Call for More Information: (949) 851-3086

Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach

Treatment for Autism, PTSD, Depression

Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach

Our physicians and scientists are among the world’s leading minds in neuro restoration. MeRT studies began here in California through the United States Department of Defense. The studies involved veterans who suffered combat-related brain injuries. These conditions included Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder.
 
This cutting-edge technology has evolved and helps with other brain function disorders. These include Autism, ADHD, developmental delay. Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and the after-effects of stroke are also conditions that we treat.
 
Our physicians and staff are passionate about delivering personalized care with scientific expertise. We aim to get the best possible outcomes. This allows our patients to realize a better quality of life and optimal brain health.
 

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 851-3086

 

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.

 

Our Goal

Our evidence-based methods are unique because we focus on the physiology of the brain. We are able to map and reveal communication patterns in the brain’s neural networks. As a result, we can take a personalized and targeted approach based on your brain rhythms. This encourages healthy brain communication and activity.
 
Our goal is to empower minds.

 

Meet Our Doctors

Sandy Oak Lee, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Sandy Lee

Sandy Oak Lee, M.D., FAAP, is a Board-Certified Pediatrician. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Lee graduated cum laude from Cornell University with her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College. Dr. Lee completed her residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
 
Dr. Lee was in private practice until 2016. She then joined the Brain Treatment Center as the Medical Director in Newport Beach. She has extensive experience in using MeRT technology. Dr. Lee is one of the pioneers in using MeRT technology to treat both the pediatric and adult populations. 
 
In 2013, the Consumers Research Council of America named Dr. Lee named as one of America’s Top Physicians. She was a recipient of the Orange County Physician of Excellence Award in 2014 and 2015.
 
Dr. Lee is a humanitarian physician. She volunteered her time and expertise abroad in Mexico, Guatemala, China, and Malawi. Dr. Lee was raised in Irvine, where she currently resides with her husband and two children. Read more about Dr. Lee.

Julie Kim, M.D., FACP

Dr. Julie Kim is a Board-Certified Internist with over 20 years of medical experience. She has been serving as Medical Director of the Brain Treatment Center since 2013. Since joining the Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach, Dr. Kim has worked solely with the use of MeRT technology. She treats patients with PTSD, TBI, addiction, stroke, autism, and other neurological disorders. Dr. Kim also established and oversees the physician training program for the current Mert Safety Protocols. She has been an invited speaker at major corporations in Seattle and Texas. Dr. Kim has also partnered with professional sports conglomerates. She treats and explores the use of MeRT therapy in enhancing sports performance.  Dr. Kim prides herself in delivering compassionate care and advocating for her patients.  Read more about Dr. Kim.

 

 

The Entire Team

 

Our dedicated and highly skilled team works very hard to provide the best quality care and service for all of our patients. Read more about our individual members.

 

 

Our Clinic

Brain Treatment Newport Beach

The Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach is conveniently located in Newport Beach, California. This is only minutes away from the beach. It’s also a short drive from Santa Ana, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and Long Beach. 
 
We take every measure to ensure your visits to our clinic are comfortable, friendly, and professional. 
 
If you are traveling a longer distance, we can help you with accommodations and things to do between appointments. We want to ensure you are well-rested and can focus on your treatment. 
 

Starting as a New Patient

You will come in for your first appointment at the Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach. This appointment lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. We will gather your new patient paperwork. Our chief 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 about 45-minutes. But, if you are seeking treatment for your child with autism, please plan on spending an hour with us. At this appointment, we will set up the schedule with you 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 45 minutes long. During this time, you will meet with Dr. Sandy Lee for your clinical evaluation. She will answer any questions that you may have and discuss your treatment plan.
 

Assessment Period

The assessment period of treatment is 2 weeks. The assessment period of treatment will determine how you are responding to treatment. At the end of the assessment period, a second qEEG is completed to note any changes occurring in the brain. 
 
 The patient will have their initial qEEG/EKG completed, and then attend 9 treatment sessions over a 2-week period. After attending the first two weeks, the patient undergoes a repeat qEEG to determine progress.
 

Ongoing Treatment

After the assessment period has been completed, we are looking for progress both clinically and on the repeat qEEG, after which, two-week treatment periods are then scheduled. Because each treatment period lasts for 2-weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area during the duration of treatment.
 
We recommend that you stay for the entire 6-week of treatment, that you are able to 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 that enables you to get the most out of treatment. 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. We recommend a total of 6-weeks of treatment for long-lasting results. The 6-weeks include the initial assessment period.
 

Consultation

 

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. Strict observation of our regiments is required to ensure optimal results. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed.  Results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain.

Since each brain is unique, the protocol will be different for each patient depending on specific qEEG/EKG data from your brain, and the specific condition that’s treated. Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime. But, some people do prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed.  A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. The patient sits in a chair while the neuro technician administers the treatment. This involves using a hand-held magnet that is near the scalp. The gentle magnetic impulses last for 6-8 seconds each minute. You may feel a slight sensation during treatment, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.  

Each individual is different, protocols may vary. Your provider will have scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.

 

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 are unable to file insurance on your behalf. We can provide you with the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment. You can submit it to your insurance company to see if they would 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.” We are hopeful that treatment for TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) will be FDA cleared in the next two to three years. 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 are not able to 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 assist in financing medical expenses. This is a separate company from The Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach. This is a credit card that can be used to cover medical expenses and services. They typically offer zero-interest financing for 12 months.
 
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. MeRT is a treatment protocol that 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 that 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 assist in getting you scheduled should you decide to move forward with treatment.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 851-3086

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.