Anxiety can affect every part of daily life, from sleep and concentration to relationships and overall well-being. For individuals living with persistent worry, restlessness, or physical tension, anxiety may continue despite therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication. In some cases, medications may offer only partial relief or cause unwanted side effects.
MeRT, which stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, offers a different approach to anxiety care. MeRT is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment protocol that uses advanced brain mapping and FDA-cleared technology to identify and address patterns of brain activity associated with anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Treatment is personalized for each individual, with the goal of restoring healthier brain function and improving symptoms over time.
“We had exhausted every available treatment, hoping to help our daughter. Nothing worked—then we found the Brain Treatment Center. MeRT changed everything for us.”
– PARENT OF MERT PATIENT
Last Updated in January 2026 by Dr. Julie Kim
MeRT therapy combines comprehensive diagnostic testing with targeted, non-invasive brain stimulation. The foundation of MeRT is the qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram), also known as brain mapping. This test measures electrical activity in the brain and helps identify areas that may be overactive, underactive, or out of sync.
Research has shown that anxiety disorders are often associated with measurable differences in brainwave activity, particularly in areas involved in fear response, emotional regulation, attention, and stress processing. MeRT uses this data to guide treatment.
Once areas of imbalance are identified, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is used to deliver low-intensity magnetic pulses to targeted brain regions. These pulses are designed to encourage healthier brainwave patterns, which may help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve emotional regulation. At our brain treatment center, individual brain data guides each treatment plan. Magnetic resonance therapy is highly personalized rather than standardized to your concerns and mental health disorders. MeRT treatment is also beneficial for addressing post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, other mental health conditions, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorder in patients.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and can affect people of all ages. Anxiety is not simply nervousness or stress, it is a medical condition that can significantly impact how a person thinks, feels, and functions.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry that is difficult to control and is often accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms. Current research suggests that anxiety can result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
When left untreated, chronic anxiety can interfere with work, relationships, sleep, and physical health. Seeking appropriate care is an important step toward improving quality of life.
Common symptoms of anxiety can vary in type and severity and may include:
Patients pursuing MeRT therapy for anxiety may experience benefits such as:
It is important to note that results vary by individual and are not guaranteed.
Choosing a treatment for anxiety is a personal decision, and understanding the process is an important first step. MeRT care follows a structured, data-driven approach that includes testing, consultation, and an assessment period to monitor progress.
Your first appointment includes two non-invasive tests performed in the office:
These tests are painless and typically take under an hour. The results are carefully analyzed to develop a personalized treatment plan.
After testing is complete, you will meet with the provider to review your results and discuss your individualized MeRT protocol. This consultation may be conducted virtually and will include an explanation of your brain mapping findings, the treatment schedule, and what to expect during therapy.
Treatment typically begins with a structured assessment period lasting approximately two weeks. At the end of this period, repeat testing is performed to evaluate changes in brain activity and symptom response.
If a positive response is observed, additional treatment is scheduled in two-week intervals. Progress is monitored throughout the program using repeated qEEG and clinical assessments. Most patients complete treatment within six to eight weeks, though timelines vary.
MeRT uses a three-part protocol to measure, analyze, and support brain function:
Non-invasive brain mapping that measures individual brainwave activity.
Delivers targeted magnetic pulses to specific brain areas identified through testing.
You may still have a lot of questions about whether MeRT or TMS is the right treatment for you, and our New Patient Coordinator is here to help you! She’ll take the time to listen, answer questions, explain costs, and put your mind at ease. She can also assist you in getting scheduled should you decide to move forward with treatment.
Think of it this way: Making one free call can be the first step in freeing yourself from the symptoms of your condition.
