Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is MeRT®? How does it work?
    MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) combines a qEEG (brainwave map), an EKG, and personalized TMS protocols. We record your brain’s electrical activity, compare it to normative data, then design individualized magnetic-stimulation sessions aimed at improving synchrony and brain-network function.

    How is MeRT® different from standard rTMS?
    Standard rTMS typically uses a fixed location and frequency for all patients. MeRT® uses your qEEG/EKG data to pick the precise location and frequency unique to your brain — a “custom-fit” protocol rather than one-size-fits-all.

    What is a qEEG and why do you do it?
    A qEEG is a quick, painless brainwave recording that maps brain activity. It shows over/under-active regions, connectivity, and markers associated with conditions (depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, TBI, etc.). The qEEG is how we personalize treatment.

  • How long is a qEEG? How do I prepare?
    The eyes-closed qEEG takes about 10 minutes. Come with clean, dry hair (washed the night before) and avoid gels, hairsprays, oils or heavy products — they interfere with sensor contact. Results are typically ready in ~48 hours.

    What happens during a MeRT®/rTMS treatment session?
    A typical in-clinic session lasts about 30–45 minutes. You’ll sit comfortably while magnetic pulses are delivered to targeted brain areas in a series of short trains with restful pauses between them. Sessions are non-invasive and painless for most people.

    How many sessions will I need?
    We generally recommend at least 4–6 weeks (about 20–30 sessions) for meaningful change, though protocols vary. A common schedule is daily sessions (Monday–Friday) for 4–8 weeks. Final duration is decided collaboratively with your clinician based on clinical and EEG progress.

    How soon will I notice improvement?
    Some people notice changes in 1–2 weeks; others take longer. Response varies by individual and condition.

    Do I have to keep returning?
    You decide ongoing care. Some patients complete one course and return later for booster sessions if gains lessen. Longer/complete treatment courses generally lead to longer-lasting benefits.

    If I miss a session, does it ruin progress?
    Consistency matters, especially during the initial assessment week. Missing one day occasionally usually won’t derail overall progress, but we encourage adherence for best results.

  • What conditions is MeRT®/rTMS used for?

    • FDA-cleared (rTMS equipment): Major Depressive Disorder (for adults who haven’t responded adequately to medication). FDA clearance also exists for specific TMS devices/uses like OCD, migraine, and tobacco cessation depending on device and protocol.

    • MeRT® (personalized rTMS): used off-label by many clinics for PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, autism, TBI/concussion, sleep disorders, memory problems, cognitive optimization, and more. Off-label use means research/clinical experience supports it, but FDA clearance for those indications is not established.

    What are common side effects?
    Most side effects are mild and short lived: scalp or tension headache at the stimulation site, transient hyperactivity, increased agitation or euphoria. The most serious risk is seizure, but the overall risk is low. At NEUCOA we limit intensity and closely monitor all patients.

    Are there risks of worsening mood or suicidality?
    As with other brain therapies, mood can change during treatment. Worsening depression or emergent suicidality is possible; we monitor patients closely and will adjust or stop treatment if needed.

    What about long-term effects?
    Evidence and clinical experience suggest benefits can last, especially following complete courses of treatment. If gains diminish, re-treatment is an option.

  • Is MeRT® right for me?
    A consultation and qEEG are needed to determine suitability. Some medical devices or conditions exclude treatment; others require special protocol attention.

    Absolute contraindications (examples)
    (These would exclude cortical MeRT®)

    • Pacemaker, defibrillator, vagal nerve stimulator, cochlear implant

    • Deep brain stimulator or other implanted electrical devices

    • Magnetic intracranial hardware (non-titanium ferrous metal, shrapnel)

    • Aneurysm clips/coils, certain vascular implants

    • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

    • Primary/metastatic central nervous system tumor (unless palliative)

    • Certain metallic implants (depending on location)

    Relative contraindications (may be managed case-by-case)

    • History of seizures or seizure disorder

    • Bipolar I/II, psychotic or schizoaffective disorders

    • Active substance abuse or inability to tolerate medication changes

    • Spinal cord stimulators, certain titanium hardware, magnetic ink tattoos — these require special evaluation

    (We review every patient’s medical history and devices during intake to determine eligibility.)

  • Will my child be able to do this?
    Many children receive qEEG and MeRT® successfully. The biggest parental concern is that a child may not sit calmly or keep eyes closed for the EEG or treatment. Our team is experienced with pediatric patients: parents may be present, we coach families in practice strategies, and we adapt approaches — and it’s OK if a child is imperfect during the process.

    Does the child have to close their eyes during treatment?
    Eyes-closed is recommended for maximum effect, but treatments can still be effective with eyes open. We’ll work with families to maximize comfort and compliance.

  • Why is morning light recommended?
    Exposure to morning blue light (~450–500 nm) helps entrain circadian rhythm — it suppresses daytime melatonin, promotes alertness during the day, and helps melatonin release at night for deeper sleep. Good sleep supports better treatment response.

    How much morning light is recommended?
    Ideally 45–60 minutes of outdoor morning light between about 7am–11am. If outdoor time isn’t possible, a light therapy lamp (10,000 lux, minimal UV) is an effective alternative — typically 30–45 minutes at the recommended distance per the lamp instructions.

  • How long is a treatment visit?
    Plan for 30–45 minutes for a typical MeRT/rTMS session. qEEG recordings take about 10 minutes; the initial clinical evaluation is ~30–45 minutes.

    How much does it cost?
    Pricing varies by location and individualized protocol. Contact us for a current pricing breakdown — we strive to be competitively priced and offer flexible payment options.

    What payment methods do you accept?
    We accept credit/debit cards and ACH (via QuickBooks), cash, and checks. We also offer self-pay discounts for eligible groups (see below).

    Do you accept insurance?
    We accept TRICARE for FDA-approved depression treatment under coverage rules. Generally, TRICARE covers TMS for Major Depressive Disorder when prior treatments (medication/therapy) have failed — our intake team can help verify eligibility and assist with benefits checks. Other commercial insurers vary widely; contact us and we’ll help you check your coverage.

    Do you offer discounts?
    Yes — we proudly support Active Duty, Retired Military, Veterans, First Responders, Healthcare Workers, and Educators with discounted self-pay rates when proof of eligibility is provided.

  • Yes — some patients experience regression over time. In our experience, common contributors include:

    • Excessive alcohol intake

    • Illicit drug use

    • New concussion or TBI

    • General anesthesia (after treatment)

    • Poor sleep habits or lack of morning light

    • Major illness or infection (e.g., severe COVID)

    If regression occurs, patients can often return for additional treatment or booster sessions.

  • Does MeRT® cause pain?
    No — treatments are non-invasive and generally painless. Some patients feel slight tapping or scalp sensations and occasional short-lived headache afterward.

    Will you monitor me during treatment?
    Yes. Patients are observed throughout treatment for any adverse effects or clinical changes. We maintain conservative stimulation settings to minimize seizure risk.

  • If you don’t see your question here, or you want to book a consultation, reach out to our team — we’ll walk you through qEEG scheduling, insurance checks, payment options, and whether MeRT® might be right for you or your child.