Monarch eTNS®System
Is your child struggling with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity? If you’re looking for an alternative to medication, the Monarch eTNS® System offers a different approach.
Monarch eTNS® is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for children ages 7–12 with ADHD. Rather than using medication, Monarch uses gentle electrical stimulation to activate the trigeminal nerve through a small patch placed on the forehead. The treatment is used at home while your child sleeps, under the supervision of a caregiver.
By gently stimulating this pathway overnight, Monarch is designed to influence brain regions involved in attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. For families looking for a non-medication treatment option, Monarch provides a simple approach that fits into your child’s nighttime routine.
What Conditions Can the Monarch Device Treat?
The Monarch eTNS® System is FDA-cleared for the treatment of:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children ages 7–12
- Pediatric ADHD as a standalone treatment for children who are not currently taking prescription ADHD medication
Monarch eTNS® is intended to be used during sleep at home under the supervision of a caregiver. It is a prescription treatment, and an evaluation with your ResWell provider can help determine whether it may be an appropriate option for your child.
ADHD can affect much more than attention. Difficulties with focus, impulsivity, and self-regulation can influence school, relationships, family life, confidence, and everyday routines. Our goal is to look at the whole child and help your family understand which treatment options may best support your child’s needs.
Our Monarch eTNS® Process – What to Expect
Monarch eTNS® is designed to be simple and comfortable enough to become part of your child’s bedtime routine.
1. Evaluation and Personalized Treatment Planning
We’ll start by learning about your child, their ADHD symptoms, treatment history, and overall mental health. Together, we’ll determine whether Monarch eTNS® is an appropriate treatment option and answer your questions about what to expect.
2. Apply the Forehead Patch at Bedtime
A small, soft adhesive patch is placed on your child’s forehead before bed. The patch connects to the Monarch eTNS® device and delivers gentle stimulation to branches of the trigeminal nerve.
3. Your Child Sleeps While Monarch Works
Once the device is turned on, it delivers mild electrical pulses for approximately eight hours while your child sleeps. Most children describe the sensation as a mild tingling feeling. Treatment takes place at home, so there are no daytime clinic sessions or recovery periods.
4. Remove the Patch in the Morning
When your child wakes up, the patch is removed and the device is ready to be used again the following night.
5. Monitor Progress Together
Clinical studies suggest that changes may become noticeable over several weeks, with some children showing meaningful improvement after approximately four weeks of nightly treatment. We’ll continue to monitor your child’s progress and overall well-being and help you understand what you’re seeing along the way.
How Monarch eTNS® Supports Healing and Well-Being
Monarch eTNS® uses external trigeminal nerve stimulation to gently activate a pathway connected with brain regions involved in attention and executive functioning. Research has found measurable changes in brain activity following treatment, including activity in areas associated with focus and impulse control.
For children who are appropriate candidates, Monarch eTNS® may support well-being by:
Supporting brain activity involved in attention and self-regulation
Helping reduce symptoms associated with ADHD, including difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
Providing treatment during sleep, without disrupting your child’s daytime activities
Offering a non-medication treatment option for families seeking an alternative to prescription ADHD medication
Allowing treatment to take place at home as part of a familiar bedtime routine
Supporting gradual progress over time as part of a personalized mental health treatment plan
Why Choose Monarch eTNS® from ResWell?
At ResWell, we understand that families want options that are evidence-based, personalized, and aligned with their child’s unique needs.
Our Monarch eTNS® program is part of our ResWell team approach, which brings together a collaborative team of mental health professionals to provide coordinated, whole-person care. Rather than looking at ADHD symptoms in isolation, we consider how your child is doing at home, at school, and in their relationships—and how we can support their overall health and well-being.
Personalized Care for Your Child
Every child is different. We begin with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your child’s symptoms, strengths, challenges, treatment history, and goals. If Monarch eTNS® may be appropriate, we’ll help your family understand how it works and what to expect.
An Integrative Approach
Monarch eTNS® can be one part of a broader treatment plan. Depending on your child’s needs, our team can coordinate care that may include psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, nutrition, prescribed movement, mindfulness, and other supportive services.
Expert Guidance and Ongoing Support
You don’t have to navigate a new treatment on your own. Our team is here to answer questions, monitor your child’s progress, and help you understand what you’re seeing throughout the treatment process.
Care That Looks at the Whole Child
At ResWell, we believe mental health is part of overall health. Our goal is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to help children build confidence, resilience, healthy habits, and the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in everyday life.
If you’re exploring non-medication options for your child’s ADHD, we can help you determine whether Monarch eTNS® may be a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Monarch eTNS® work?
Monarch eTNS® uses gentle electrical stimulation to activate the trigeminal nerve through a small patch placed on your child’s forehead. The device delivers mild pulses for about eight hours while your child sleeps. Over time, this stimulation is designed to influence brain networks involved in attention and behavior. Studies have shown it can reduce key ADHD symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity over several weeks.
Is Monarch eTNS® safe for children?
Monarch eTNS® has been studied in children with ADHD and was FDA-cleared for use in children ages 7–12. Clinical studies reported no serious adverse events. Some children experienced mild and temporary effects such as morning drowsiness or a slight headache.
Will my child feel the stimulation?
Most children describe the sensation as a mild tingling feeling. The stimulation is designed to be gentle, and the intensity can be adjusted by the caregiver for comfort. Most children are able to fall asleep easily and remain asleep while using the device.
Does my child wear Monarch eTNS® during the day?
No. Monarch eTNS® is designed to be used overnight while your child sleeps. A caregiver applies the forehead patch at bedtime, turns the device on, and removes the patch in the morning. This means treatment does not require daytime clinic visits or interruptions to your child’s school day.
How long does my child need to use Monarch eTNS®?
Monarch eTNS® is intended for nightly use while your child sleeps. Clinical studies evaluated treatment over several weeks, with symptom improvements observed after approximately four weeks. Your ResWell provider will help you determine the appropriate treatment plan for your child.
When will we notice a difference?
Every child responds differently. In clinical research, improvements in ADHD symptoms were observed after four weeks of treatment, with continued improvement reported over the course of an eight-week study. Individual results will vary.
Does my child need to take ADHD medication with Monarch eTNS®?
Monarch eTNS® is FDA-cleared as an independent treatment for children ages 7–12 with ADHD who are not currently taking prescription ADHD medication. If your child is taking ADHD medication, talk with your ResWell provider about whether Monarch eTNS® is appropriate.
What are the most common side effects?
Some children may experience mild and temporary side effects such as drowsiness, increased appetite, insomnia, slight headaches, or fatigue. Side effects reported in clinical studies were generally light, and no serious adverse events were reported in the studies cited by the manufacturer. Your provider can discuss potential risks and benefits with you before treatment begins.
Will my child need to stay at ResWell during treatment?
No. Monarch is designed for use at home while your child sleeps, under caregiver supervision. Your ResWell team will provide guidance and ongoing support as your child uses the device.
Is Monarch eTNS® right for every child with ADHD?
Not necessarily. Monarch eTNS® is currently FDA-cleared for children ages 7–12 with ADHD who are not taking prescription ADHD medication. It is also contraindicated for children with certain implanted electronic or metallic devices, including pacemakers, neurostimulators, or metallic/electronic implants in the head. A comprehensive evaluation is the best way to determine whether Monarch eTNS® is appropriate for your child.
What if I have questions during treatment?
At ResWell, our team provides ongoing guidance and support throughout your child’s treatment journey. We’ll help you understand how to use the device, what to watch for, and how to monitor your child’s progress over time. You can reach out to us any time with questions.
