A New Approach to the Treatment of Anxiety

MeRT as an effective treatment for Anxiety

Treatment for Anxiety is now available at the Brain Treatment Center. It’s called MeRT® , which stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy.

Simply stated, we use a magnetic field to stimulate and balance brain function, guided by sophisticated imaging and diagnostics. It is completely non-invasive and drug-free.

Just about everyone has experienced anxiety. It’s natural to be anxious in some situations, but for most people, feelings of anxiety come and go. For someone who has an anxiety disorder, however, feelings are more than just fleeting worries or a stressful day. Instead, feelings of anxiety can last for years and can even be severe enough to interfere with daily life.

MeRT®, which stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment for anxiety. And MeRT treatment has helped thousands of people overcome this sometimes debilitating condition.

Chronic Anxiety can take its toll, and if prolonged, can cause multiple other issues.

Anxiety Symptoms

Symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person, but in each case, both mind and body are on constant alert, which can activate the fight-or-flight response. Some symptoms can be so severe that you can end up in the emergency room. Common symptoms can include:

  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • Nervousness and tension
  • Faster than normal breathing or hyperventilating
  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Excessive ruminating
  • Muscle twitching
  • Difficulty focusing or thinking clearly
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Digestive issues
  • Avoiding situations or people who trigger your anxiety
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Nausea
  • Light-headedness
  • Numbness or tingling in extremities
  • Feelings of detachment
  • Fear of dying and other phobias

Anxiety is a term that may include generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can also trigger anxiety or panic attacks.

Anxiety can also accompany other mental health conditions, such as depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.

Often, a physician will treat anxiety with medication and counseling. Holistic lifestyle changes such as exercise, getting enough sleep, meditation, yoga, and eating a healthy diet can also help. However, some people have adverse effects from taking medication, and other therapies aren’t enough to overcome their disorder.

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 868-0006

MeRT Treatment Can Help With Anxiety

Doctor Julie Kim has brought this state-of-the-art technology to Newport Beach and surrounding areas. It’s used to treat dysregulation in the brain by neuromodulating electrical signals and neural pathways. This stimulates and reorganizes brain function, which can help to ease anxiety.

Some benefits of MeRT treatment can include:

  • Improved sleep
  • Relaxation
  • Decreased anxiety
  • Increased motivation
  • Improved concentration skills
  • Better attention span and focus
  • Better mood
  • Improved clarity of thinking
  • Better decision-making skills
  • Improved emotional stability
  • Fewer cravings for alcohol and/or drugs
  • More energy
  • Improved social skills
  • Improved self-confidence

You may feel like you have no control over your anxiety. However, MeRT can help to alleviate your symptoms without the need for drugs, and help you to live a “normal” life again! 

Your Brain is as Unique as Your Fingerprints!

How your brain reacts is unique to you, as no two brains ever function exactly the same. Due to this, we customize the treatment protocol specifically for you. First, we use a quantitative EEG to identify dysregulation. Then, through a targeted approach, we focus on improving function in the areas of your brain that are not performing as they should.

Your individual test results allow us to use the data to develop a treatment approach specifically for you in order to optimize your brain function. The treatment protocol uses a magnet to gently stimulate distinct areas of the brain, which can lead to improved communication and functionality.

The equipment used is FDA-cleared. As well, rTMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat other neurological-related conditions, including Anxiety.

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 868-0006

MeRT’s Effectiveness in the Treatment of Anxiety
Independent Research Studies

MeRT for Anxiety is based on years of independent, published research studies. Targeted rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a key element of our MeRT treatment for head injuries. Here are some of the many studies showing the effectiveness of rTMS:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of anxiety disorder:  “We observed, in general, that most of the studies found satisfactory results with the use of rTMS in Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety as comorbidity.

“In the studies on Anxiety Disorders, it was observed that three papers reported a sustained effect of response on the improvement of anxious symptoms, one paper reported improvement of symptoms, although this response did not sustain in the long term and one paper reported that there was no significant improvement.

“The papers on Anxious Symptoms showed that most of the studies obtained the sustained effect of response on the anxiety symptoms observed in 21 studies.” 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation in anxiety and trauma-related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis:  “Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that TMS may be an effective treatment for GAD and PTSD.

We reviewed TMS as a treatment for anxiety disorders and PTSD.

TMS presented large effect sizes as a treatment for PTSD and GAD.

Follow-up studies in GAD showed improvement of patients after TMS.”

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Treatment Resistant Depression: Retrospective Data Analysis from Clinical Practice: 

“Baseline depression and anxiety scores were in the moderate to severe range (see Table 2).

There was a statistically significant improvement on all measures after the rTMS treatment, with small to medium effect sizes.

“The results show that rTMS significantly improved all measures of depression and anxiety. Response and remission rates for depression were 34.6% and 20.6% for the HAM-D; 10% and 28.6% for the PHQ-9; 31% and 31.8% for the CGI; and for anxiety they were and 24.6% and 28.8% (GAD-7). Effect sizes were medium, expect for PHQ-9 which was low. Reliable change analysis of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 indicated greater improvement in self-reported anxiety than depression.

The reliable change in anxiety was similar to that which has been achieved through a national programme of psychotherapy for moderate to severe anxiety ( Richards & Borglin, 2011; Griffiths & Griffiths, 2015). The study’s findings support published rTMS results showing a positive impact on depression and anxiety.”

MeRT for Anxiety Testimonials

With the help of BTC and their staff I can attest to many benefits from MeRT. Over the previous 2 weeks of treatment I have noticed a significant change in sleep pattern. Less fragmented sleep has allowed for my anxiety and anger to drop, allowing me to focus on other functional areas of life. I have also noticed a significant increase in my ability to focus on everyday tasks. Without this treatment I would be lost, and for that, I truly am thankful. –   Victor M.

I did six weeks of therapy at the Brain Treatment Center. I started therapy with anxiety and depression due to traumatic brain injury. After two weeks I did not feel any better, but after the third week it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I started to have ah-ha moments, but it was about things I already knew. The therapy allowed me to clear my brain and concentrate on things. I was no longer spiralling about things that really didn’t matter but seemed real at the time.  Thank you BTC team. Thank you for my life back. – Sam B.

I just finished 6 weeks of their specialized form of TMS treatment [MeRT] and it is life changing. If your depression or anxiety have been resistant to medications, therapy or other forms of treatment, I highly recommend the Brain Treatment Center. – Mary Ann E.

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. I was living in despair and physical pain every day without reprieve, that is, until I was able to get treatment. I underwent neural restorative therapy for two months 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.” – Travis C.

The MeRT Process

MeRT evolved from a technology called rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). However, MeRT is much more customized for each patient based on their brain scans and symptoms.

Studies have shown altered brain wave oscillations in patients suffering from conditions such as Major Depression Disorder (MDD), Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and more. The MeRT treatment protocol uses a magnetic field to balance and stimulate brain function.

Click through these simple 5-Steps in the horizontal menu below…

  • Talk with our New Patient Coordinator
  • Initial Analysis
  • Assessment Period
  • Full Treatment Program
  • Final Testing
Talk with our New Patient Coordinator

Our New Patient Coordinator is here to help

Call us and talk with our New Patient Coordinator. She will take the time to answer any questions you have as explain things. You can discuss your specific circumstances and she can explain how it all works.

This consultation is free of charge and there are no obligations to move forward with any further steps.

If you would like to take the next steps to see if you or your loved one may benefit from MeRT, she can schedule a qEEG (brain scan) and a consultation to discuss the results with our clinician. 

Call (949) 868-0006

Initial Analysis

The qEEG and Consultation

If you are interested in seeing if MeRT treatment is right for you, we will initially schedule two appointments, both of which last about 45 minutes.

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 to enable us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain. 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 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 also 45 minutes. During this time, you will meet with one of our clinicians, Kayleigh Prowse of Sheila Stephens, for your consultation. She will discuss your qEEG results, answer any questions you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan. Dr. Julie Kim, our Medical Director, oversees all treatment for each patient. 

Assessment Period

Two Weeks of MeRT followed by new testing

The assessment period of treatment lasts two weeks. This assessment period will help you — and us — determine how you are responding to treatment. 

You will have your initial qEEG/EKG and then attend treatment sessions for two weeks. 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 and note any changes occurring in your brain. 

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. We deliver gentle magnetic impulses 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.

Full Treatment Program

Continuing Treatment

Once the assessment period is complete, we will schedule the 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.

The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will often show if you are responding. You may also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time. For some, it takes longer before changes are more obvious. We highly advise a total of six to eight 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.

Final Testing

Review of Changes and Improvements

An additional qEEG is performed at the end of treatment to assess and take stock of the benefits and improvements that have occurred as a result of the full treatment protocol. 

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.

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 868-0006
Read more about Tricare Coverage

We are proud to service our uniformed Service Members and their Families.

Brain Treatment Center of Newport Beach offers MeRT – a highly customized use of FDA-Approved TMS Therapy — to treat Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, who suffer from depression and other conditions combined with depression.
We are now In-Network and contracted with TRICARE Insurance to provide the highest quality mental health treatment services available.

Contact Our New Patient
Coordinator for more Information

It’s normal for patients and their families affected by brain disorders to feel uncertain about treatment options and what is best. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and get a whole new lease on life.

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. Our clinicians and technicians are passionate about helping you to heal.

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 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) 418-1108

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  • Absolute Contraindications

    Absolute contraindications for cortical MeRT treatment: Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Vagal Nerve Stimulator, VP Shunt/ Magnetic intracranial shunts, Deep Brain Stimulator, Epidural Cortical stimulator, Steel shunts/stents, Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel, excluding titanium), Cochlear implant, Aneurysm clips, coils, pipelines flow diversion, Pregnant or breastfeeding, Primary brain cancer / metastatic lesions in brain (unless palliative care), Magnetic dental implants, Implanted cardio-verter defibrillators (ICD), Ocular implants.

  • Relative Contraindications

    Relative contraindications require closer protocol attention and may or may not disqualify someone from receiving cortical MeRT treatment, depending on the doctor’s discretion and the person’s individual condition. These include: History of Seizure or seizure disorder, Titanium shunts/stents, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Hearing aids, Ferrous cortical implants, Magnetic ink tattoo, Bipolar Disorder Type I/II, Baha Implant.