TRICARE Coverage for Depression Treatement

MeRT as an effective treatment for Depression

Active Military and Veterans: Defeat Depression and Reclaim Your Joy with MeRT® Treatment Covered by TRICARE

  • TMS can be effective even when other treatments haven’t been.

  • It provides long-lasting relief from depression symptoms.

  • It is now covered by TRICARE, making it more accessible than ever.

The treatment I received has completely changed my life for the better. I was able to reset my circadian rhythm and sleep through the night without medication. My nightmares became few and far between. My anxiety lessened almost immediately, and I became able to do the things I used to enjoy, like going to the gym, cooking, and reading. I became able to focus my attention again and my mood lightened a lot. My fiancé and family immediately noticed the change in me and said that it was like they had gotten their ‘old’ Sarah back.” – Army Veteran

With being diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety by the Veterans Affairs, the calm and welcoming environment is important. The treatment makes me sleep longer and deeper than before treatment. My “dark feelings” fade away. I feel happy and calm. – Sean K

The Last Depression Treatment You May Ever Need

When you’ve served — or supported someone who served — it takes its toll. And not just during active duty but afterward as well.

Depression is common in military families: 24% of active duty military and 20% of veterans suffer from it. That’s higher than the general population of 8.4%. It’s completely understandable given the physical and emotional trauma that is often experienced. Depression combined with other conditions such as PTSD, Anxiety, or even head injuries, can all potentially be addressed with MeRT.

You do have options to treat your depression, from therapy to drugs to more invasive procedures, but sometimes they don’t work or have unwanted side effects. And it can be frustrating and discouraging.

When you’ve tried medication or therapy, and it’s not cutting it, we are here. Our highly sophisticated EEG-Guided TMS, called MeRT, has helped so many people — especially those who haven’t responded well to other treatments. And with TRICARE coverage, this revolutionary treatment is easier to get than ever.

MeRT, or Magnetic eResonance Therapy, is a more precisely targeted version of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It’s FDA-approved to treat Multiple Depressive Disorder (MDD) and OCD, and it’s effective for many types of depression. Read more about MeRT here. 

It uses gentle magnetic stimulation to “wake up” specific areas of your brain that have been suppressed because of the trauma you experienced. And the results on stubborn depression can be astonishing:

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 868-0006

About TRICARE Coverage for Depression Treatment

Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the help you need. That’s why we accept TRICARE coverage for depression treatment.

We are part of the TRICARE network, and we have years of experience working with active-duty military and veterans with stubborn depression. 

If you have been diagnosed with depression and a previous treatment has fallen short, you are likely eligible for this comprehensive TRICARE coverage.

To be eligible for TRICARE-covered treatment, you must have TRICARE insurance. We accept TRICARE West, TRICARE Select, or TRICARE Prime.

You must also meet these criteria:

  • You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
  • You’ve failed to respond to other treatments or have had unsatisfactory results.
  • You don’t have any of the contraindications listed below.
Absolute contraindications for 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, suicide attempts.
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, suicide ideation.
Julie Kim MD

Meet Your Doctor

Dr. Julie Kim has worked with hundreds of military personnel and will guide your treatment based on years of experience.

  • Board-certified in Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians
  • Over 25 years of medical experience
  • Medical Director of the Brain Treatment Centers in Newport Beach, San Diego, and Cardiff
  • Has treated over 6,000 patients with MeRT at the flagship Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach
  • Trains all other physicians in MeRT technology

With a lifelong commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care, Dr. Kim has spent the last decade helping people with MeRT technology. She has seen how MeRT therapy changes the lives of her patients and the family and friends who surround them. You could be in no better hands! 

Read more about Tricare CoverageRead 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) 868-0006

TMS Effective 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.

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.

This simply involves a qEEG (quantitative EEG or brain scan), followed by a consultation with our clinician a few days later to see your results before making any decisions about treatment or proceeding with anything further.

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.

Your second appointment usually runs about 45 minutes. During this time, you will meet with one of our clinicians, Kayleigh Prowse or 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. 

Should you decide to proceed with treatment, we will schedule your assessment period.

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 for each 2-week treatment period.

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.

Testimonials

I did six weeks of therapy and 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 spiraling about things that really didn’t matter but seemed real at the time.  Thank you BTC team. Thank you for my life back.”

“I’m two or three months past my last treatment, and I can honestly say my brain is in a better place than it was before. The emotional highs and lows I was living with have been stabilized. My cognition took off during that period and it hasn’t slowed down since.” 

“Everything changed when I started treatment. Within two weeks, I was sleeping better. I was off all 12 of the meds I was on when I began treatment, and I was starting to enjoy life again.  After the first month, I was socializing with people again, I was able to work out for the first time in years, and I started to help my wife with the bills and our budget. As I write this, I just completed my sixth week of treatment. A conservative estimate is that I have had a 60–70% reduction of the symptoms I listed above and have a whole new lease on life.”

I’m back!  My TBI turned me into someone I barely recognized.  I was depressed, mean, and short-tempered.  Having to push through life filled with frustration and a deep sense of sadness that this was it.  I just had to keep pushing through life with an overwhelming tiredness.  I’m so glad I was wrong.  I think my direct reports and family are even more thankful.  This treatment changed everything, and I am forever thankful.” 

I was offered the opportunity to get MeRT to help with the effects of the TBI’s I had endured over the 21 yrs of Military Service. I am absolutely glad I did so. I felt the positive effects of the treatment in the first 3 days. I had irritability issues and sleeping issues among other things. I started sleeping through the night on day 3. And not just sleeping but sleeping hard and dreaming. So I know I was in R.E.M sleep. It has helped me focus, feel more energetic, less irritable, more caring to others and helped with joint pain and tinnitus.”

“In the ensuing months after the concussion, I just wasn’t myself… My academics began to suffer as well. I didn’t feel right.  My EEG showed me that something had physically changed with how my brain functioned.  After three days of treatment, I felt substantially better.  After two weeks, I felt like I did before my injury.  MeRT was life changing.” 

George Nacker Retired Marine talks about his personal experience with MeRT Treatment.

Scott R Testimonial Retired Military talks about his own experience with MeRT Treatment.

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 868-0006

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

Or fill out the Contact Form below and we will contact you. 

You Can Find Joy Again!
With TRICARE coverage, the life-changing results from MeRT treatment are closer than you think. Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

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 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.