone’s life completely and make it difficult to function normally. Research shows that every year, about 3.6% of adults are diagnosed with PTSD, which suggests that this is a growing problem.

We offer something new to treat PTSD: MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Technology. MeRT is an emerging technology that aims to improve brain function and communication. The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat a wide variety of conditions, including PTSD.

Patient George Nacker Explains How MeRT Helped Him Overcome His Struggles With PTSD

It was absolutely terrifying not to know what was wrong with me or how to fix the problem. BTC not only identified the deteriorated state of my brainwave activity, but they also restored its function… I consider the healing I experienced at BTC to be nothing short of a miracle.”  – US Army Veteran

The Brain Treatment Center Can Help With Your PTSD

Patients suffering from PTSD have markers that are visible in their EEG studies. 

New research is confirming that factors that may contribute to PTSD cause changes in brain function. These changes can include the altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

Due to this, patients with PTSD have markers that can be clearly seen in EEG studies. In many cases, PTSD will manifest as the result of a disruption in the front of the brain. Specifically, it is commonplace to see two competing alpha frequencies in the frontal lobe and slow-rolling waveforms (delta & theta waves) drowning out what should be a single strong alpha frequency.

We work to identify these disruptions and strengthen healthy brainwave activity to reduce the symptoms of PTSD for the patient.

Customized Treatment

We customize MeRT to each patient’s needs based on the results of their EEG and EKG. We then tailor the treatment protocol to the location, frequency, and amount of power used by the magnet. That’s because this technology works by using a magnetic coil to neuromodulate the brain’s electrical activity.

In other words, we first perform a quantitative EEG on each patient to determine the exact frequency of the brain. These results are then reviewed and evaluated by our clinicians, Dr. Julie Kim, and Kayleigh Prowse, FNP, so that the treatment is specific to each patient’s unique condition and optimized for the best possible results. Kayleigh will sit down with you and go over your results personally and explain your specific treatment protocol. 

Because we customize treatment specifically for you, this can lead to significant clinical improvements. As a result of MeRT treatment, many of our patients feel better and can go off of their medications! 

The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off0label to treat other neurological-related conditions, including PTSD treatment.

Army Veteran Gets His Life Back

Of all my injuries, by far the worst were the ones you could not see. I had degraded to the point of not being able to leave my home because of panic attacks and severe anxiety. I could not hide from this feeling, and no medication could numb it. My doctor told me at one point I couldn’t kill myself because I have a family with young children that I am responsible for. It was a life of despair and physical pain every day without reprieve, that is, until I was able to get treatment. For two months, I underwent neural restorative therapy with total symptom resolution. I can function again at work, and can spend much needed time with my family. I have my sense of well-being back and a clarity of thought I haven’t had in many years.”  – Army Veteran

Call Our New Patient Coordinator for More Information

(949) 418-1108

Or fill in the Form at the bottom of this page

A retrospective chart review to assess the impact of alpha-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation on symptoms of PTSD and depression in active-duty special operations service members (June 2024)

This data provides a demonstration of significant reduction in PTSD and depression symptoms and safety with the application of a-rTMS in active-duty special operations military personnel. Expansion of targeted neuromodulation programs could be impactful for military and civilian populations.”

Synchronized transcranial magnetic stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid major depression (Sep-Oct 2019)

All participants demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD and MDD symptoms (all p < .001). As expected, there were significant reductions in symptoms in both treatment groups, but active stimulation did provide greater reductions in count of PTSD moderate-to-severe symptoms.”

How Electric Therapy Is Curing Navy SEALs of PTSD (Jan 2019)

Hundreds of vets have tried out an experimental new treatment that could change how the world addresses mental disorders.”

“All said that they saw big improvements after a course of therapy that ran five days a week for about four weeks.”

Magnetic Resonance Therapy Improve Clinical Phenotype and EEG Alpha Power in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, in Trauma Monthly (November 2015)

This study suggests that non-invasive neuromodulation magnetic resonance therapy may lead clinical improvements as well as a trend toward normalization of EEG pathophysiology in PTSD.”

Magnetic E-Resonant Therapy Alleviates Combat Related Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, in Aerospace Medical Association (March 2017)

Our preliminary results suggest that transcranial MeRT may provide an alternate method to help veterans suffering from PTSD.”

Individualized Electromagnetic Treatment in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: a Randomized, Double-blind, Sham-controlled Trial, Poster Accepted, Taghva, et al. 

This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial shows that transcranial magnetic therapy based on individualized frequencies derived from EEG/EKG is an effective therapy for PTSD in improving overall symptoms and quality of sleep.”

EEG_EKG Guided TMS in veterans with PTSD_Randomized double-blinded pilot study

Following 2 weeks of EEG-EKG guided transmagnetic stimulation, significant changes in symptom severity and EEG measures are reported for 80 retired military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients had greatest comparative reductions in PCL-M subscales VII ‘avoid situation indicator’ XII ‘short future indicator’ and XIII ‘trouble falling or staying asleep indicator’. The improvement in sleep was confirmed for treated vs sham group in PSQI-A, and, may suggest correlation between sleep disorder and PTSD symptoms. Of the 37 patients who had suicidal ideation by HAM-D, 29 patients denied ideation by 4 weeks. No patient worsened in clinical PTSD symptoms after receiving therapy.”

Low-frequency, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: a Double-blind, Sham-controlled Study, Nam et al. (2013)

The present study showed low-frequency rTMS to be an effective and tolerable option for the treatment of PTSD. Trials using variable indices of rTMS to the right prefrontal cortex and explorations of the differences in the effects on specific symptom clusters may be promising avenues of research regarding the use of rTMS for PTSD.”

If you are interested in learning more about MeRT as a treatment for PTSD, you don’t have to decide anything right away. 

For the initial analysis, you will come in for a comprehensive testing appointment. We will gather your new patient paperwork, and then our chief neuro technician will perform a qEEG and EKG, which will enable us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain.

While this appointment usually takes about 45 minutes, if you are seeking treatment for your child with autism, please plan on spending an hour with us. Following the appointment, should you decide to proceed with treatment, we will schedule your assessment period.

If you are not yet ready to commit to going through an assessment period of treatment or prefer to have your qEEG and consultation done to ensure you are a candidate for treatment, we also offer the option of coming in for a qEEG/EKG and consultation with our clinician to see your results before proceeding with the assessment period. 

Your second appointment is 45 minutes long. During this time, you will meet with us for your clinical evaluation. Your provider will answer any questions you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan.

Assessment Period

The assessment period of treatment lasts for two weeks. 

The assessment period of treatment will help you, and us, determine how you are responding to treatment. And after you’ve completed the assessment period, we will perform a second qEEG to note any changes occurring in your brain. 

Once the patient has their initial qEEG/EKG, they will then attend treatment sessions for two weeks, which we refer to as the assessment period of treatment. The first week will be Monday through Friday, and the second week, Monday through Thursday, nine sessions in total, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress.  

Continuing Treatment

Once the assessment period is complete, and we are seeing progress both clinically and on the qEEG, we will schedule subsequent two-week treatment periods. Because each treatment period lasts for two weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area. We advise that to get the most out of your treatment—and for long-lasting results—you stay for an entire six weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period).

The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will determine if you are responding. You should also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time. We highly advise a total of six weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period) for optimal and long-lasting results. 

Since each brain is unique, the protocol will be different for each patient as it is based on specific qEEG/EKG data from your brain, and the specific condition being treated. Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime, though some people prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed. But each person is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.

Additional Information

A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. You will sit in a chair while the neuro-technician administers the treatment near the scalp via a hand-held magnet. The gentle magnetic impulses are delivered for six to eight seconds each minute. You may feel a slight sensation while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.

Please note that results and improvements are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed. Plus, the results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain. 

Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for Additional Information

It’s normal for patients and their families affected by brain disorders to feel alone, frustrated, and hopeless. However, there is hope. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and get a whole new lease on life.

We understand what you are going through. Our goal is to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether MeRT is the right treatment for you or your child.

In fact, many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment and have experienced incredible results firsthand. As a result, they are passionate about helping you to heal, too.

Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer your questions about how MeRT can help you specifically. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and put your mind at ease. She can also help get you scheduled with the clinic should you decide to move forward with treatment.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator

(949) 418-1108

Or fill in the Form below

Insurance Coverage and Payment Options

We are an in-network provider with TRICARE. If you have TRICARE insurance, it is possible that your policy may provide coverage, depending on your specific situation. Our New Patient Coordinator can discuss this with you in further detail.

For all other insurance, we out of network and cannot file an insurance claim on your behalf. We can, however, provide you with the paperwork at the end of your treatment, which you can submit to your insurance company to see if they may provide you with any reimbursement.

Currently, rTMS is FDA-approved for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Treatment for all other conditions is considered “off-label.” For non-FDA-approved treatment, it is not likely that insurance will provide reimbursement for our protocols.

Some patients have reported that they have been able to receive some reimbursement for EEGs or clinical evaluations. But this depends on their health coverage. Please note that we do not take Medicare or Medicaid. 

We take all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Care Credit is also an option to help finance medical expenses. This is a separate company from The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach. Care Credit is a credit card that can cover medical expenses and services. They typically offer zero-interest financing for 12 months.

Usually, when you go to the Care Credit website and apply, they will promptly let you know your approval status.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator

(949) 418-1108

Or fill in the Form above