How MeRT works

Your brain is unique.
Your treatment should start there.

MeRT® begins with a detailed map of your brainwave patterns — then builds a treatment protocol around exactly what it finds. Non-invasive, drug-free, physician-led.

Schedule a no-cost introductory call MeRT vs standard TMS

EEG-guided magnetic brain stimulation — personalized to your brainwave patterns

MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is an advanced application of FDA-cleared rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) that begins with a quantitative EEG brain map rather than a fixed protocol. The EEG reveals your dominant brainwave frequency, where neural communication is breaking down, and what a personalized treatment protocol should look like.

Standard rTMS uses the same frequency and location for every patient. MeRT uses your EEG data to tune the stimulation to your brain's specific patterns — and repeats the EEG at weeks two, four, and six so the protocol can adjust as your brain responds to treatment.

1

Quantitative EEG brain mapping

Records your brainwave activity in detail — revealing your dominant frequency, coherence patterns, and where dysregulation exists. No needles, no discomfort.

2

Physician-designed protocol

Dr. Wallace analyzes your EEG and designs a treatment protocol specific to your brainwave frequency and patterns — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

3

Daily in-office sessions

Monday through Friday, approximately 30–45 minutes per session, for about six weeks. The EEG cap is comfortable; most patients read or rest during treatment.

4

EEG re-evaluation × 3

The EEG is repeated at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The protocol adjusts at each point as your brain responds — few outpatient neurostimulation approaches does this.

Standard TMS uses a fixed protocol.
MeRT starts with a map of your brain.

Before any treatment begins, a quantitative EEG records your brainwave activity — revealing your dominant frequency, where communication is breaking down, and what a personalized protocol should look like. The EEG is then repeated at weeks two, four, and six so the protocol adjusts as your brain responds.

Standard rTMS
  • —Fixed frequency for every patient
  • —Same location regardless of your EEG
  • —No brain mapping at intake
  • —Protocol doesn't adjust during treatment
  • —No results EEG at end of course
MeRT at BTM
  • ✓Protocol built from your qEEG data
  • ✓Targets your specific dysregulated networks
  • ✓Brainwave mapping before treatment begins
  • ✓EEG repeated at weeks 2, 4, and 6
  • ✓Before-and-after EEG at results appointment

Full MeRT vs TMS comparison →

We treat the whole person — not just the diagnosis

Brain Treatment Center Michigan operates on a functional medicine foundation. That means we don't just look at your condition as an isolated brain event — we consider the full picture: neurological patterns, systemic inflammation, nutritional status, sleep, hormones, and the other factors that contribute to how your brain functions.

Our CMO Dr. Ramona Wallace, DO brings a functional medicine lens to every patient evaluation. MeRT and functional medicine are a natural pairing — both are personalized, data-driven, and focused on root cause rather than symptom suppression.

What patients ask before they start

Is MeRT the same as TMS?

MeRT uses the same FDA-cleared rTMS equipment as standard TMS, but with a fundamentally different approach. Standard TMS applies a fixed protocol to every patient. MeRT begins with a quantitative EEG to map your specific brainwave patterns, then builds a protocol around those findings — and repeats the EEG during treatment so the protocol can adjust as your brain responds.

What conditions does MeRT treat?

MeRT is used at Brain Treatment Center Michigan for autism spectrum disorder, depression and treatment-resistant MDD, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, Long COVID neurological symptoms, and anxiety. Because MeRT is built around your individual EEG data rather than a fixed protocol, it can be applied across a wide range of neurological conditions.

Is MeRT covered by insurance?

FDA-cleared TMS is a covered benefit under many insurance plans for treatment-resistant depression, including TRICARE and VA Community Care Network. Coverage for other conditions varies. Our team verifies benefits for every patient before treatment begins — contact care team to start that process.

How long does treatment take?

A standard MeRT course runs approximately six weeks — five days a week, Monday through Friday. Each session is 30–45 minutes. The EEG is repeated at weeks two, four, and six. Most patients are able to drive themselves and continue working during treatment.

Does MeRT hurt?

No. The EEG recording involves wearing a comfortable cap with sensors — no needles, no discomfort. The magnetic stimulation itself is non-invasive; most patients describe a gentle tapping sensation on the scalp. There is no recovery time and no sedation required.

MeRT technology as featured in

Wall Street JournalWashington PostThe DoctorsNBC SportsDefense OneUS Air Force

Schedule a no-cost introductory call

We currently have limited new patient availability at both locations. Our care team will reach out within one business day — no commitment required — just a conversation about your situation and whether MeRT may be right for you.

Call (269) 430-7966 — ask for our care team
Metro Detroit (Sterling Heights) & Grand Rapids

Send us a message

Please do not include detailed medical information in this form. A coordinator will contact you to discuss your situation through appropriate channels.

If we miss your call, we will try you twice more before the end of the next business day. We typically respond within one business day. Your information is never shared.

What happens next:

1. Our care team calls you within one business day
2. They answer your questions and check insurance if applicable
3. If it's a fit, they schedule your evaluation — no obligation at any step.

Ready to learn more about MeRT?

Request Consultation