MeRT: A Breakthrough Treatment for Depression
We know Depression is hard, and it can affect people of all ages.
For some, medications can help. But others don’t respond as well, can’t handle the side effects, or just don’t like having to take them.
For those reasons and many more, the Brain Treatment Center San Diego offers an entirely different approach to treating Depression.
It’s called MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. This emerging technology aims to improve brain function and communication. Simply stated, we use a magnetic field to stimulate and balance brain function, guided by sophisticated imaging and diagnostics.
MeRT is non-invasive, drug-free, and lasting. And MeRT is FDA-approved to treat Depression and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The equipment used in MeRT is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat a wide variety of neurological conditions.
For me, depression was the constant feeling of: ‘I want to quit’ and retreat to my home, except I would already be home… MeRT helped me shed this feeling in less than two weeks. I couldn’t believe I had spent so many years feeling that way.” – MeRT patient
There is Hope for Overcoming Your Depression!
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More about MeRT Treatment
Call (619) 255-2101
How MeRT Works to Treat Depression
MeRT is a tailored, highly individualized form of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).
In simpler terms, we use magnetic waves to stimulate specifically targeted areas of the brain that have been found to not be communicating or functioning optimally.
We determine those brain areas by using a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram), also known as “brain mapping.”
Here’s why this is so effective: Patients with depression have specific markers, which can be clearly seen in EEG studies. These studies show an imbalance in brainwave activity between the left and the right hemispheres of the brain, known as asymmetry.
With MeRT, we work to identify these asymmetries and strengthen healthy brainwave activity. This can reduce depression symptoms and improve quality of life.
Our Medical Director is a Pioneer in MeRT Treatment
A board-certified internist with over two decades of medical experience, Dr. Julie Kim is the Medical Director of the Brain Treatment Center in San Diego and our Cardiff Braincare Performance Center. She also serves as Medical Director for the original Flagship Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach.
Over the past decade, Dr. Kim has treated over 6,000 patients with MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy). In fact, she was one of the first doctors to work with MeRT technology and is the most experienced MeRT clinician in the world.
Because of her expertise and experience, Dr. Kim co-created the initial safety protocols and physician training programs and has worked with Wave Neuroscience to train and support other physicians.
In the past four years alone, she has trained over 100 physicians to interpret qEEG results and use the full MeRT protocols.
Dr. Kim has seen MeRT therapy change the lives of not only her patients but also the community surrounding each patient. That’s why she’s so passionate about bringing this technology to as many people as possible.
Read more about Dr. Julie Kim here.
Our Patients — and Their Families — Say it Best:
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.
Some Benefits of MeRT Treatment for Depression
- Improved sleep
- Better mood and more emotional stability
- More Relaxation
- Reduced pain
- Less Stress
- Increased attention span
- Improved sociability
- More motivation
- Better concentration and focus
- Enhanced memory and mental clarity
- Fewer cravings for drugs or alcohol
- Improved adaptation to change
- Better self-confidence and self-esteem
- *Results vary from patient to patient and are not guaranteed
Find out if You May Benefit from MeRT Treatment
We are Here for You!
Call (619) 255-2101
Research Studies Show MeRT’s Effectiveness in Treating Depression Symptoms
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:
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 (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.”
Experimental depression treatment is nearly 80% effective in controlled study (October 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.
Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: the evidence thus far (August 2019)
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…”
Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression (May 2019)
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-resistant depression].”
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of quality of life outcome measures in clinical practice (July 2013)
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)
These data indicate that TMS is an effective treatment for those unable to benefit from initial antidepressant medication.”
The Exact Steps of MeRT Treatment for Depression
We understand that MeRT is a relatively new treatment, and you may not be sure if it is right for your situation. However, you do not have to make this decision right away or alone.
Your first step is a simple phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. During this free, no-obligation consultation, you can discuss symptoms and history, ask all the questions you want, and have her explain the protocols and fees. She can also explain the treatment itself further.
Once you’ve had your consultation, if you are interested in taking the next step, we can set up an appointment for a qEEG (a simple, painless, and non-invasive brain scan).
EEG/EKG Testing
When you come in for your first appointment, we will perform the qEEG and EKG. These tests will help us evaluate brain activity and show any dysfunction. The qEEG, or brain mapping, is a valuable tool because it lets us customize treatment for you.
Our chief neurotechnician performs the qEEG/EKG testing, which takes approximately 45 minutes.
We will also gather your new patient paperwork at this time and get you scheduled for your initial assessment period of treatment.
Clinical Evaluation and Consultation
Following the testing, your second appointment will be a clinical evaluation with Nurse Practitioner Kayleigh Prowse, which takes approximately 45 minutes. You can have this appointment via Telemedicine or in-clinic, whichever you prefer.
During this consultation, Kayleigh will answer all your questions and discuss your applicable treatment plan. You will also be able to meet with our physician and Medical Director, Julie Kim, M.D.
Assessment Period
Six weeks of treatment are recommended for patients undergoing MeRT to achieve optimal and long-lasting results. However, before committing to the six weeks, we have you go through an assessment period of treatment to see how you will respond. This assessment period is included in the six weeks of treatment.
The assessment is two weeks long and comprises nine treatment sessions, followed by a repeat qEEG. We treat you Monday through Friday the first week and Monday through Thursday the second week. A typical treatment session lasts about 30-45 minutes.
At the end of the second week, your provider will go over the follow-up qEEG results with you.
Continuing Treatment
If clinical changes occur as they should and the qEEG also shows progress, you will continue treatment. This ongoing treatment occurs five days per week, Monday through Friday. Repeat qEEGs and clinical consultations occur every two weeks throughout treatment.
You should feel the benefits of treatment within a week or two. Because treatment is cumulative, you should note improvements throughout your treatment period—and even for some weeks afterward.
As a note, since we perform treatment on consecutive days, you must be able to stay in or around the San Diego area while you go through therapy.
Also, the potential side effects of treatment are minimal and should dissipate as you progress through treatment. Plus, the effects of treatment generally last a lifetime, though some patients prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed.
* MeRT improvements and results are based on strict and active observation of our treatment protocols. Results may vary between people and are not guaranteed.
Insurance
We are an in-network provider with TRICARE. Therefore, 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. Our New Patient Coordinator can discuss this with you in further detail.
For all other insurance, we are considered out-of-network and cannot file insurance on your behalf. We can, however, provide you with the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment. Then, you can submit it to your insurance company to see if they will reimburse you.
Currently, rTMS is FDA-approved for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.)
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. Additionally, Medicare patients have reported that their coverage does not reimburse MeRT.
We take all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Care Credit
Care Credit is a separate company from The Brain Treatment Center San Diego that offers an option to help finance medical expenses. This is a credit card you can use to cover medical expenses and services. They typically offer zero-interest financing for 12 months.
When you apply on the Care Credit website, you will be notified rapidly if you receive approval.
Interested, but not Sure?
Talk with our New Patient Coordinator
It’s normal for patients and their families affected by neurological conditions to feel frustrated and isolated. After all, many have lost hope that treatment can improve their condition. We understand what you may be going through.
However, there is hope. MeRT has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and feel passionate about living again.
That’s why we want to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether MeRT is the right treatment.
It costs nothing to call us and talk about what is happening. Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you.
She understands your pain and can answer all your questions. She can also explain the process and protocols, costs, possible insurance benefits, and any other details you want.
During this no-obligation consultation, she will give you all the time you need to decide whether to proceed.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More
(619) 255-2101
Or fill in the form below and she will contact you.
Contact Us
For more information or to speak with our New Patient Coordinator, please fill in the information below.
Contact Us
For more information or to speak with our New Patient Coordinator, please fill in the information below.
Life Can Be Better
You can be at peace and enjoy life. With so many successful treatments for Depression, we encourage you to explore the possibilities of MeRT Treatment. If right for you, it can have a lasting impact with a greatly improved quality of life.
