Find Relief from Depression,
Major Depressive Disorder, and
Treatment Resistant Depression

A Revolutionary Approach to Treat Depression

MeRT is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical and has helped those with Depression who have not responded well to medications or had difficulty with their side effects.

MeRT as an effective treatment for Depression

A Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Treatment for Depression.

Have you (or someone close to you) been experiencing a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest? Everyone goes through a certain amount of ups and downs in their lives. Sometimes losses or tragedies occur, and depression can set in. This is normal. But if one doesn’t bounce back and depression persists or becomes severe, then one should seek help. Changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem can often accompany depression. Additionally, depression can be associated with thoughts of suicide.

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 3 million people are diagnosed with Depression every year. We don’t have statistics yet for 2020, but based on everything that has been happening in recent times, it’s likely that statistics have risen significantly, and many more people are experiencing Depression or have exacerbated symptoms. As stated by the Mayo Clinic: “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.”

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 418-1108

Signs that you are experiencing Depression include:

  • Feeling down or depressed longer than a few weeks
  • Inability to complete everyday activities
  • Low energy levels; no motivation
  • Anger, or emotional outbursts
  • Irritability
  • Poor performance at work or school
  • Feelings of isolation
  • Loss of interest in social activities, relationships, etc.
  • Sleeping too much or sleeping too little
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • Feeling guilty or worthless
  • Thinking about past events or failures
  • Anxiety
  • Back or neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Suicide attempts

Depression, also referred to as Clinical Depression or Major Depressive Disorder, can have symptoms that range in type and severity for different people. While antidepressant medication can help some people, it doesn’t help everyone and isn’t always the right treatment for everybody. Medication can also have unpleasant side effects, both short-term and long-term, that are not tolerated well. 

Statistics show that 8% to 10% of adults who are depressed will die by suicide; it’s become the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. So if you feel that you or someone close to you are experiencing Depression, it is incredibly important to act and seek medical help.

IF YOU ARE FEELING SUICIDAL, PLEASE CALL 911! YOU CAN ALSO CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE AT 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach Has a New Approach. It's called MeRT.

MeRT® stands for Magnetic EEG-guided Resonance Therapy. It is a treatment protocol evolved from TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). MeRT utilizes repetitive TMS technology but is more tailored to each individual based on their unique brain scan. 

Simply stated, magnetic fields are used to stimulate and balance brain function, guided by very sophisticated imaging and diagnostics.

Patients with depression have a few markers that are visible in their EEG studies — an imbalance in brainwave activity between the left and the right hemispheres of the brain, known as asymmetry.

New research is confirming that factors that may contribute to Depression do cause changes in brain function including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

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

We customized MeRT to each individual’s needs based on their diagnostics and imaging. The treatment protocol is tailored as to the location, frequency, duration, and amount of power used by the magnet. Specifically, this technology works by using magnetic waves to stimulate areas of the brain to improve communication, balance, and connectivity. It is non-invasive, painless, and requires no drugs or anesthesia.

Each patient receives a quantitative EEG to determine the exact frequency of the brain. Our scientific team then evaluates these tests and tailors treatment to each patient’s unique condition, optimizing it for the best possible results.

For anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, and other symptoms, I highly recommend trying MeRT at the Brain Treatment Center. My adult son who has suffered from both problems his entire life, and has been on medication, realized a positive change after the first visit. We saw dramatic improvement after each visit.  This technology is truly a magic bullet for the right candidate. The staff is professional and friendly. The facilities are equally professional. I would highly recommend The Brain Treatment Center.” – Harold H.

 

For me, depression was the constant feeling of, ‘I want to quit’ and retreat to my home, except I already would be home. MeRT helped me shed this feeling in less that 2 weeks. I couldn’t believe I had spent so many years feeling this way!” — Nancy P.

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.

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 418-1108

MeRT’s Effectiveness in Treating Depression Symptoms: Research Studies

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

TMS Should Be Considered as First-Line Treatment For Moderate to Severe Major Depressive Disorder, in Psychiatric News, October 2022. The article’s author, Richard A. Bermudes, reviewed a decade’s worth of studies on the effectiveness of TMS, and wrote this: 

“As I read the [APA] guidelines recently and considered the number of new outcome studies conducted with TMS, I believe TMS should be considered, in addition to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, as a first-line treatment for patients with moderate to severe major depressive disorder.”

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, 21 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.”

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of quality of life outcome measures in clinical practice, July 2013. This study found: “Conclusion: These data confirm that TMS is effective in the acute treatment of MDD in routine clinical practice settings. This symptom benefit is accompanied by statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported QOL [quality of life] and functional status outcomes.”

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of acute treatment outcomes in clinical practice, Carpenter et al, 2012. This study found as its conclusion: “These data indicate that TMS is an effective treatment for those unable to benefit from initial antidepressant medication.”

Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression, May 2019, stated: “The clinical efficacy of TMS as an antidepressant has been well established. TMS is an innovative and promising treatment modality for patients with TRD [treatment-resistent depression].”

A naturalistic study of the efficacy and acceptability of rTMS in treating major depressive disorder in Australian youth, June 30, 2024, found the following:

“Results: A 4–7-week course of rTMS significantly reduce symptoms of self-reported depression (42.5% response) and clinician-assessed depression (40.7% response). Both anxiety and stress significantly reduced across the course of rTMS treatment and significant improvements to QoL and self-reported cognition were observed. Reported side effects following rTMS in youth included a mild headache and fatigue.

“Conclusions: The findings of this naturalistic study suggest that an acute course of rTMS provided in private clinical settings is safe and effective – resulting in similar response rates in youth patients as reported in adult patients. In real world practice, rTMS proves to be a well-tolerated and highly effective intervention for MDD in youth, across diverse clinical settings.

“Implications and Contribution: The findings of this naturalistic study suggest that in real world practice, rTMS proves to be a well-tolerated and highly effective intervention for treating depression and anxiety in youth (17–25-year-olds), with additional benefits to cognitive symptoms of depression and overall well-being.”

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: the evidence thus far, August 2019. This found:

“rTMS is rapidly gaining popularity as a treatment modality for depression. There is growing evidence to support its use in patients with depression as a monotherapy or as adjunct with pharmacotherapy. Additionally, rTMS has been found to be safe and effective in pregnant patients and elderly patients…”

Experimental depression treatment is nearly 80% effective in controlled study, October 28, 2021:

“In a double-blind controlled study, high doses of magnetic brain stimulation, given on an accelerated timeline and individually targeted, caused remission in 79% of trial participants with severe depression.

“A new type of magnetic brain stimulation brought rapid remission to almost 80% of participants with severe depression in a study conducted at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Psychiatric News Article: The Benefits of TMS in Treating Major Depressive Disorder

An article in the October 2022 issue of the Psychiatric News provides evidence that TMS (a key component of MeRT treatment) should be considered as first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe Major Depressive Disorder.

The article’s author, Richard A. Bermudes, reviewed a decade’s worth of studies on the effectiveness of TMS, and wrote: 

As I read the [APA] guidelines recently and considered the number of new outcome studies conducted with TMS, I believe TMS should be considered in addition to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with moderate to severe major depressive disorder.”

Read the whole article on the Psychiatric News website. 

MeRT Treatment for Depression: What to Expect

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.

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

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 one of our clinicians, Kayleigh Prowse or Sheila Stephens, FNP, to see your results before deciding whether you will proceed with the assessment period. Please note that Dr. Julie Kim, medical director, oversees treatment for each patient. 

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. At the end of the assessment period, we will perform a second qEEG to note any changes occurring in your brain. 

After completing your initial evaluation, the patient will have their assessment period attending 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.  

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. Additionally, the results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain.

Continuing Treatment

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. 

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.

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. 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.

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 418-1108

More Testimonials

“For anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, and other symptoms, I highly recommend trying MeRT at the Brain Treatment Center. My adult son, who has suffered from both problems his entire life, and has been on medication, realized a positive change after the first visit. We saw dramatic improvement after each visit. This technology is truly a magic bullet. The staff is professional and friendly, and the facilities are equally professional. I would highly recommend The BTC” – Harold H. 

“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

“The team at the Brain Treatment Center are the most genuinely kind people you will ever meet. Truly a “first-rate” professional staff. And the MeRT treatment has made a HUGE quality of life, positive change for me. These sessions have turned my life around. My wife notices the positive changes in my depression, anxiety, irritability, and says I am fun to be around again. I can’t say enough great things about this place. Cyrus B.

“Diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety – the treatment makes me sleep longer and deeper than before treatment. My “dark feelings” fade away. I feel happy and calm.” – Sean K.

“I felt like I was alone, even though I was surrounded by love and care. It was just a cloud that would linger over my life every now and again. BTC helped me better understand what was going on in my head. After a month of treatment, I was grateful to be depression free and medication free for the first time in my life.” – David T.

“My experience at the Brain Treatment Center was life changing. I struggled through years of sleeplessness, constant worry, and struggle with everyday life. Halfway through my first treatment plan, my spirit was revived. My loved ones, acquaintances, and people I met started to comment on my positivity and overall demeanor. I went from losing hope, to cherishing every moment. The staff, and team of medical providers are world class. I would urge anyone who is struggling with head injury, depression, PTSD, or any type of psychological struggle(s) to pick up the phone and inquire. Your best days are still to come.” -Jenny G.

“After attending two weeks of treatment I received this summer.  I noticed some very pleasant changes in my life. Some of the most noticeable were: decrease in my depressive thoughts, patterns of sleep, and anger. The decrease in their prevalence is a very welcomed feeling. Others around me and my family were expressing how my facial expression had changed and that I seemed “to be in a better mood”. It was my family and friends who noticed the difference without a word out of my mouth as to how I was feeling that convinced me things had changed. The treatment had helped.” – Curtis M

Treatment of Depression with MeRT Testimonial

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.