Call for More Information: (949) 418-1108

Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach

Treatment for Autism, PTSD, Depression

The Physicians and Scientists at the Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach are the leaders in MeRT Treatment. Studies originally began in California through the US Department of Defense involving veterans who suffered combat-related brain injuries. 

MeRT is an emerging technology that aims to improve brain function and communication. The equipment used in MeRT is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat a variety of other neurological conditions. We use MeRT to treat:

  • autism
  • attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • after-effects of stroke
  • depression
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • dementia
  • traumatic brain injuries
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • developmental delays
  • cognitive performance
  • brain optimization

Our team is passionate about delivering personalized care backed by scientific expertise. We hope for the best possible outcomes for all our patients to aid in their journey for a better quality of life and optimal brain health.

 

Our Mission

We explore the concept that the brain can be treated by physical means. With the exploration of the relationship between cognition and neural activity, an informed approach to non-invasive neuromodulation is possible. Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach’s dedicated team of neuroscientists and physicians believes in delivering individualized treatment to each person. This allows people to achieve a healthier life with neurological issues.

 

Meet Our Providers

Julie Kim, M.D., FACP

Dr. Julie Kim is a board-certified internist with over 25 years of medical experience. She has been serving as Medical Director of Brain Treatment Centers in Newport Beach, San Diego, and Cardiff since 2013. 

She has dedicated the last decade to those in need of MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) and has treated 6,000+ patients with MeRT at the flagship BTC Center in Newport Beach.

As the most experienced MeRT clinician worldwide, Dr. Kim was asked to use her knowledge and expertise of MeRT to train and support other physicians in this technology and spread the use of MeRT for Wave Neuroscience. In the past four years, she has trained over 100 physicians to understand how to interpret qEEG results and use MeRT. 

Prior to joining the Brain Treatment team, she spent 14 years practicing primary care in the Chicago suburbs and Southern California. During her earlier years, she cultivated a deep connection with her patients and a lifelong commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care in both large corporate and boutique medical settings.

Dr. Kim has brought that passion to Newport Beach and is dedicated to working with her patients to both encourage brain development and optimize brain function non-invasively and without the use of medication. 

From my personal experience being internal medicine trained,we wrote a lot of prescriptions and it took time for patients to feel better.

With this technology we see patients’ lives transform within two to 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 they are, and where their brain is when they start treatment and then we do one after every 10 treatments to see their progress, and we see the changes on the EEG.  

Those are objective changes that we see; patients clinically will feel better, and the qEEG validates the changes and why they feel better. It would be difficult if I did not have that qEEG. We’re looking at the brain, an organ, that’s disruptive and our goal is to fix that disruption and to synchronize it. Once patients can see the changes objectively, they feel more confident that there’s value to the treatment. This is a life-changing technology there are so many indications and it helped so many people that maybe didn’t have any other options.” – Dr. Julie Kim, owner, and physician of Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach and Brain Treatment Center in San Diego. 

Read more about Dr. Kim.

 

K. Anthony Kim, M.D., FAANS

Dr. Kim was born in Athens, Greece, to a diplomatic family. During his childhood, he attended schools in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Libya, and South Korea. He is fluent in Korean.

Dr. Kim graduated from the prestigious Yale University with a Bachelor of Science intensive in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He also underwent one year of a Master’s Program in Musical Arts while at Yale.

He obtained his M.D. at Keck-University of Southern California School of Medicine, graduated with the Highest Distinction, and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society in 2000.

Dr. Kim is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) and a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (FAANS). And he has been ranked as one of the Top Doctors by the Orange County Medical Association, receiving their “Physician of Excellence” designation (OCMA) every single year since 2013.

For close to a decade, Dr. Kim has served as the physician liaison and Chief Medical Officer for applying non-invasive Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) to patients with Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion and PTSD at NeuroMod Sciences and the Brain Treatment Centers in Newport Beach and San Diego, CA. He has worked with active soldiers as well as veterans to alleviate symptoms of PTSD and Depression.

He seeks to advance non-invasive, non-surgical methods to ease symptoms and improve diagnosis in the new realm of neuro-physicians. Click here to read more about Dr. Kim. 

 

Kayleigh Prowse, NP

Our Nurse Practitioner, Kayleigh Prowse, received her undergraduate degree in psychology from UCLA and her graduate degree from Boston College.

She has used her many skills in various medical environments. She has worked at a magnet-recognized children’s hospital, along with working in the Emergency Department at a hospital specializing in Stroke and Neurology.

Kayleigh’s passion has fueled her desire to expand treatment options for those who need them. Additionally, she has vast knowledge and practical experience in clinical trials for new treatments and for ongoing research studies. Kayleigh was the lead clinician in offering a new treatment approved by the FDA and helped establish clinic protocols. She also currently serves on a committee that focuses on how to integrate new treatments into clinics.

We are proud to have Kayleigh on our team at the Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach and San Diego because of her expertise and commitment. With the MeRT technology used at our clinics, she focuses on improving outcomes for every patient.

 

 

Sheila Stephens, PA-C

Sheila StephensSheila has been a Physician Assistant since 2016. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from UNLV and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Western University of Health Sciences. Sheila has spent most of her medical career working in urgent care and obesity medicine.

Through her work in obesity medicine, she fell in love with the aspect of behavior change driving better health outcomes. However, the longer she worked in this field, along with her urgent care experience, she saw that so many patients were not getting better with standard treatments. During her quest to bridge this gap, she was introduced to integrative medicine. Even with improved outcomes implementing integrative medicine, she could see that on a deeper level, so many health conditions have a root cause in untreated mental health or neurological issues.

Now Sheila is a part of truly helping patients who have exhausted so many other options, and she looks forward to meeting you and being a part of your journey to mental wellness.

 

 

Our Staff

We have a great team of dedicated Neurotechnicians and Patient Care staff to provide you with top-notch service.

 

Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach: Our Clinic

Brain Treatment Center is located in the heart of South Orange County near a multitude of beaches and attractions with easy access to most major freeways. If you are unfamiliar with the area, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff. We are more than happy to recommend lodging and activities for you and your family to enjoy during your stay.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 418-1108

Our office is conveniently located near the John Wayne Airport at 1601 Dove Street, Suite 275, Newport Beach, CA, 92660. There is ample parking available surrounding the building. Our suite is located on the second floor through the glass double doors. The parking closest to our suite is off Westerly Street and will have stair access to the second floor. If you need an elevator, there is one located near the north side of the parking lot closest to Dove Street. View our Location.
 
If you have any questions, visit here to Contact Us now.
 

Starting as a New Patient

At your first appointment, we will gather your new patient paperwork, then our neuro technician will then perform a qEEG (quantitative EEG) and EKG. This evaluates brain activity and identifies any dysfunction in your brain.
 
This appointment usually takes 45 minutes, but if you are seeking treatment for your child with autism, please plan on spending an hour with us. At your appointment, we will also set up your schedule for your assessment period. If you are not interested in proceeding with the assessment period, there is no obligation to do so.
 
Your second appointment is also 45 minutes long. During this time, you will meet with Kayleigh Prowse for your clinical evaluation, where she will answer your questions and discuss your treatment plan. Dr. Julie Kim oversees all treatment for every patient. 
 

Assessment Period

After your initial qEEG/EKG, you will have a two-week assessment period of treatment. This treatment period comprises nine treatment sessions, which will determine how well you respond to treatment.
 
A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. You sit in a chair while the neuro technician administers the treatment using a hand-held magnet placed on the specific area of your scalp based on your test results. The gentle magnetic impulses last for six to eight seconds each minute. You may feel a slight sensation during treatment, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.  
 
At the end of the assessment period, we complete a second qEEG to note any changes occurring in your brain and to determine progress. The comparison between the first and second qEEG/clinical evaluations will determine if you are responding. You should also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time. 
 
As a note, you are not required to go through an assessment period after completing your initial qEEG/EKG and consultation. Some people may prefer to wait once they speak with the doctor.
 

Ongoing Treatment

After you have completed the assessment period — and we see progress clinically and on the repeat qEEG — we will schedule additional 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 for the duration of treatment.
 
We recommend you stay for the entire six weeks of treatment and that you can stay in the Newport Beach area. However, we understand that people have busy schedules, so our provider is happy to go over a schedule that works for you and enables you to get the most out of treatment.
 
We recommend six weeks of treatments for long-lasting results. The six weeks include the initial assessment period.
 
Strict observation of our regimens is required to ensure optimal results. The results of therapy can vary per individual and are not guaranteed. In general, the longer the period of treatment with MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain.

Since each brain is unique, the protocol will be different for each patient depending on qEEG/EKG data from your brain and the specific condition treated. The results of treatment can last a lifetime, but some people prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed. 

 

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 for you or a family member, depending on your specific policy and condition.  
 
For all other insurance, we are considered out of network and cannot file an insurance claim on your behalf. We can provide you with the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment. You can then submit it to your insurance company to see if they will 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.” 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. However, this depends on their health coverage.
 
Unfortunately, we cannot see Medicare patients or Medicaid patients in the clinic. 
 
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 credit card that you can use to can cover your medical expenses and services, and they typically offer zero-interest financing for 12 months. Care Credit is a separate company from The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach. Usually, when you go to the Care Credit website and apply, they will let you know if approval has been granted.
 

Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for Additional Information

It’s normal for patients and their families affected by brain disorders to feel frustrated and isolated. Many have lost hope that there is any relief in sight.
 
The MeRT treatment protocol has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and feel passionate about living again.
 
We understand what you are going through. Our goal is to help guide you through the process. 
 
Many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment protocols themselves and have realized firsthand what the treatment has done for them. As a result, they are passionate about helping others to heal, too.
 
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions you may have about how MeRT can help you. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and put your mind at ease. She can also help get you scheduled should you decide to move forward with treatment.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 418-1108

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

Contact Us

For more information or to book a Consultation.

  • 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 legions 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.