MeRT for Autism in Newport Beach: Personalized TMS Treatment

Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach offers MeRT®, a personalized TMS treatment guided by each patient’s qEEG, used alongside other therapies for children, teens, and adults with autism. We serve families across Orange County, including Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Tustin, and Huntington Beach. MeRT for autism is an off-label use, so below we explain what’s known, what’s promising, and what isn’t yet known.​

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Flagship MeRT Clinic

Since 2013

6,000+ Patients

The Original Brain Treatment Center

What is MeRT for autism?

To help your child, the Brain Treatment Center provides a new technology: MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. This technology uses rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), which uses gentle magnetic waves to balance and stimulate brain function. Sophisticated diagnostics and imaging guide this treatment. And MeRT is compatible with most other types of therapy.

MeRT is a 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 variety of other conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.

Our Newport Beach clinic is the flagship MeRT clinic, where all other MeRT clinic physicians are trained. We’ve been treating autism here at the Brain Treatment Center for many years, and we hold children and their well-being in the highest regard. We are committed to walking this journey with you and your child with the utmost compassion and care.

Child with autism looking curious, with images behind her showing she's thinking

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Brain concept - superimposed over girl's head

How MeRT Works

MeRT focuses on communication patterns within the brain. By identifying areas where signaling may be disrupted or inefficient, we can design a treatment approach to support more balanced and coordinated brain activity.

What Makes MeRT Different

MeRT is distinguished by its highly individualized, data-informed approach to rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment. Key features include:

  • EEG-guided: Treatment planning is informed by each child’s unique brain activity

  • Personalized: No two treatment plans are the same

  • Targeted: Focused on specific brain networks rather than broad regions

This level of customization is particularly important in autism, where brain activity patterns can vary widely from one child to another.

Is MeRT FDA-approved for Autism?

The equipment used in treatment is FDA-cleared. rTMS is an FDA-approved treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and OCD. When applied to autism spectrum disorder and other neurological conditions, treatment is considered off-label.

MeRT treatment is not FDA-approved at this time for Autism.

 

“Truly life-changing for our family.”

“Our experience at the Brain Treatment Center Newport was truly life-changing for our family. The decision to commit to treatment(s) wasn’t taken lightly; the cost and the impact on our daily lives (being 6 hours from our home) were a big factor.
 
“We ended up taking a leap of faith for our 5-year-old daughter struggling with autism-related challenges after exhaustive research. Our decision to go to BTC Newport paid off beyond measure! Within just two weeks of treatment, we noticed significant improvements in our daughter’s behavior—extended eye contact, improved speech, and reduced nighttime struggles.
 
“By the end of the six-week program, her nighttime routine had transformed, and her overall happiness was noticeably elevated. The progress didn’t stop there; even after returning home, her development continued, with milestones like asking to turn off the lights and sleeping in her own bed for the first time. The impact was so profound that we’re intending to return as a family for further treatment. Our experience with BTC and MeRT has underscored the vital importance of prioritizing our brain health!” – Kristen H.

What does the research say about MeRT and TMS for autism?

TMS for autism is an active and growing area of research. Several small studies have reported improvements in areas such as sleep and repetitive behaviors, and larger sham-controlled trials are the next step. Below are studies we follow. They vary in size and design, and most used TMS approaches other than MeRT, so they can’t predict how any one child will respond.

MeRT pairs rTMS with a protocol personalized to each patient’s EEG. We use it for autism off-label, alongside other therapies. One small pilot study listed here looked at this EEG-EKG-guided approach. For a fuller list, see our page on rTMS and autism research.

EEG-EKG-guided stimulation in children 

Small randomized, double-blinded pilot · 28 children · closest to MeRT
After five weeks of EEG-EKG-guided stimulation, the researchers reported changes in symptom severity and EEG measures. Read the study.

Sleep and quality of life 

Chart review · 36 children · alpha-guided rTMS, not MeRT

A review of records from children with Level 2 and Level 3 autism reported better sleep scores and quality-of-life measures after nine sessions. This was a retrospective review without a comparison group. Read the study.

Sleep, randomized trial 

Waitlist-controlled · children · alpha-guided rTMS, not MeRT

Children who received 10 sessions showed greater improvement in sleep measures than a waitlist group. Improvements lasted up to four months, and side effects were mild and short-lived. Because the comparison group was a waitlist rather than a sham treatment, expectations could have played a role. Read the study.

State-dependent TMS in autistic adults 

Nature Neuroscience, 2025 · adults · different protocol, not MeRT

Researchers timed stimulation to brain activity and reported reduced “neural rigidity” along with changes in social and non-social behaviors. This study involved adults and a different protocol, so it doesn’t speak to MeRT in children. Read the study.

Systematic review of TMS for autism 

Heliyon, 2024 · review of many studies

The authors reported improvements across several scales, including repetitive behavior and verbal and social measures. Read the review.

Ongoing research

A large clinical trial of TMS in autism is currently underway in Australia. Results are not yet available. tmsautism.com

Autism Treatment

There is Hope for Those With Autism

We have treated many patients with MeRT, a noninvasive and non-pharmaceutical treatment. The primary goal is to improve the functionality of the brain, which can help the patient function more independently, closer to their full potential.

The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach was the first clinic to offer this treatment. While every child responds differently and results are not guaranteed, here are some benefits families have reported.

  • Increased sociability
  • Less anxiety, less frustration, and a lessening of stimming behaviors
  • Ability to communicate more effectively
  • More “presence” and participation in the world going on around them
  • Better language skills
  • Improved connection with others
  • More independence
  • A better understanding of and response to commands
  • Better ability to adapt to a changing environment
  • Improved ability to cope with stress
  • Increased motivation to learn
  • Improved emotional stability
  • Increased attention span
  • Mood improvement
  • Increased relaxation
  • Improved response to other autism therapies
 
Father with child on his shoulders. after getting autism treatment

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How MeRT Is Used in Autism Treatment

MeRT is not a behavioral therapy. Instead, it is an individualized approach that supports the neural systems involved in learning, regulation, and communication.

Families often pursue MeRT as part of a comprehensive care plan, particularly when they are seeking additional support beyond conventional therapies. Because MeRT is individualized, goals and outcomes vary from child to child.

MeRT may be used alongside therapies such as:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

  • Speech therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Educational and developmental supports

Read more: ABA and MeRT  |  MeRT for Autism and Other Therapies

child with autism receiving rTMS as part of MeRT treatment

Autism Treatment in Newport Beach: What to Expect

Treatment takes place at our flagship clinic at 1601 Dove Street, Suite 275, Newport Beach. Families travel from across Orange County and other states and countries. Below are the steps, from the first phone call to the final review.

  • 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 and 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) 418-1108

Or fill out the Contact Form at the bottom of the page, and we will contact you.

Initial Analysis
girl getting an EEG as part of her autism treatment

The qEEG and Consultation

Appointment 1: qEEG (about 45 minutes). A qEEG is a painless, non-invasive recording of the brain’s electrical activity. You are welcome to be in the room with your child. We place sensors on your child's head and heart, and it is not at all painful. Our experienced technicians  make sure that your child is comfortable throughout the process. Our team then reviews the results to design a personalized treatment plan.

Appointment 2: Clinical evaluation (about 45 minutes). You’ll meet with Nurse Practitioner Kayleigh Prowse or Sheila Stephens to go over the qEEG results and the proposed plan, and to ask any questions. Dr. Julie Kim oversees treatment for every patient. You can then decide whether to begin a two-week assessment period. There is no obligation to continue.

Assessment Period
child getting TMS as part of MeRT for autism treatment

Two Weeks of MeRT Followed by New Testing

The assessment period lasts two weeks. It shows how your child responds before you commit to a full program. It includes nine sessions: five in week 1 (Monday through Friday) and four in week 2 (Monday through Thursday). Each session takes about 45 minutes. You are welcome to stay in the room with your child.

At the end of week 2, we repeat the qEEG and meet with you to review any changes in the qEEG and in your child’s clinical evaluation. Some families notice changes during this period, and others may not. Responses vary, and results are not guaranteed. If the review supports continuing, we schedule additional two-week treatment periods.

Each treatment period requires you to stay in or near Newport Beach. See Places to Stay in the Newport Beach area.

Full Treatment Program
child receiving MeRT for autism treatment

Continuing Treatment

If the assessment review supports continuing, treatment continues in two-week blocks. Most programs run 4 to 8 weeks, and we typically recommend about six weeks. Your provider will advise what is right for your child based on progress. 

Because every brain is different, your child’s protocol is personalized using their qEEG results and may be adjusted along the way. We repeat the qEEG after every two-week treatment period. Some families return for additional treatment later. Ask us about your options.

What a session looks like: A typical session takes about 45 minutes. Your child sits in a chair while a trained neurotechnician places the TMS magnet against the scalp. Stimulation is delivered in short, 6-8 second bursts; your child may notice a tapping or tingling sensation. Most patients tolerate treatment well.

Final Testing
eeg report

Review of Your Child's Progress

At the end of treatment, we perform a final qEEG and meet with you to review what has changed on the qEEG and in your child’s clinical evaluation. We also discuss next steps, which may include additional treatment. Your provider will also schedule any follow-up qEEGs and meet with you to review progress along the way.

A qEEG is one tool we use to follow your child’s response. It cannot predict or guarantee a particular outcome. MeRT is not a cure, and individual results vary. MeRT may be used alongside your child’s other therapies.

Insurance and payment

Insurance does not currently cover MeRT for autism, so treatment is self-pay. Your first phone call with our New Patient Coordinator is free and carries no obligation. She will explain fees and payment options before you schedule anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MeRT FDA-approved for autism?

MeRT treatment is not FDA-approved at this time for Autism. The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat a variety of other conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.

At this time, insurance does not cover MeRT treatment for autism, so all expenses will be out-of-pocket. Our New Patient Coordinator can discuss your options in your free consultation.

The assessment period lasts two weeks. Typically, MeRT treatment lasts 4 to 8 weeks. However, we may recommend additional treatment in some cases for optimal results. Each person is different, and protocols may vary.

Each treatment period lasts for two weeks, and you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area during that time.

What happens during a MeRT session?

A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. Your child will sit in a chair while the neurotechnician administers the treatment using a handheld magnet applied to the scalp. Each gentle magnetic impulse lasts 6 to 8 seconds per minute. You may feel a slight sensation during treatment, but it is neither painful nor uncomfortable.

A qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) is a simple, painless, and non-invasive brain scan. This test lets us observe what is happening in the brain.

MeRT may be used alongside therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational and developmental supports. Because MeRT is individualized, goals and outcomes vary from child to child.

Researchers have not identified a single cause of autism. Current evidence points to several factors acting together, including genetic and environmental influences, and there is still much to learn. Some factors are linked to a higher likelihood of autism, such as having a sibling with autism, certain genetic conditions, older parental age, and complications at or around birth. Many people with these factors do not develop autism. We do not claim that MeRT addresses the cause of autism. It is an off-label, individualized treatment used alongside other therapies, and responses vary. Learn more from the CDC and the National Institute of Mental Health.

 

Don’t see your question here? Contact our New Patient Coordinator.

Julie Kim, MD, FACP

 Dr. Julie Kim is a board-certified internist and owner and Medical Director of Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach. She has led the clinic since 2013 and brings over 25 years of medical experience to her work with children and families affected by autism.

As one of the most experienced MeRT clinicians in the world, Dr. Kim has treated over 6,000 patients at the flagship Newport Beach center and has worked extensively with children on the autism spectrum. She has also helped develop MeRT safety protocols and physician training programs, ensuring this EEG-guided rTMS approach is delivered thoughtfully, safely, and with deep clinical understanding.

Dr. Kim is known for clearly explaining how brainwave patterns relate to behavior, communication, and regulation, helping families better understand their child’s brain and treatment goals.

Brain Treatment Center Medical Director, Julie Kim MD
read more about Dr. Kim

“With this technology, we see patients’ lives transform within two, three, or four weeks, and those are very fast changes when patients have struggled for a long time.

“We do the qEEG at the beginning to see where their brain is when they start treatment. Then we perform one every 10 treatments to assess progress and monitor EEG changes. These are objective changes we see: patients will feel better clinically, and the qEEG supports why they feel better. It would be difficult without that qEEG.

“We’re looking at the brain, an organ that’s disruptive, and our goal is to fix that disruption and synchronize it. Once patients can see the changes objectively, they feel more confident in the treatment’s value.

“This is a life-changing technology; there are so many indications, and it has helped so many people who may not have had any other options.” 

– Dr. Julie Kim, Owner and Physician, Brain Treatment Centers Newport Beach and San Diego

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

949-418-1108

Or fill out the form below, and we will contact you 

More Testimonials from Parents

Excellent service, very friendly and professional staff. Highly recommended. In the first two weeks we began to see small changes, as the therapy progressed there were more changes, my son spoke more, more eye contact, he was more integrated into the family and his environment, better sleep quality (now he sleeps through the night); he had moments of hyperactivity as a side effect but these disappeared at the end of the therapy. 

“There is no better fight than the one that is not done. It is worth risking. It is worth trying. It is worth MERT. We are happy with our son’s changes!!!!” – Maria

“Within one week of treatment, my son was calmer.”

“My son Kelii became very violent, nonverbal, and had severe autistic behaviors. My husband and I brought him to California from Hawaii to go to the Brain Treatment Center. Within one week of the treatment, my son was calmer, and I got to hug him for the first time in two years. 

“Kelii did six weeks of treatment, and he received another four weeks…. He is much calmer and started playing ping-pong, shooting basketball, kicking the soccer ball, exercising, started volunteering at different programs, catching the city bus with his para-workers and started talking!” – Melodee H.

“They always make my daughter feel comfortable with treatment.”

“This place is amazing!! We brought our daughter here for an assessment and decided to proceed with treatment. On the EEG we were able to see where there could be improvements—after 2 weeks of treatment another EEG is done so you can compare and contrast to make sure the treatment is working. There are notable improvements in her cognition and her ability to focus at school. 

“The staff is courteous and very friendly. They always make my daughter feel comfortable with treatment. The staff is also very responsive when I had questions. I highly recommend this place!” – Grace H. 

Testimony from a father who brought his son for autism treatment from South Korea! 

Flying over to the US from South Korea just to get MeRT treatment was not the easiest decision I had to make. But I definitely think it was one of the best decisions I have made for my child for his autism. I want to say that MeRT has changed my son’s life. I want to thank everyone who works at BTC Newport Beach! Dr. Kim was always very nice and kind to our family. 

All the technicians at BTC Newport Beach were awesome. They were all very patient with my child, who is very sensitive and has a very low level of concentration, so that he could go through every day’s therapy with no problem. I really felt like every technician truly cared about all the children who were there getting MeRT, and I personally think this is the most important aspect to consider when getting MeRT, because the staff are the ones that the children would interact with every day. Last, but not least, the patient care coordinators were very helpful with the schedules, documents, etc. 

There are 3 major changes I have noticed in my child after 8 weeks of treatment. First, the eye contact. Like most autistic kids, my child’s ability to keep eye contact was very poor. After the treatment, his eye contact lasts much longer, many times for the entire conversation. Not only does he look at me longer, but he really LOOKS at me.

Second, his awareness has improved. When I tried to talk to him before, he would mostly repeat what I had just said. After the treatment, he seems to better understand what I am saying to him. Now, he demands more; he is more insistent (in a good way), and he also uses many new words. Our communication is much more meaningful.

Last, he has improved in fine motor skills. My child did not show much interest in using pencils or scissors because he simply could not use them very well. But now, he draws pictures and writes letters with different writing tools, and even cuts out complex shapes with scissors. 

MeRT did not cure my child. However, out of many therapies I had for him for the past several years, this has been the most effective therapy by far, which brought noticeable changes in a short period. I hope this testimonial would help the parents who are considering MeRT for their child and also wish that more autistic children can benefit from MeRT!” – J. H.

Autism Parenting Magazine Features Successful Treatment with MeRT

Autism Parenting Magazine cover

“In the third week, something happened. The family was driving around sightseeing when they realized that they were getting lost in the California desert. Mary and Frank began to argue, and right in the midst of it, the moment they had waited six years for finally came. ‘I remember he said a seven-word sentence basically to the effect of, “I want you two to stop fighting.” And it shocked me so much that I almost stopped breathing,’ Frank recounts. ‘I looked at my wife and said, “Do you realize what just happened? He just said a seven-word sentence.” I had tears in my eyes, and I was happy at the same time.’

“From there, Frankie’s progress snowballed. They returned home after only a month, but the difference between the child who arrived in California and the one who left was striking. They had taken a video of Frankie on the plane when they started the journey, ‘and he’s just making baby babble,’ Frank says. ‘We have another video of him on the plane coming back. And he looks out the window and says, “Goodbye, California, see you soon.” This was a nonverbal kid, 30 days later. And his feet are flat on the ground.’

“Doctors said Frankie would continue to improve even without regular MeRT, albeit a bit slower. Today, he is 11 years old, verbal, and attends a public school. He tells Frank stories about times when he wanted to speak but couldn’t. ‘He goes, “You know, I’m so glad we went to the brain treatment [center] because now I can talk,”’ says Frank.

Want More Information about MeRT and Autism? Watch These Videos.

Featured on “The Doctors” TV Show

An episode of “The Doctors” featured the Brain Treatment Center and MeRT. They discussed the treatment of autism using MeRT Technology. You can see this episode HERE.

Watch the video
Dr. Kim on MeRT for Autism

At our Open House For Autism, Dr. Julie Kim and N.P. Kayleigh Prowse explain how MeRT helps the autistic patient, showing changes that they have seen on qEEGs and answered questions from the crowd.

Watch the video
The Autism One Conference

A wealth of information covering the science behind MeRT treatment of autism with case studies that show actual results along with typical brain patterns seen in autistic children and testimonials. 

Watch the video

Is MeRT Right for Your Child?

We understand MeRT is a relatively new treatment, and you may not feel certain if this is the right approach. But this is not something you need to decide right away or all alone. Your first step would be a no-obligation phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. She can answer your questions, explain protocols and fees, and address your concerns.

If you’re interested in taking the next step to see if MeRT treatment is right for your child, we can set up an appointment for a qEEG (a simple, painless, and non-invasive brain scan). This test lets us see what’s happening in the brain. A consultation with our clinician follows this to discuss the results.

Would you like more information? Contact our New Patient Coordinator.

It can be frustrating and isolating to try to understand treatments and therapies for autism spectrum disorder. Our New Patient Coordinator can explain everything from how treatment works in the brain to the steps needed to get started, what’s included, and what to expect. Our goal is to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision about whether treatment is right for your child.

Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help your child. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, put your mind at ease, and help schedule a qEEG/consultation and treatment.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

Or fill out the form below, and we will contact you. 
(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.