An Entirely New Approach to the Treatment of Depression
This FDA-cleared treatment for Depression and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is Drug-Free and Non-invasive. It’s called MeRT.SM
Simply stated, we use magnetic fields to stimulate and balance brain function, guided by very sophisticated imaging and diagnostics.
MeRT is FDA-cleared to Treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
MeRT, which stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, uses rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). We have used MeRT successfully to treat Depression and MDD, and for those who did not respond well to medications or tolerate them well due to side effects.
Clinically depressed patients have distinct markers that are visible in their EEG studies. We generally see an imbalance in brainwave activity between the left and right hemispheres, which is called asymmetry. The MeRT protocol identifies the asymmetry by strengthening the brainwave activity, which can reduce depression symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic reports that over three million people are diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder every year, and far more with clinical Depression. They also report that new research is confirming that factors that may contribute to Depression cause changes in brain function, including the altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.
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Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book an initial consultation.
MeRT For Depression
We know how serious Depression can be and that it can affect people of all ages.
We have some understanding of how you are feeling, and we know how tough it can be. For some, medications can help. But some don’t respond as well, or can’t handle the side effects — or just don’t like having to take them. We offer an entirely different approach to treating Depression. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and lasting. There is hope.
Depression can cause a loss of interest and a persistent feeling of sadness. Also referred to as Major Depressive Disorder or Clinical Depression, it affects your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Plus, Depression can lead to a wide variety of emotional and physical problems. For example, you may have difficulty performing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel that life isn’t worth living. It’s something you can’t simply “snap out” of.
MeRT for depression
What is MeRT?
MeRT is a tailored, highly individualized form of TMS or 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.
It is painless and completely non-invasive. You are fully conscious during treatment, and no drugs or anesthesia are involved. It’s simply magnetic waves that stimulate and balance the neurological functioning of your brain.
This is determined through sophisticated diagnostic tools and imaging and is used to plan a tailored treatment approach just for you.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator
for a
No Obligation Consultation
Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book an initial consultation.
Studies Prove TMS is Effective for Depression Treatment
TMS — or more specifically, rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a vital part of MeRT treatment for depression. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of rTMS in reducing depression symptoms, with many more ongoing. Here are a few of the most recent meta-analyses and reviews of these studies:
- A 2023 meta-analysis found that rTMS was significantly more effective than its sham counterpart in treating Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). As the analysis concluded: “The results of this meta-analysis… proved that rTMS treatment may be used effectively in the treatment of TRD, as it offers the possibility of achieving not only a symptomatic response but also a complete remission in patients, who respond well to the treatment.”
- An October 2022 meta-analysis of almost 3,000 patients from 65 randomized controlled trials confirmed rTMS as effective in treating depression symptom reduction, response, and remission. “In summary, our results are clinically relevant and support the use of rTMS as a non-invasive and effective treatment option for different levels of treatment resistant depression.”
- A June 2022 review of 17 randomized controlled trials showed rTMS as effective and safe, with significant symptom relief. “For patients with TRD, rTMS appears to provide significant benefits through the reduction of depressive symptoms…”
Psychiatric News: TMS as a First-line Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
An October 2022 issue of the Psychiatric News featured an article providing evidence that TMS (a key component of MeRT treatment) should be considered as first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe Major Depressive Disorder.
Richard A. Bermudes, MD, wrote the article where he reviewed a decade’s worth of studies on the effectiveness of TMS. Per Dr. Bermudez:
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.”
Read the entire article on the Psychiatric News website.
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US. If you or someone close to you is feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273 TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Symptoms of Depression, Clinical Depression and Major Depressive Disorder
Depression, also called Clinical Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, or Treatment-Resistant Depression, can have a range of symptoms and degrees of severity for different people.
- Feeling overwhelmingly sad or hopeless
- Difficulty completing everyday activities
- Feeling depressed or down for longer than two weeks
- Emotional outbursts
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Agitation or irritability
- Performance issues at work or school
- Lowered self-esteem
- Lack of interest in relationships, work, or social activities
- Feelings of isolation
- Extreme fatigue — physical and/or mental
- Sleeping too little or too much, or other sleep issues
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Dwelling over past events or failures
- Anxiety
- Headaches, neck or back pain
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
MeRT for depression
How MeRT Can Help
MeRT is a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive treatment that has been used successfully to treat Depression, including depression that has not responded to medication or other therapies.
While TMS is a more generalized approach to magnetic stimulation, usually targeting a single location in the brain with one frequency, MeRT is much more tailored to address your specific brain patterns.
With MeRT, we use very sophisticated diagnostics and imaging to customize treatment protocols for each individual. We tailor these based on the location, frequency, and amount of power used by the magnet, specific to each person’s unique condition. MeRT has been shown to improve brain communication and synchronization and can lead to significant and long-lasting improvements.
Studies have shown altered brain wave oscillations in patients suffering from conditions such as Depression and Major Depression Disorder (MDD) as well as other conditions. MeRT treatment protocols involve the use of a magnetic field to balance and stimulate brain function.
The objective of MeRT is to improve brain communication and synchronization, leading to significant and long-lasting improvements.
The U.S. Department of Defense did the initial MeRT research on veterans returning from combat. This article, published in Defense One, further explains this research and the benefits MeRT had on those who suffered from TBI, PTSD, and Depression. Many more studies have been completed in the private sector on other conditions.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator
for a
No Obligation Consultation
Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book an initial consultation.
Hear it from the Patients
Our patients have a lot to say about their experience with MeRT treatment for Depression!
“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 2 weeks. I couldn’t believe I had spent so many years feeling this way!”
MeRT Patient
“I received MeRT treatment from Dr. Miller back in 2021. It was life-changing! I have struggled with CPTSD for many years. After treatment, I was able to get off of my medication and have been thriving.
“Highly recommend anyone struggling with PTSD, depression, and/or anxiety to look into this treatment. It is worth the time and money to get back to your old self. Dr. Miller truly saved my life by treating me, and I can’t thank him enough!”
– Kasey Cooper
Executive“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 better 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
“My anxiety during the day has improved. Now, being awake, I have moments of tremendous peace of mind. At night, I’m sleeping straight through and really waking up rested.
“I recommend you visit them and start with an electroencephalogram. From there, they will explain the current state of your brain; great scientific treatment! Many thanks to ALL the team at BTC.”
MeRT Patient
“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.
Father of MeRT PatientOur Medical Director, Neurologist Dr. Miller
Dr. Spencer O. Miller, a Neurologist in Dallas, Texas, is the owner and Medical Director of Brain Treatment Center Dallas. He received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and has been in practice for 12 years. He spent five of those years in the US Air Force, where he saw many brain injuries, including soldiers suffering from PTSD and TBI.
Dr. Miller now specializes in MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) treatment of traumatic brain injury, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, autism, and multiple other brain disorders at his clinics, the Brain Treatment Centers in both Dallas and Plano.
Dr. Miller is also affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center, where he specializes in stroke, headache medicine, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and seizure. Additionally, he is associated with the Texas A&M Science Center College of Medicine.
He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish.
Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for More Information
Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you. During your consultation, she will take the time to answer any questions that you may have, listen to your concerns, and carefully explain all the details and information you need.
If, after talking to her, you are interested in further exploring whether you could benefit from MeRT, the next step would be to schedule an EEG and a consultation with our doctor.
With thorough diagnostics, the doctor can show you what is happening in your brain and what may be causing the issues. At this point, we can determine whether you (or your loved one) may benefit from MeRT Treatment, and you can decide if you would like to move forward.
Call our New Patient Coordinator
Or fill in the form below.
Life Can Be Better
You or your loved one can be at peace and enjoy life. With so many successful treatments of a wide range of neurological conditions, we encourage you to explore the possibilities of MeRT Treatment. It can have a lasting impact — and an improved quality of life!
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Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
Currently, rTMS 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. Medicare patients have reported that their coverage provides no reimbursement for the treatment itself.
We accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
