MeRT: An Entirely New Approach to Freeing You from the Bonds of Depression
- FDA-cleared to treat depression, major depressive disorder (MDD), and treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Drug-free and non-invasive
- Lasting results
MeRT Treatment Can Help Free You from Your Depression Symptoms
Are you or a loved one struggling with depression? You can break free from depression as well as the side-effects of medications for depression, with MeRT.
MeRT, which stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is a highly customized use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) based on sophisticated diagnostics. It is FDA-cleared to treat major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. We have used MeRT with great success to treat patients who did not respond well to medications or experienced side effects.
Research shows that altered neural circuits in the brain can cause changes in brain function and contribute to depression. Clinically depressed patients have distinct markers visible in their EEG studies. MeRT works directly on these altered brainwaves to get them back in communication and functioning better.
Many patients report considerable relief from their depression symptoms after receiving MeRT treatment. Some have even been able to go off their medications entirely.
Don’t let depression control your life any longer. Contact us today to learn more about how MeRT treatment can help you find relief from your depression symptoms.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator
Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book an initial consultation.
How MeRT Focuses on Your Unique Depression Symptoms
Major depressive disorder — also called clinical depression — is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, per the National Association of Mental Health. For some people, medications can help. For others, they don’t work as well or cause side effects.
Depression affects everyone differently; what may work for one person doesn’t work for another. That’s why MeRT is such a breakthrough treatment. We tailor MeRT protocols for each patient based on a comprehensive analysis of your brainwave patterns.
For patients with depression, EEG studies can show us an imbalance in brainwave activity between the left and right hemispheres, called asymmetry. We then plan a personalized program of TMS to address that asymmetry by stimulating specifically targeted areas.
By neuromodulating brain waves through our MeRT protocols, we can improve brain communication and organization. And as we strengthen the brainwave activity, this can reduce depression symptoms.
Understanding MeRT for Depression
Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) is a highly individualized treatment that combines advanced brain imaging with targeted magnetic stimulation to help restore healthy brain function in individuals struggling with depression.
The journey starts with a quantitative EEG (qEEG), which maps out the brain’s electrical activity to detect imbalances or irregular patterns. This detailed scan allows our clinical team to pinpoint the areas where brain communication may be disrupted.
Using this data, a personalized treatment plan is created to gently re-align brainwave activity. The goal is to promote better neural connectivity and improve overall brain performance, which can lead to lasting relief from depressive symptoms.
The core of the treatment involves Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an FDA-cleared technique that uses magnetic pulses to influence brain activity. MeRT builds on standard TMS by adjusting every aspect of the therapy—including pulse frequency, strength, and placement—based on each patient’s unique brain map and clinical profile.
Therapy typically spans 4 to 8 weeks, with 30-minute sessions scheduled five days a week. Many individuals report feeling better after just a few sessions, and the majority of patients do not require ongoing maintenance treatments once their initial program is complete.
To dive deeper into how MeRT works, visit our “What is MeRT?” page.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator
Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book an initial consultation.
Finding out if MeRT Treatment is Right for Your Depression
We understand that MeRT is new, and you may not be certain if this is the right treatment. You don’t have to make that decision immediately. First, get more information in a simple phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator.
During this no-obligation consultation, you can discuss symptoms and history, ask questions, and have her explain our protocols, fees, and treatment details. Then, if you choose to take the next step, we can set up appointments for testing and consultation. Each of these appointments takes 45 minutes to an hour. The steps of MeRT treatment are as follows:
Step 1
Testing and Consultation
At the first appointment, our neurotechnician will perform a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) and an EKG. Both are simple, painless, and non-invasive tests that will show us exactly what is happening in your brain.
Our scientific teams will then analyze the results to better understand your brain state. All MeRT treatment parameters are approved by a licensed neurosurgeon or physician.
A few days later, after we have analyzed the test results, you will have a one-on-one consultation with your clinician. You can attend this appointment either in person or virtually.
During your consultation, you’ll discuss the test results and analysis and get any additional questions answered. Then, together, you and your clinician will determine if you are a candidate for MeRT treatment.
Step 2
Treatment Period
When you and your clinician decide to move forward, we will schedule four weeks of treatment. We perform treatments daily, Monday to Friday, and a typical treatment session takes about 35-45 minutes.
For each treatment session, you will sit in a comfortable chair while our neurotech administers TMS treatment using a hand-held magnet near the scalp.
We deliver the magnetic impulses for 6-8 seconds each minute, and you may feel a slight sensation, like gentle taps on the head, which is not painful.
Step 3
Monitoring and Follow Up
We will perform another qEEG in the middle of the treatment program and compare it to the original baseline qEEG. We do this to ensure you are always receiving the most effective treatment parameters.
Your clinician will also meet with you throughout the treatment to manage your progress closely.
At the end of the treatment period, which normally lasts from 4 to 6 weeks, we will perform another qEEG to review progress.
In some cases, we recommend additional treatment to get the best possible results from MeRT. Everyone responds differently, so treatment protocols can vary.
After successful therapy, it may be necessary to continue with occasional “upkeep” to ensure benefits are maintained.
Research Supporting TMS as a Treatment for Depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) plays a vital role in MeRT therapy for individuals dealing with depression. A growing body of clinical research highlights the effectiveness of TMS in alleviating symptoms of depression. Below are some of the latest findings from recent studies:
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.”
Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) after two antidepressant treatment failures, July 2023.
“Several meta-analyses proved the efficacy of rTMS treatment in MDD, which is comparable to pharmacotherapy, and may have even better tolerability. Our results strengthened that rTMS is associated with clinically relevant antidepressant effect in TRD as well, and may be a beneficial tool in the add-on treatment of patients with TRD. Furthermore, rTMS adjunctive treatment to antidepressants was found to be specifically effective in achieving full remission.”
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.”
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Resistant Depression: A Scoping Review, June 2022.
“Overall, 16 out of the 17 studies suggested that rTMS treatment was effective, safe and tolerated in TRD. For patients with TRD, rTMS appears to provide significant benefits through the reduction of depressive symptoms…”
The association between sample and treatment characteristics and the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in depression, Oct 2022.
“Data from nearly 3000 patients from 65 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. rTMS was confirmed as efficacious in treating depression when looking at symptom reduction, response and remission.”
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-resistent depression].”
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.
MeRT Treatment for Depression
Hear it from the Patients
“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.
“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.”
John G.
“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 than two weeks. I couldn’t believe I had spent so many years feeling this way!”
MeRT Patient
““I am amazed at the positive physiological and cognitive impact that resulted from MeRT treatment. I am able to process information more readily, recall and retrieve past experiences, facts, and memories much better, and have improved sleep and more energy. All of this from a relatively short span of treatments that were non-invasive, painless, and short in duration. Finally, the treatment team was knowledgeable, provided excellent customer service, and walked me through every step of the process with a great attitude. I look forward to occasionally having additional treatments to further improve my outcomes.”
MeRT Patient
“Everything changed when I started treatment. Within two weeks, I was sleeping better. I was off all 12 of my meds that I was on when I started 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. A conservative estimate is that I have had a 60 – 70% reduction of the symptoms and have a whole new lease on life.
“I can focus, feel good about myself, feel confident, and laugh again. Most importantly, I can feel the love for and from my family again. I have never met a group of people who truly are solely focused on helping people feel human again. Spend a day here, and you will see a miracle.”
MeRT Patient
“I just finished six weeks of their specialized form of TMS treatment, and it is life-changing. If your depression or anxiety has been resistant to medications, therapy, or other forms of treatment, I highly recommend the Brain Treatment Center.”
Mary Ann E.
“I’m a veteran with a history of PTSD, anxiety, depression and poor sleep. I was spiraling into a dark place and didn’t know how to go on. In just a couple of weeks, my sleep improved. Today I’m more alert, interacting positively with those around me and I feel confident I’m on the right course for a healthier life. My friends and family noticed the positive shift in my outlook and they appreciate what MeRT has done for us. The staff is genuinely helpful and compassionate. The physical setting is professional, clean and comfortable; I actually looked forward to my regular visits. I can’t say that about any medical treatment I received before MeRT. I am completely satisfied with my experience and am thankful for this non-invasive treatment option.”
Veteran
“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 understand what was going on in my head, and after a month of treatment, I was grateful to be DEPRESSION FREE and MEDICATION FREE for the first time in my life.”
MeRT Patient
“For anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, and other symptoms, I highly recommend trying MeRT. 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.”
Harold H.
Executive“I’ve made significant progress in cognitive ability, stress tolerance, and mental clarity. I have been able to handle decisions much better and think clearer. And I have been able to significantly decrease conflict with my family and actually lead much better.”
MeRT Patient
“I am a relatively healthy adult male in my mid-forties and deal with the normal day-to-day issues as most people. In recent years, I noticed my ability to multitask has diminished, my memory is not what it used to be, I am easily agitated and I can’t recall the last time I slept for a more than 3-4 continuous hours. I also have Sensory Processing Disorder that is mostly triggered by sound. I have seen vast improvements across the board since receiving MeRT treatment. It is truly night and day from before. This is the real deal!”
MeRT Patient
The Doctors and Scientists Working Behind the Scenes for Every Patient
Once you have done your qEEG and provided information about your conditions, symptoms, history, past treatments, and other vital information, we send this information to the doctors and scientists at Wave Neuro, the parent company behind MeRT technology.
There, they perform an extensive review and complete analysis of your diagnostics and information. They use a patented approach with your neurophysiological data to develop a completely customized treatment plan. The goal is to improve your brain connectivity, communication, and function.
All MeRT treatment parameters are approved by a licensed neurosurgeon or physician and followed exactly at our clinic for each patient.
Talk to Our New Patient Coordinator for More Information
Our New Patient Coordinator is here Monday to Friday and can help you with any questions you may have. There is no obligation to call and talk to her. She is happy to explain more about MeRT, our protocols for treatment, fees, insurance questions, and more.
If, at any point, you are interested in looking into treatment further, she can also schedule you for the next steps, a qEEG (non-invasive brain scan) followed by a consultation several days later.
Once the qEEG is done, the doctors and scientists at Wave Neuro will carefully study and analyze your testing and symptoms. Our clinician will then discuss the results with you and show you what is happening neurologically.
At this point, we can determine if you may benefit from MeRT treatment, and you can decide if you would like to move forward.
Things Can Get Better
We hope you will consider getting more information, so that you can make an informed decision if MeRT may benefit you or your loved one. With years of successful treatments for a wide range of neurological conditions, we have witnessed improved quality of life for so many!
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Symptoms of Depression and Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)
Everyone experiences depression differently, with a range of symptoms and degrees of severity. Yet, many symptoms are common in people living with depression. Here are a few of them:
- Overwhelming feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Struggling to complete everyday activities
- Feeling depressed or down for more than two weeks
- Experiencing emotional outbursts
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Agitation or irritability
- Poor performance at work or school
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of interest in relationships, work, or social activities
- Feelings of isolation or loneliness
- Extreme physical and/or mental fatigue
- Sleeping too much or too little, or other sleep issues
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Ruminating on past events or failures
- Anxiety or excessive worrying
- Headaches, neck, or back pain
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US. If you or someone close to you is feeling suicidal, call the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline by simply dialing 988.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
MeRT is FDA-cleared for the treatment of depression. We are able to provide you with all of the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment so that you can submit it to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Some patients have reported that they have been able to receive some reimbursement for EEGs, clinical evaluations, and treatment, depending on their health coverage.
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.