Our physicians and scientists in Newport Beach are among the world’s leading minds in neuro restoration. MeRT studies began here in California through the United States Department of Defense with veterans who suffered combat related brain injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder.
This cutting-edge technology has evolved and been shown to help with other brain function disorders including Autism, ADHD, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and the after-effects of stroke.
Our physicians and staff are passionate about delivering personalized care with the scientific expertise to obtain the best possible outcomes so that our patients are able to realize quality of life and optimal brain health.
Our Mission
We explore the concept that the brain can be treated by physical means. We believe that with the exploration of the relationship between cognition and neural activity, an innovative and informed approach to non-invasive neuromodulation is possible. Our dedicated team of neuroscientists and physicians believe in delivering individualized treatment in order to achieve a healthier life for people with various neurological issues.
Our Goal
Our evidence-based methodology is unique because we focus on the physiology of the brain. We are able to map and reveal communication patterns in the brain’s neural networks. As a result, we are able to take a personalized and targeted approach based on your brain rhythms, encouraging healthy brain communication and activity.
Our goal is to empower minds.
Meet Our Staff
Sandy Oak Lee, M.D., FAAP
Sandy Oak Lee, M.D., FAAP, is a Board certified Pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. 
Dr. Lee graduated cum laude from Cornell University, with her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then received her medical degree from New York Medical College, and completed her residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
In 2016, after 15 years in community private practice, Dr. Lee joined the Brain Treatment Center as the Medical Director of the Newport Beach office where she oversees the clinical care of patients. She has extensive experience in the utilization of MeRT technology and is one of the pioneers in using MeRT technology to treat both the pediatric and adult populations.
Dr. Lee was selected as America’s Top Physicians by the Consumers Research Council of America in 2013, and was a recipient of the Orange County Physician of Excellence Award in 2014 and 2015.
Dr. Lee is a humanitarian physician, volunteering her time and expertise abroad in Mexico, Guatemala, China, and Malawi. Dr. Lee was raised in Irvine, where she currently resides with her husband and two children.
Julie Kim, M.D., FACP
Dr. Julie Kim is a board certified Internist with over 20 years of medical experience. She has been serving as Medical Director of the Brain Treatment Center since 2013. Prior to joining the Brain Treatment Center, Dr. Kim has pioneered and worked extensively with the treatment of patients with PTSD, TBI, addiction, stroke, autism, and other brain disorders. She established and oversees the current Mert Safety Protocols and Physician Training Program for the utilization of MeRT technology. She has been an invited speaker at major corporations in Seattle. In addition, Dr. Kim has partnered with professional sports conglomerates, exploring the use of MeRT therapy in enhancing sports performance.
First and foremost. Dr. Kim prides herself in delivering compassionate care and advocating for her patients.
Raised in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Julie Kim attended and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Sciences from Kent State University. Through a 6 year combined undergraduate-medical school program, she obtained her MD from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in 1996. Subsequently, she completed her residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Des Plaines, IL, with specialization in Internal Medicine and sub-specialization in Women’s Health. She is ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
Prior to joining the Brain Treatment team, she spent the next 14 years practicing primary care in the Chicago suburbs and Southern California. During her earlier years, she cultivated a deep connection to her patients and a life-long commitment to providing compassionate, high quality care in both large corporate and boutique medical settings. She is among the highest rated physicians with excellent patient satisfaction scores in her field.
Since joining the Brain Treatment Center in 2013, she has pioneered and worked extensively with the treatment of patients with PTSD, TBI, addiction, stroke, autism, and other brain disorders. She co-created the initial safety protocols and physician training programs for the dissemination of MeRT (Magnetic E-Resonance) technology. She has been invited to speak to major corporations in Seattle, as well as sports conglomerates about MeRT technology and discuss where MeRT therapy can aid in improving quality of life and enhancing performance of employees and athletes.
First and foremost, Dr. Kim prides herself in delivering compassionate care and advocating passionately for her patients.
Insurance Coverage
Our clinic does not accept insurance. We can provide you with the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment so that you can submit it to your insurance company to see if they would provide you with any reimbursement.
Currently, rTMS is FDA cleared for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.) Treatment for all other conditions is considered “off label” at this time, though we are hopeful that treatment for TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) will be FDA cleared at some point in the next two to three years. For non-FDA approved treatment, it is highly unlikely that any 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, depending on their health coverage. Medicare patients have reported that their coverage provides no reimbursement for MeRT.
Additional Payment Options
We take all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Care Credit is also an option to assist in financing medical expenses. Care Credit is a separate company than The Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach, and is a credit card that can be used to 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 let you know if you are approved very promptly.
Starting as a New Patient
To get started, we will schedule an initial qEEG and then follow that with a consultation with one of our doctors. Then we will proceed into the assessment period for treatment. During the assessment period, treatment is administered every day, Monday through Thursday, followed by a repeat qEEG on Friday to see how you or your child are responding. If there is a positive response to treatment during the assessment period, you will have likely noticed some improvements starting to take place, and we will then schedule for the additional treatment duration.
Typically, MeRT treatment periods are anywhere from 4 – 8 weeks, however in some cases, additional treatment is recommended for optimal results. Each individual is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.
Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for Additional Information
It’s normal for patients and their families who are affected by brain disorders to feel frustrated and isolated, and many have lost hope that there is any relief in sight. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and feel passionate about living again. We understand what you are going through, and our goal is to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not MeRT is the right treatment for you or your child.
Many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment protocols themselves and have realized first hand what the treatment has done for them, and as a result, are passionate about helping others to heal too.
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help you specifically. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and put your mind at ease. She can also assist in getting you scheduled with the clinic should you decide to move forward with treatment.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More
(949) 851-3086
Or fill in the form below and we will contact you.
