An Advanced Approach to Treating Depression
This FDA-cleared transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a non-drug, noninvasive option for treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
At Brain Treatment Center Plano, TMS may also be guided by advanced brain mapping to personalize care when appropriate.
TMS for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive, drug-free treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), including cases where medications have not provided adequate relief or have caused difficult side effects.
At Brain Treatment Center Dallas, TMS treatment may be delivered using EEG-guided protocols, also known as MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), to help personalize stimulation parameters when appropriate.
Personalizing TMS with Brain Mapping
Research has shown that some individuals with depression may exhibit patterns of imbalance in brainwave activity, often involving differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. These patterns can be observed through quantitative EEG (qEEG) testing.
EEG-guided TMS protocols use this information to optimize stimulation frequency, location, and intensity, with the goal of supporting healthier brain communication and network balance. Individual brain patterns vary, and we tailor treatment accordingly.
Depression & Brain Function
According to the Mayo Clinic, millions of people are diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder each year. Ongoing research suggests that depression is associated with changes in brain function, including altered activity in specific neural circuits involved in mood regulation.
TMS targets these circuits noninvasively, offering an option for individuals seeking alternatives to medication-based care.
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We recognize how serious depression can be and how deeply it can affect people of all ages.
Depression is not something you can simply “snap out of.” It can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, sleep, motivation, and overall quality of life. While medications can be helpful for some people, others may not experience sufficient relief, may struggle with side effects, or may prefer non-medication options.
For people in these situations, noninvasive, drug-free treatment options such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be worth exploring. TMS offers an alternative approach that does not involve systemic medications and is designed to target specific brain circuits involved in mood regulation.
What is MeRT®?
MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is an EEG-guided, individualized application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It uses magnetic stimulation to target specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, based on each person’s unique brain activity patterns.
Before treatment begins, diagnostic testing — including quantitative EEG — is used to evaluate how different regions of the brain are communicating. This information helps guide stimulation parameters such as frequency, location, and intensity, allowing treatment to be tailored rather than standardized.
MeRT is noninvasive and drug-free. Patients remain fully awake during sessions, and no anesthesia or sedation is required. Patients typically describe treatment as a light tapping sensation on the scalp.
MeRT represents an emerging, personalized approach to TMS that supports healthier brain communication and function when appropriate.
Our Medical Director, Neurologist Dr. Miller
Spencer O. Miller, MD, is a board-certified neurologist in Dallas, Texas, and the owner and Medical Director of Brain Treatment Center Plano. He earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and has been in clinical practice for more than a decade.
Dr. Miller spent five years serving as a physician in the U.S. Air Force, where he treated service members with complex neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That experience continues to inform his work with veterans and civilians seeking advanced, non-drug treatment options.
At Brain Treatment Centers in Plano, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Dr. Miller focuses on conditions involving brain network dysregulation, including depression, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, dementia, autism, sleep disorders, and seizure-related conditions. His clinical approach incorporates FDA-cleared transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and, when appropriate, EEG-guided, individualized protocols.
Dr. Miller is also affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center, where his areas of focus include stroke care, headache medicine, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and seizure disorders. In addition, he is associated with the Texas A&M Science Center College of Medicine.
Dr. Miller speaks multiple languages, including Spanish.
Research Supporting TMS for Depression
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), including repetitive TMS (rTMS), is an FDA-cleared treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and a foundational component of EEG-guided approaches such as MeRT®.
A growing body of peer-reviewed research has demonstrated that rTMS can be effective in reducing depressive symptoms, particularly in individuals who have not responded adequately to medication. Ongoing studies continue to explore how different stimulation protocols and personalization strategies may further refine outcomes.
Below are selected meta-analyses, reviews, and clinical studies examining the use of rTMS in depression.
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.”
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.
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.”
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression can affect people differently and may range from mild to severe. Symptoms often persist for weeks or longer and can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities or relationships
- Fatigue or low energy
- Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or too little)
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Irritability, agitation, or emotional outbursts
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or isolation
- Anxiety or physical symptoms such as headaches or muscle pain
If you or someone close to you is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, immediate help is available.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) for confidential, 24/7 support.
Understanding symptoms is an important step — but identifying effective treatment options is equally critical.
Psychiatric News on TMS for Major Depressive Disorder
An October 2022 issue of Psychiatric News highlighted emerging evidence supporting the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.
In the article, psychiatrist Richard A. Bermudes, MD, reviewed more than a decade of clinical research examining the effectiveness of TMS. Based on this body of evidence, he discussed the evolving role of TMS in clinical practice and its potential use earlier in the course of treatment for some patients with moderate to severe depression.
“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.”
TMS is an FDA-cleared treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, and ongoing research continues to explore how treatment protocols and personalization strategies may further refine outcomes.
Read the entire article on the Psychiatric News website.
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
“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 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 a very long time.”
MeRT Patient
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.
ExecutiveInsurance & Payment Information
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is FDA-cleared for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Coverage for TMS varies by insurance plan and medical necessity.
For patients pursuing EEG-guided, personalized TMS approaches (such as MeRT®), treatment is offered on a self-pay basis, as these protocols are considered individualized, off-label applications of TMS and are not covered by insurance.
At the conclusion of treatment, we can provide documentation — including CPT codes and billing summaries — that you may submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement of eligible services. Coverage decisions are made solely by the insurance carrier and vary by plan.
Some patients have reported partial reimbursement for diagnostic services, such as EEGs or clinical evaluations, depending on their coverage. Medicare does not reimburse MeRT® treatment costs.
TRICARE Coverage for TMS for Depression
Brain Treatment Center Dallas works with TRICARE / Humana Military for FDA-cleared TMS treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, based on eligibility, medical necessity, and plan authorization.
Coverage applies to standard TMS for depression and does not extend to EEG-guided or personalized protocols such as MeRT®.
If you are a TRICARE beneficiary, our team can help you understand whether you may qualify and guide you to additional information.
Payment Options
We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Our New Patient Coordinator is happy to discuss fees, scheduling, and payment questions during your consultation.
Contact Our New Patient Coordinator
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer questions, listen to concerns, and help you understand your options. During a phone consultation, she will explain what to expect, discuss next steps, and help determine whether an evaluation may be appropriate.
If you decide to move forward, the next step is typically diagnostic testing and a consultation with our physician. This may include EEG-based assessments that help evaluate brain activity and guide treatment planning.
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Miller will review findings with you and discuss whether FDA-cleared TMS or EEG-guided, personalized TMS approaches (such as MeRT®) may be appropriate. At that point, you can decide whether you would like to proceed.
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