What Is PTSD?
Rewiring the Brain for Long-Term PTSD Relief
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, happens after we go through something deeply painful, frightening, or traumatic, like an accident, abuse, or combat. Our brain can stay “stuck” in survival mode, even long after the event is over. We may have nightmares, flashbacks, feel on edge, or avoid reminders of what happened. It can also affect our mood, sleep, and relationships. PTSD isn’t a sign of weakness—it simply means the brain needs help recovering. And with the right support, it can.
Break Free from PTSD: A Brain-Based Approach to Healing
The Problem: Why Does PTSD Feel Impossible to Overcome?
If you’re experiencing persistent flashbacks, anxiety, or emotional numbness, you’re not alone. Many individuals with PTSD struggle with:
PTSD changes the way the brain functions—it’s not just a psychological condition, but a neurological one.
The good news? Your brain can heal and rewire itself with the right approach.
Why PTSD Is Often Misdiagnosed (Or Missed Entirely)
Could It Be…
A misdiagnosis can lead to years of ineffective treatments.
That’s why Brain Wellness Center uses advanced brain imaging and cognitive assessments to identify the root cause of your symptoms.
One Less Worry: Drug-Free PTSD Treatment for Long-Term Healing
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can deeply impact your daily life, making it difficult to regulate emotions, focus, and feel at peace. While medications are often prescribed, they don’t always provide lasting relief and can come with unwanted side effects.
Our innovative brain-based treatments offer a drug-free way to restore emotional balance and reduce PTSD symptoms.
With our advanced treatments, you can heal your brain naturally and regain emotional stability.
A Data-Driven Approach to Identifying Trauma-Related Brain Patterns
qEEG Brain Mapping – The Science of Understanding PTSD’s Impact on the Brain
qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) is an advanced brain imaging tool that measures electrical activity in the brain, pinpointing the neurological disruptions caused by PTSD.
How Does qEEG Help?
qEEG Brain Mapping is the first step toward a customized, effective recovery plan.
Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Regulate PTSD Symptoms & Restore Emotional Balance
qpTMS™ (Quantum Phased Targeted Magnetic Stimulation) – Rewiring the Brain for Emotional Stability
qpTMS™ is an advanced, personalized form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) designed to help individuals recover from PTSD by stimulating and rebalancing key brain regions affected by trauma.
How Does qpTMS™ Work?
qpTMS™ is a smarter, more refined form of TMS—helping you regain emotional stability and control.
Helping Your Brain Learn to Regulate Emotional Responses & Reduce Overactivation
Neurofeedback – Training the Brain to Recover from PTSD Triggers
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive brain training technique that helps retrain the brain’s response to trauma by regulating brainwave activity linked to PTSD symptoms. Many individuals with PTSD experience:
How Does Neurofeedback Help?
Neurofeedback Can Be Done at Home Under Our Supervision
We offer remote neurofeedback training, allowing individuals to train their brains for PTSD recovery from home.
Using Light Therapy to Calm the Nervous System & Restore Emotional Stability
Passive Near-Infrared Light Treatment (PnIR) – Supporting Brain Healing & Emotional Balance
Near-Infrared Light Therapy (PnIR) is a groundbreaking treatment that delivers targeted 810nm wavelength light energy to stimulate brain healing, reduce hyperarousal, and restore emotional balance in individuals recovering from PTSD.
How Does PnIR Work?
PnIR Can Be Done at Home Under Our Supervision
For individuals unable to travel for treatment, PnIR can be administered from the comfort of home with our expert guidance.
Why Choose Brain Wellness Center for PTSD Recovery?
What Sets Us Apart?
At Brain Wellness Center, we specialize in science-backed, drug-free treatments that help individuals recover from PTSD naturally.
Our treatments are designed to restore emotional balance, improve resilience, and support lasting recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Diagnosis and Assessment - PTSD
- Neurofeedback and Brain Training - PTSD
- Passive Near-Infrared Light Therapy (PnIR) - PTSD
- PTSD
- PTSD Insurance
- qpTMS™ Treatment - PTSD
- Treatment Planning and Outcomes - PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness. Brain Wellness Center provides personalized, non-invasive treatments for PTSD.
PTSD can result from events such as combat, assault, accidents, or childhood trauma. Genetics, brain chemistry, and environment also play roles. We assess your unique history to create tailored care plans.
Symptoms often include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, irritability, and avoidance behaviors. Brain Wellness Center uses brain-based therapies to help manage and reduce these symptoms.
PTSD can last for months or years if untreated. With the right support and treatment, many individuals find significant, lasting improvement.
Yes. PTSD affects all age groups. Symptoms may differ by age, so Brain Wellness Center offers age-appropriate evaluations and treatment options.
Yes. We offer drug-free therapies like qpTMS™, neurofeedback, and PnIR that are highly effective for many PTSD patients.
PTSD is trauma-specific and includes flashbacks and avoidance, while anxiety and depression are broader mood conditions. We use qEEG brain mapping to differentiate and guide treatment.
While there’s no universal cure, many people achieve long-term relief. Brain Wellness Center focuses on brain regulation and emotional healing for lasting change.
Triggers are external cues (sounds, smells, places) that recall the traumatic event and cause distress. We help reduce sensitivity to triggers through personalized therapy.
Our patients often come to us after traditional treatments have failed. Our neuroplasticity-based tools like qpTMS™ and neurofeedback offer new hope and effective results.
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) is a non-invasive brain scan that records electrical activity. It helps detect abnormal patterns related to PTSD—such as hyperarousal or emotional dysregulation—guiding personalized treatment strategies.
PTSD is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including clinical interviews and standardized tests. At Brain Wellness Center, we enhance this process with brain-based tools like qEEG for more personalized insights.
Yes. Brain patterns associated with PTSD can remain even when symptoms aren’t active. qEEG helps us identify lingering issues and provide proactive care.
qEEG shows different signatures for each condition. PTSD often involves overactive fear centers and underactive frontal areas, while anxiety and depression show other patterns. This helps ensure accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Yes. This testing evaluates functions like memory, focus, and emotional processing, which are commonly affected by PTSD. Brain Wellness Center combines this with qEEG for a comprehensive care plan.
qpTMS™ (Quantum Phased Targeted Magnetic Stimulation) is a personalized form of TMS therapy, guided by qEEG brain mapping. It targets the specific brain circuits disrupted by PTSD and is exclusively available at Brain Wellness Center.
Unlike standard TMS, qpTMS™ uses qEEG data to individualize coil placement, pulse strength, and stimulation timing, enabling precise targeting of PTSD-related brain regions such as those linked to fear and trauma.
No. MeRT is a trademark, while qpTMS™ is Brain Wellness Center’s proprietary approach. Both use FDA-cleared hardware, but qpTMS™ involves deeper analysis and custom calibration based on qEEG data.
The TMS devices used in qpTMS™ are FDA-cleared. While the customized protocol is not separately submitted to the FDA, it adheres to clinical best practices and utilizes validated technologies.
Yes. qpTMS™ is non-invasive and safe. Most patients experience only mild, temporary side effects like a slight headache. The seizure risk is extremely low—about 1 in 70,000 sessions.
Most patients require 30–40 sessions over 6–8 weeks. Each treatment plan is tailored based on individual qEEG findings and symptom severity.
Many patients feel improvements—such as reduced anxiety or better sleep—within 2–3 weeks. Others may need longer. Progress is closely monitored and adjusted as needed.
Yes. It helps regulate brain regions tied to emotional memory, fear, and arousal—reducing symptoms like flashbacks, panic, and reactivity.
TMS is generally covered for depression. If PTSD symptoms overlap with treatment-resistant depression, insurance may approve coverage. Brain Wellness Center handles verification.
Absolutely. For best results, it can be integrated with neurofeedback, PnIR, and psychotherapy in a comprehensive treatment plan.
Neurofeedback is a technique that trains your brain to self-regulate using real-time feedback on brain wave activity. Brain Wellness Center uses this method to calm overactive stress circuits and restore emotional balance in PTSD patients.
It reduces hyperarousal, improves sleep, and enhances emotional regulation by retraining dysregulated brain patterns commonly seen in PTSD. Many patients also experience fewer flashbacks and less anxiety.
Yes. Neurofeedback is completely non-invasive and drug-free. It has no known long-term side effects and is well tolerated by most individuals.
Yes. Brain Wellness Center offers remote-supervised, home-based neurofeedback programs—making it easier for patients to receive consistent care.
While timelines vary, most PTSD patients see improvement after 20–30 sessions. Brain Wellness Center monitors your progress and adjusts the plan accordingly.
PnIR (Photobiomodulation with Near-Infrared light) therapy uses 810nm light to stimulate brain tissue, promote healing, and reduce inflammation. It is non-invasive and offered at Brain Wellness Center.
PnIR calms the nervous system, enhances mood stability, and boosts brain function—addressing core trauma symptoms such as anxiety, cognitive fog, and dysregulation.
Yes. PnIR is FDA-cleared, painless, and safe for neurological use. All sessions are supervised by Brain Wellness Center clinicians to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Yes. Portable PnIR devices are available for home use under remote supervision from the Brain Wellness Center team.
Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes and are conducted 3–5 times per week, depending on your personalized treatment plan.
At Brain Wellness Center, we utilize qEEG data to design a personalized treatment plan combining qpTMS™, neurofeedback, PnIR, and trauma-sensitive guidance for optimal results.
Improved emotional stability, reduced startle response, better sleep, and a decrease in anxiety and trauma-related symptoms.
Most patients experience sustained improvements, especially with maintenance or booster sessions.
Yes. We specialize in non-pharmacological interventions but collaborate with prescribers when needed.
There is no known cure, but long-term relief is achievable with the right treatment.
No. We recommend maintaining medication stability during TMS to accurately assess treatment response.
Costs vary by treatment plan. Contact Brain Wellness Center for current self-pay rates and payment options.
Yes. We accept all major credit cards.
Yes. You can pay using Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts.
No. Most patients complete treatment in 6–8 weeks, with some requiring occasional maintenance sessions.
Some patients benefit from periodic booster sessions, especially during high-stress periods.
Many experience long-term results, especially when supported by lifestyle and therapeutic follow-up.
We offer up to 5 sessions per day. More than one session daily is out-of-pocket. Studies show similar safety and efficacy as longer protocols.
Yes, for eligible patients. Insurance covers 1 session/day. Extra sessions are self-pay.
Yes. Stanford studies show multiple sessions per day are safe.
Yes. You can pay for additional sessions while insurance covers one per day.
Yes. You can resume all normal activities, including driving.
No. TMS is non-invasive and doesn’t involve sedation.
PTSD symptoms overlap with anxiety and depression. We use qEEG to ensure accurate diagnosis.
No. We conduct our own assessment to determine eligibility.
Dr. Hashemian prefers a conservative, patient-centered pace focused on long-term results.
Currently, no insurance plan covers TMS for children. Some plans may consider coverage for patients 15 years or older, but most require the patient to be at least 18 years of age. Brain Wellness Center can discuss alternative options for younger individuals experiencing PTSD.
Insurance companies currently approve TMS coverage primarily for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). However, many individuals with PTSD also meet criteria for MDD, making them eligible for insurance-covered TMS. Brain Wellness Center can assess your symptoms and explore coverage options.
Major Depression is a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms such as persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, and sleep disturbance. For insurance coverage, most providers define MDD as scoring 20 or higher on the PHQ-9 depression scale. This form is available on the Brain Wellness Center website.
Brain Wellness Center primarily uses MagVenture, a leading FDA-cleared TMS system also used by major research centers such as Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Toronto.
Yes, Brain Wellness Center currently has a BrainsWay system on-site. However, it is rarely used today. We previously used BrainsWay more frequently but have transitioned to newer technologies that offer greater precision for PTSD patients.
Yes, Brain Wellness Center used NeuroStar when it first became FDA-approved in 2008. However, it was retired from our practice in 2013 due to its limitations as a first-generation TMS system.
Dr. Hashemian trained with Magstim in 2003 during his initial TMS certification. While Brain Wellness Center does not currently use Magstim-branded equipment, BrainsWay devices are powered by Magstim technology, so in essence, we have used this platform.
Yes. BrainsWay coined the term “Deep TMS” and uses an H-coil system designed to reach deeper brain structures. However, clinical studies have shown that newer MagVenture protocols used at Brain Wellness Center can achieve equal or greater depth with more flexibility.
Yes. MagVenture is our standard platform, in use at Brain Wellness Center since 2016. It is FDA-cleared, widely respected in academic and clinical circles, and supports both standard and advanced protocols including theta burst.
Yes, Brain Wellness Center currently has a Nexstim device available. It is used rarely, as it requires patients to undergo an MRI scan for neuronavigation. We have found that qEEG-based targeting is more convenient and informative, making Nexstim less commonly used in our practice.
Yes, Brain Wellness Center has CloudTMS on-site. It is rarely used but remains available.
Yes, Brain Wellness Center is equipped to administer Theta Burst protocols when clinically appropriate. These are rapid, shorter-duration sessions often used in research and accelerated models.
Yes. All of our TMS treatments at Brain Wellness Center are based on repetitive TMS (rTMS), which is the standard FDA-approved form of TMS involving repeated magnetic pulses.
TMS is the general term for transcranial magnetic stimulation. rTMS (repetitive TMS) refers to the protocol of delivering multiple pulses in a series. All FDA-approved treatments, including the ones Brain Wellness Center provides, are forms of rTMS.
While Brain Wellness Center does not offer pTMS as a labeled service, this term is sometimes used generically to describe “personalized” TMS. The level of customization in qpTMS™ far exceeds what’s commonly referred to as pTMS.
pTMS is a loosely defined term for personalized TMS. In contrast, qpTMS™ (Quantum Phased Targeted Magnetic Stimulation) is a proprietary, data-driven protocol that uses qEEG brain mapping to precisely calibrate stimulation location, intensity, and phase for each individual, a unique offering at Brain Wellness Center.
No, Brain Wellness Center does not use MeRT. It is not a unique treatment method but a trademarked interpretation protocol using standard TMS hardware.
MeRT is a trademark—like “Big Mac” is to McDonald’s—not a distinct procedure. Both MeRT and qpTMS™ use FDA-approved TMS equipment, but the difference lies in the data interpretation and targeting methodology. Brain Wellness Center’s qpTMS™ uses comprehensive qEEG analysis and proprietary algorithms to guide treatment with significantly greater precision and clinical flexibility.
Many people have experienced trauma but don’t realize its lasting impact. If you’re struggling with anxiety, sleep issues, emotional numbness, or hypervigilance, Brain Wellness Center can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if PTSD or another trauma-related condition is present and guide you to appropriate care.
Although the FDA has approved TMS for depression, Blue Shield currently covers TMS treatment to treat depression only, not PTSD as a primary diagnosis. However, many PTSD patients still qualify because they also meet criteria for treatment-resistant depression.
Although the FDA has approved TMS for depression, Blue Cross currently covers TMS treatment to treat depression only, not PTSD as a primary diagnosis. Many PTSD patients still qualify if they have a coexisting diagnosis of major depression.
Although the FDA has approved TMS for depression, Anthem currently covers TMS treatment to treat depression only, not PTSD directly. Patients with PTSD often meet insurance criteria if depression is also documented.
Although the FDA has approved TMS for depression, Cigna only covers TMS when the primary diagnosis is depression. Many individuals with PTSD qualify if depression is also part of their condition.
Although the FDA has approved TMS for depression, Aetna limits coverage to cases of treatment-resistant depression. If a PTSD patient also has major depression, they may still be eligible for TMS.
Although TMS is approved for depression, Magellan covers it only under a depression diagnosis. PTSD patients may still qualify for coverage if they meet the criteria for major depressive disorder.
Medicare currently covers TMS treatment for major depressive disorder only. If a PTSD patient also suffers from qualifying depression, treatment may still be covered.
Value Options covers TMS treatment when it is used to treat major depressive disorder. PTSD is not yet approved as a standalone diagnosis for coverage, but co-occurring depression may qualify.
TriWest covers TMS under depression treatment guidelines. While PTSD itself is not yet covered, patients may still qualify if major depression is also diagnosed.
TriCare covers TMS for depression only at this time. PTSD patients may be approved if they also meet criteria for treatment-resistant depression.
MHN limits TMS coverage to patients with major depression. Many individuals with PTSD meet these criteria and can still receive treatment coverage.
Covered California plans generally cover TMS for depression, not PTSD directly. However, many PTSD patients are eligible when depression is a coexisting condition.
Health Net provides TMS coverage for depression only. PTSD patients may be approved if their symptoms overlap with and qualify as treatment-resistant depression.
Beacon Health Options typically authorizes TMS treatment for major depressive disorder. PTSD patients may qualify if they also carry a diagnosis of depression.
Quantum covers TMS under major depression guidelines. While PTSD is not currently listed as a covered condition, co-occurring depression may allow for insurance approval.
Evernorth covers TMS treatment for depression. If PTSD is accompanied by a qualifying diagnosis of major depression, coverage is still possible.
Carelon’s coverage is limited to major depression. However, PTSD patients may qualify if a secondary diagnosis of depression is present and meets insurance criteria.
Medi-Cal covers TMS for depression only. PTSD patients may still be eligible if they also meet criteria for major depressive disorder.
County Health Plans typically align with Medi-Cal and commercial insurer policies, covering TMS for depression only. Co-occurring depression in PTSD patients may qualify for approval.
Yes. Many patients choose to accelerate their treatment by paying for extra sessions themselves while their insurance covers one session per day at Brain Wellness Center.
Once all paperwork is completed, Brain Wellness Center can usually obtain insurance authorization within 2 to 5 business days.
Insurance covers one session per day, five days a week, for a total of 36 sessions over approximately seven and a half weeks, as guided by Brain Wellness Center.
Yes. Brain Wellness Center offers a free initial consultation where a doctor will assess your history to determine if you are likely to qualify. We then verify benefits and send your coverage and copay information by text.
No. TMS is a covered benefit under most plans in California, but prior authorization is required. Brain Wellness Center handles all insurance communications and paperwork for you.
Currently, no insurance plan covers TMS for children. Some plans may consider coverage for patients 15 years or older, but most require the patient to be at least 18 years of age. Brain Wellness Center can discuss alternative options for younger individuals experiencing PTSD.
Insurance companies currently approve TMS coverage primarily for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). However, many individuals with PTSD also meet criteria for MDD, making them eligible for insurance-covered TMS. Brain Wellness Center can assess your symptoms and explore coverage options.
Major Depression is a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms such as persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, and sleep disturbance. For insurance coverage, most providers define MDD as scoring 20 or higher on the PHQ-9 depression scale. This form is available on the Brain Wellness Center website.
Once all paperwork is completed, Brain Wellness Center can usually obtain insurance authorization within 2 to 5 business days.
Insurance covers one session per day, five days a week, for a total of 36 sessions over approximately seven and a half weeks, as guided by Brain Wellness Center.
Yes. Brain Wellness Center offers a free initial consultation where a doctor will assess your history to determine if you are likely to qualify. We then verify benefits and send your coverage and copay information by text.
No. TMS is a covered benefit under most plans in California, but prior authorization is required. Brain Wellness Center handles all insurance communications and paperwork for you.