Call for More Information: (949) 851-3086

Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach

Treatment for Autism, PTSD, Depression

MeRT: A New Approach To Autism Treatment That Gets Results!

A Breakthrough, Non-invasive, Drug-Free Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder that has shown significant improvement in communication, mood, independence, and much more.

 

Autism

 

The MeRT Approach to Autism Treatment

A diagnosis of autism overwhelms many parents, but early intervention is key to the child’s development. We truly understand the heartbreak of parents who have already invested so much into trying to help their children with autism or ASD (autism spectrum disorder), only to see little progress. Many feel that their child has potential but can’t seem to unlock it.
 
To help your child, the Brain Treatment Center provides a breakthrough technology: MeRT or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. MeRT uses gentle magnetic waves to balance and stimulate brain function, guided by sophisticated diagnostics and imaging. And MeRT is compatible with any other type of therapy.
 
Our clinic in Newport Beach is the flagship clinic for MeRT—we are the original clinic that started this treatment! We’ve been treating autism here at the Brain Treatment Center for years, and results from this treatment are giving many parents renewed HOPE for their child!
 
Our staff holds children and their well-being in the highest regard, and we are committed to walking this journey with you and your child. Our mission is to do so with the utmost compassion and care. 
 

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 851-3086

Or fill in the form below and we will contact you.

 

“We’ve seen some promising results in autism.”

Dr. Erik Won, President & Chief Medical Officer at Wave Neuroscience

“EEGs (electrical pictures of the brain) can tell us when there are abnormalities in neural networks. … And we run that data through a normative database, and we can see, for example, if somebody has an area in the left prefrontal cortex that’s cycling at two Hertz — which means that they may be only processing information two times per second — whereas the rest of their brain may be cycling 11 times per second. …

“[MeRT] was engineered to be a brain optimization technology where we’re trying to increase the coherence, [so] different areas of the brain can communicate with each other and improve the metabolic efficiency of the brain. With that in mind, we do see some improvements across a number of different dimensions. We’ve seen some improvements and some promising results in autism.” – Dr. Erik Won, President of Wave Neuroscience, from his appearance on the Broken Brain podcast

 

Autism is Different for Every Child

Each child with autism is unique and has different severity levels. Every child will have their own patterns of dealing with the outside world, as well as different ways of communicating.
 
Autism can affect intelligence levels, yet some children have high levels, and some don’t. But even highly intelligent children with autism can lack common sense, social skills, the ability to communicate. They can also have coping dysfunctions.
 
Because each child is different, their brain frequencies will also be different. That’s why we tailor MeRT treatment protocols to help restore their brain function optimally.
 
Autism has no known definite cause. According to research, inherited genetic factors account for about 80% of cases. Additionally, studies are ongoing to determine if environmental exposures can contribute to autism. And it is possible that viral infections, medications, or pregnancy complications can also be a cause.  
Autism

Symptoms of Autism

Common symptoms of autism characteristics can include:

  • Not appearing to understand or hear when spoken to
  • Appearing disconnected from the outside world and their loved ones or caregivers
  • No or little verbal skills
  • Inability to read body language or infer changes in tone of voice
  • Not making eye contact
  • Having a blank facial expression
  • Lacking emotions and compassion
  • Using monotone speech patterns
  • Inability to understand simple questions or instructions
  • Responding inappropriately in social settings
  • Being disruptive, loud, or hyper-reactive
  • Fixation on objects
  • Stiffer movements
  • Being obsessive about routines
  • Rocking back and forth or other repetitive movements
  • Hurting themselves or others, such as banging their heads against something or biting or hitting
 

 

MeRT: A Customized Approach to Autism Treatment

Autism

MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, combines three procedures:

1. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS, an FDA cleared therapy),

2. Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and

3. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).

Here’s how it works: In the brain of a child with autism, an EEG will show electrical signals that differ from those of a child with no signs of autism. From this EEG, we can then see the specific areas to address. As a result, we can customize TMS treatment for each child based on the results of their EEG. We also tailor the frequency, location, and power used. We do this with gentle magnetic waves which balance and stimulate brain function.

MeRT is not currently FDA cleared for autism and is considered “off-label.” However, studies have shown that it can be instrumental in helping many children develop skills to function more normally. Additionally, MeRT can be used with other therapies to help get more out of those therapies.

 

We had exhausted every available treatment hoping to help our daughter. Nothing worked. Then we found Brain Treatment Center. MeRT changed everything for us.” – BTC patient parent of an autistic child
 

“Even though two kids can have the same autism diagnosis, they can be very different in their behaviors and development.”

“With the quantitative EEG data, the brain’s electrical activities are analyzed; in particular is there alpha activity, at what intrinsic frequency is it occurring, and is it consistent or synchronized throughout the brain? Often, patterns can be identified.

“For example, in our autism population, we often see disruption or absence of synchronous alpha activity in the frontal lobe region. With the EEG data, an individualized treatment protocol is created… the location and frequency of magnetic stimulation are determined based on the EEG/EKG data. And this is important.

“Regardless of a person’s age, gender, or diagnosis — whether you have a level one or level three autism diagnosis or whether with that you have ADHD or Sensory Processing Disorder — your treatment protocol is solely based on your own unique brain activity.

“And that is why that little ‘e’ in MeRT is so important: We don’t just provide magnetic resonance therapy — we are providing an EEG/EKG-guided magnetic resonance therapy,  individualized to you.

“And when you think about it this should be the case. Even though two kids can have the same autism diagnosis, they can be very different in their behaviors and development. So it should be expected that their brain treatment protocol would be unique to each of them.” – Dr. Sandy Lee, speaking at the Autism One Conference, December 2020

 

There is Hope for Those With Autism  

MeRT, (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), is an amazing technology that has helped thousands of patients with autism. It is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical.  The primary goal of treatment is to improve the functionality of the brain. This allows the patient to function more independently and to allow them to function at their full potential.  The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach was the first clinic to offer this treatment. Thousands of our patients who have gone through MeRT treatment have seen some amazing results.
 

Common benefits include:

  • Increased sociability
  • Less anxiety, less frustration, and a lessening of stimming behaviors
  • Ability to communicate more effectively
  • More “presence” and participation in the world going on around them
  • Better language skills
  • Improved connection with others
  • More independence
  • A better understanding of and response to commands
  • Better ability to adapt to changing environment
  • Improved ability to cope with stress
  • Increased motivation to learn
  • Improved emotional stability
  • Increased attention span
  • Mood improvement
  • Increased relaxation
  • Improved response to other Autistic therapies
Many therapies for autism help to some degree, and we encourage patients to continue to take part in other programs. Our treatment optimizes brain communication and function. MeRT also helps patients gain more from their other therapies! 
 
 

“I love BTC because they gave me back my son.”

My son Kelii had vaccine poisoning and got brain damage due to neurotoxicity. He became very violent, nonverbal, and had severe autistic behaviors—he was so violent that he gave four stitches on my lip and nerve damage on my left eye…. I couldn’t be alone with my son and couldn’t hug or touch him. It broke my heart.

My husband and I brought my son to California from Hawaii to go to the Brain Treatment Center. Within one week of the treatment my son was more calm and I got to hug him for the first time in two years. My son did six weeks of treatment and he received another four weeks…. He is much calmer and started playing ping [pong], shooting basketball, kicking the soccer ball, exercising, started volunteering at different programs, catching the city bus with his para-workers and started talking!!! I love BTC because they gave me back my son.” – Melodee Haole

 

Is MeRT the Right Treatment for Your Child?

We understand that MeRT is a relatively new treatment and you may not feel certain if this is the right approach. But this is not something you need to decide right away—or all alone.  Your first step would be a no-obligation phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. She can answer your questions, explain protocols and fees, and address your concerns.
 

Getting Started With MeRT Treatment for Autism

If you’re interested in taking the next step to see if MeRT treatment is right for your child, we can set up an appointment for a qEEG (a simple, painless, and non-invasive brain scan). This test will allow us to see EXACTLY what is going on in their brain. We individualize treatment based on your child’s exact needs.
 
When you come for your first appointment, it will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. We will gather your new patient paperwork, and our neuro technician will perform a qEEG and EKG to evaluate brain activity. At your qEEG appointment, we will set up the schedule with you for your assessment period, should you decide to proceed.
 
After we get the results of the qEEG, our team of experienced doctors and scientists will study and analyze the results. This enables us to determine how your child may benefit from treatment. It also enables us to come up with a specific treatment program for your child.
 
Your second appointment is 45 minutes long. During this time, you will meet with Nurse Practitioner Kayleigh Prowse for your clinical evaluation. She will answer any questions that you may have and discuss your child’s treatment plan. Please note that Dr. Julie Kim oversees treatment for every patient. 
 
At this point, you can decide if you would like to take the next step: A short period of initial treatment. This assessment period will determine how well your child responds before you commit to the full treatment period.
 
If you are not yet ready to commit to going through an assessment period of treatment, that is no problem. You can bring your child in for their qEEG and consult. Dr. Lee will review the results before proceeding with the assessment period.

 

 

Autism Parenting Magazine Features Successful Treatment with MeRT

In the third week, something happened. The family was driving around sight-seeing when they realized that they were getting lost in the California desert. Mary and Frank began to argue, and right in the midst of it, the moment they had waited six years for finally came. “I remember he said a seven-word sentence basically to the effect of ‘I want you two to stop fighting.’ And it shocked me so much that I almost stopped breathing,” Frank recounts. “I looked at my wife and said ‘Do you realize what just happened? He just said a seven-word sentence.’ I had tears in my eyes, and I was happy at the same time. He was so upset that it pushed these words through.”

From there, Frankie’s progress snowballed. They returned home after only a month, but the difference between the child who arrived in California and the one who left was striking. They had taken a video of Frankie on the plane when they started the journey, “and he’s just making baby babble,” Frank says. “We have another video of him on the plane coming back. And he looks out the window and says, ‘Goodbye California, see you soon.’ This was a nonverbal kid, 30 days later. And his feet are flat on the ground.”

Doctors said Frankie would continue to improve even without regular MeRT, albeit a bit slower. Today, he is 11 years old, verbal, and attends a public school. He tells Frank stories about times when he wanted to speak but couldn’t. “He goes ‘You know, I’m so glad we went to the brain treatment because now I can talk,’” says Frank.

 

 

 

Assessment Period

The assessment period lasts two weeks. The assessment period will help determine how your child responds to treatment. At the end of the assessment period, we will complete a second qEEG to note any changes occurring in the brain. 
 
After completing a two-week assessment period, they will have five treatment sessions the first week, Monday through Friday. The second week will consist of four sessions, Monday through Thursday followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress.  
 
If progress is positive, we will schedule subsequent two-week treatment periods through the end of treatment. Each treatment period lasts for two weeks, and you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area.
 
For long-lasting results, we recommend that your child completes a total of six weeks of treatment. As treatment progresses, you should also begin to notice changes in the way your child is feeling and acting.
 
Please note that results and improvements depend on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed. 
 

Treatment  

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. We use the results of the qEEG to customize treatment specifically for your child. Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime. Some parents do prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed at a later date.  
 
A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. Your child will sit in a chair while the neuro technician administers the treatment via a hand-held magnet near the scalp. The gentle magnetic impulses last for six to eight seconds each minute. There may be a slight sensation felt while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.
 
 Each individual is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your child’s progress.
 
 

This place is amazing. The people are wonderful. As a mother of a 31 year old autistic son, this place has given me hope. My son is doing much better and we are excited about our future. Seeing changes in him that I only dreamed of. The staff is incredible. Thank you so much!” – Justin  (Parent of child with autism treated with MeRT)

 

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 851-3086

Or fill in the form below and we will contact you.

 

Considering MeRT treatment for your child? This Video is a MUST-WATCH

The Autism One Conference has a wealth of information ranging from the science behind MeRT treatment and autism to case studies that show actual results. Sandy Lee, M.D., Alex Ring, Chief Brain Scientist at Wave Neuroscience, and Miriam Gimal, mom of an autistic child, all take part and offer their insights into how MeRT can help children with autism. The presenters also cover the typical brain patterns seen in autistic children and testimonials. This is a “Must Watch” for any parent considering MeRT treatment for their autistic child!  CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO!

For additional testimonials from patients who we have treated, click here. 

MeRT Treatment for Autism Featured on “The Doctors” TV Show

An episode of “The Doctors” featured the Brain Treatment Center and MeRT. They discussed the treatment of autism using MeRT Technology. You can see this episode HERE.

 

Still Have Questions? Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for More Information.

It’s normal for patients and their families who are affected by brain disorders to feel frustrated and isolated. After all, many have lost hope that there is any relief in sight. We understand what you are going through, and our goal is to help guide you through the process.  In doing so, we want to help you make an informed decision about whether treatment is right for your child.
 
MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function. Because of this, it allows them to reclaim their lives and feel passionate about living again. In fact, many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment protocols themselves. They have realized firsthand what the treatment has done for them and are passionate about helping others.
 
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help your child. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, put your mind at ease, and also help schedule you for a qEEG/consultation and 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.

 

 

 

Testimonials

 

Ashley’s Success

autism
I would love to give a shout-out to the Brain Treatment Center at Newport Beach and Brandi Nicholas, and everyone else who did the therapy on me there because this was the last therapy I got in my life of living with autism!
 
This changed me completely! This one stopped me from shaking my strings a few weeks after, and now I can drive and run on ridges and am a cashier at Costco and run marathons!
 
I would 100 percent recommend these guys!” – Ashley Runnals
 
 

Mikey’s Story

 

Raquel’s Story 

We have a beautiful daughter, Raquel, and she was diagnosed with severe autism at the young age of one and a half years. Raquel did not follow directions and did not look into my eyes. She did not want to be touched and she did not speak. Not only that, she did not listen or respond to her name.

Raquel did not distinguish me as her mother, and I could feel she was very anxious all the time. Desperate, I spent four years investigating all available routes to help her.

I took her to different types of therapy—phonoaudiology, occupational, behavioral, and sensory integration. In addition, I put her on a diet free of casein and gluten. All these efforts were important and helped my daughter have small signs of improvement. But Raquel was far from making any significant progress. Doctors still gave her the same severe diagnosis.

“When it seemed that all alternatives were exhausted…”

It was not until the fourth year of this endless quest that we finally came up with something that would change our lives, and the life of our daughter, forever. When it seemed that all alternatives were exhausted, Dr. Jeff Bradstreet told me about a new therapy in Newport Beach, California, called MeRT. Treatment consisted of repetitive brain stimulation through magnetic waves. There was already strong evidence that they help to regulate brain functioning quickly, safely, effectively and permanently.

Dr. Bradstreet explained that there were 20% of people who, for some unknown reason, did not respond to treatment. But an 80% chance of improvement was definitely an opportunity that I was not willing to let go, especially if it had to do with the well-being of my girl.

I traveled to California and they explained what the treatment consisted of. Raquel was going to do an EEG to determine exactly what was happening in her brain so that they could design a treatment tailored to her needs. The study confirmed that the front of her brain did not work properly so Raquel did not process the information like the other children.

“I agreed to start treatment immediately…”

With the clearest panorama and high optimism, I agreed to start treatment immediately. I could not wait to start. On the first day of therapy, I thought my daughter wouldn’t cooperate. To my surprise, she seemed to enjoy the procedure. Obviously, at the end of the day, I saw no changes in her behavior, but I did not expect to see results so fast.

The story takes a really unexpected turn at the end of the second day of therapy. We went back to the house of some relatives, where we were spending the night. Raquel approached me with a glass between her little hands, asking me to give her some ‘Juz.’ There are no words that can express the emotions that I felt at that moment. All the people who know me ask me if I shed tears of joy…. It was the first time I could say that I had heard the voice of my four-year-old daughter.

Incredibly this was not all. A few minutes later my daughter went out to the garden of the house, approached a lemon tree, took one and brought it to her face to smell it. For a little girl who practically lived in the corner of the room, interacting with her shadow, this was a revelation! A few moments later, when her sister took the lemon from her hands, Raquel demanded loudly ‘My, Lemon?’ Only two days of therapy had passed and we suddenly had what seemed, a normal child.

“…the most beautiful 15 minutes of my life.”

At the end of the second week of treatment, we arrived at the Clinic. The Director of the Center approached me and asked me to accompany him to the game room where Raquel was. I will never forget that moment. He said, ‘Look at your daughter.’ Raquel was there, sitting by a window. She was pointing to the passing cars and asking out loud: ‘Blue Car?, Green Car?’ Raquel also saw airplanes and said ‘Blue Plane with White?’

Most incredible of all was that not only had she improved her ability to communicate, but her emotional projection also took a 180-degree turn. My daughter now asked me to pick her up and carry her in my arms. She hugged me for the first time repeatedly for more than 15 minutes. Aside from improving in language, she also improved her emotional connection! They were the most beautiful 15 minutes of my life. My daughter recognized me and expressed it openly and freely for the first time. Since that day she did not let me go and everything she wanted to do, was with me.

“…God sent this miracle to me.”

When I realized these great changes I began to carry out other activities with my daughter. What I cannot forget to mention is that Raquel’s anxiety did not allow us to take her anywhere. When we went to a mall, the screams were so loud that a man even asked if she needed an ambulance. To take her to the U.S. was horrible too because customs officers could not understand how I could not calm her down. After three weeks of therapy, Raquel even tolerated going to Disney. That frightful part of our lives was over. Now I was free to walk with my daughter and she was for the first time able to enjoy the rides. I meditated about why God sent this miracle to me.

We came to the conclusion that if Raquel did so well, it had to be for something greater than us. At the end of the Treatment and seeing the progress, I decided to meet with the key people of the company. I asked them to send a MeRT machine to Panama. When I got to the office I sat down with them and explained that I would not be able to live without the machine that brought me so many miracles. We finally managed to open the doors of Brain Treatment Center in Panama, and provide thousands of people with a treatment that could be the change they sought in their lives, closer, more accessible and comfortable.” – Raquel’s Mother *

 

 

Disclaimer

*Testimonials appearing on this website are received in various forms via a variety of submission methods. The testimonials reflect the real-life experiences of individuals who used our products. However, individual results may vary. We do not claim, nor should the reader assume, that any individual experience recounted is typical or representative of what any other consumer might experience. Testimonials are not necessarily representative of what anyone else using our products may experience. 

The testimonials displayed are given verbatim except for grammatical or typing error corrections. Some testimonials may have been edited for clarity or shortened in cases where the original testimonial included extraneous information of no relevance to the general public. BTC is not responsible for the opinions or comments posted on this website and does not necessarily share the opinions, views, or commentary of postings on this website. All opinions expressed are strictly the views of the poster or reviewer. All testimonials are reviewed for authenticity before they are posted for public viewing.

Testimonials on this website are not intended, nor should they be construed, as claims that the products or services mentioned can be used to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. On the contrary, our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. No testimonial has been clinically proven or evaluated, no medical claims whatsoever were made, and no statements on this website have been evaluated by the FDA.

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.  Our New Patient Coordinator can discuss this with you in further detail.
 
For all other insurance, we are out of network and cannot 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, the FDA has cleared rTMS for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.) Treatment for all other conditions is “off-label.” 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. But, this depends on their health coverage. Medicare patients have reported that their coverage provides no reimbursement for MeRT.
 
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.
 

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 851-3086

Or fill in the form above and we will contact you.