Are you looking for a non-drug solution to ADHD/ADD, learning disabilities, OCD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, migraines, autism or any other issue that is related to "brain wiring"?

Would you prefer not to take medication?

Or are you taking medication but still not getting full symptom relief?

Do you feel frustrated and worried because attentional problems, anxiety, depression, impulsivity or other "brain wiring" issues get in the way of academic success, work performance, relationship stability or overall happiness?

Do you wish your brain would just do what you want it to do?

Many clients joke that they would go for "a brain transplant" if it were possible. Understandably, they want to be more in control of their thoughts and reactions.  They know what they should be doing, but their brain just doesn't listen.  The "give me a brain transplant" sentiment is especially strong for my clients with ADD, learning disabilities, anxiety, OCD, chronic depression, and migraine headaches, where the main problem is a genetic predisposition causing the brain to be over or underactive in certain areas. 

In recent years psychologists and physicians have discovered that a certain type of biofeedback- called neurofeedback or EEG Biofeedback- is even better than the proverbial "brain transplant".  Neurofeedback is a noninvasive computer-based procedure that is similar to an EKG.  Electrodes are placed on 19 different points of the scalp so that "real-time" brain activity can be monitored.  While this may sound overwhelming, most clients find it rather "cool".  The electrodes measure brain wave activity to determine which brain areas are overactive, which are underactive, and which have "connectivity" problems (yes, like a computer that can't function right!). 

Once the EEG has located the dysregulated areas of the brain, we know which parts need fine tuning, and subsequent sessions can retrain the brain waves in the affected areas to promote optimal functioning.  For example, most people with attention, organization and time management problems have too many slow waves (underfunction) in the prefrontal cortex, which is the front area of the brain.  Anxiety symptoms are usually related to overactive functioning and high beta frequencies in "worry centers" of the brain, like the cingulate gyrus.  Slow processing speeds/learning disabilities have a few different origins, including slow brain waves in processing centers and connectivity problems (so different parts of the brain take longer to communicate information to each other).  And the list goes on in terms of what can be found.... 

Neurofeedback is the most cutting edge type of treatment available for ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, migraine headaches, and many other issues, because it truly solves core problems in brain functioning.  Most other treatments, including medication, just compensate for the problem in a more band-aid like approach.  Neurofeedback, on the other hand, actually promotes permanent healing.

Many studies support the use of neurofeedback and a growing number of physicians are raving about its success.  Nonetheless, many providers are not aware that it even exists, or confuse it with general biofeedback, which is not nearly as effective for most issues.  Since doing my own research on neurofeedback, I have begun to refer clients for sessions, and have witnessed an array of consistently positive results.  I have been so impressed with the effects that I decided to obtain training and include neurofeedback in my treatment recommendations for a wide range of issues. 

In order to provide top notch quality of service I have teamed up with a leading expert in the field to serve as a consultant and create 100% customized treatment plans.  My consultant, Michael Gismondi, is able to create a personalized "brain map" in-house (rather than sending it out to be analyzed) and tailor a neurofeedback protocol to each individual client.  Mike has been practicing neurofeedback for over 20 years and has close relationships with numerous authors and researchers in the field.  He organizes workshops for providers, is an active member of biofeedback and neurofeedback forums and writes a monthly column for the association's newsletters.  He uses a variety of machinery and software to best fit each individual's needs and stays abreast of the latest technological advances (which is vital in this field).  For instance, for many issues he is now able to cut treatment time in half through the use of the Lens and Nexis, two forms of "passive neurofeedback" which are recent advances in neurofeedback technology.
 
Interested in seeing real people talk about their experiences with neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback for ADD/ADHD

Sam's Story, Neurofeedback from a young boy's perspective http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYLtM0RrIJU

ABC Morning News: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7hYs3YQlkw

News 10 Feature Story, "Cody's Story": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUgUEkOOiTI


Neurofeedback for Depression

Northwestern University: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoWZJvE3098 

Migraine Headache Relief

Migraine Research Feature Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwT0iEmCcVU&feature=related

General Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback Feature Story, A Talk Show Host's Brain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyatnub3f0Y

Neurofeedback for PTSD 

A Veteran's Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe370IjZbVI

How Much Does Neurofeedback Cost?

Fees for neurofeedback are listed below. Fees are actually slightly below average in this area, because I truly believe in its efficacy and want to make it a viable option. Keep in mind that fees factor in the cost of high- tech, up-to-date equipment and software (some machines are more than $5,000) and ongoing continuing education to give you the most progressive, high quality service possible.

Many people view neurofeedback like braces. While initial fees can seem daunting, the cost is actually very little when compared to the potential long lasting benefits. 

Neurofeedback often creates permanent corrections in brain functioning that ultimately save much time and money.  For example, the cost of extra therapy, medication, tutoring, specialized education and/or lost educational and career opportunities can easily be far more than a few months of neurofeedback. 

In many cases neurofeedback is able to actually correct the underlying brain wave dysfunction!  Instead of compensating for problems, you or your child can be free of the problem!  

1. The initial evaluation is broken up as follows:

A. New Patient Intake Assessment (45-60 minute evaluation): $300.  This is often covered by insurance and may be waived if you are currently in counseling with myself or another provider.  This session provides me with an overview of the issues you would like to resolve and helps me create a comprehensive treatment approach to best provide relief.

B. Brain Map Diagnostic Procedure, Testing Evaluations and Treatment Planning: $750 (Typically this spans two sessions)
This is technically broken down into a few different billing codes and procedures, some of which may be covered by insurance.
(Diagnostic EEG brain imaging to pin-point "problem" areas of the brain and appropriate psychological inventories to assess baseline functioning and areas of concern: $550; Brain Map Feedback and Treatment Planning: $200)

Sophisticated learning disability assessment packages involve an extra $400 fee due to the use of additional specialized programming, reports and assessment time.  (This is actually still far less than a traditional learning disability assessment and gives more direct and valuable information for remediation)

2. Ongoing Neurofeedback Sessions:
(generally covered by PIP and BCBS Traditional Plan, sometimes covered by other plans depending on diagnosis and benefit packages)

A. $150 for a 45 minute session with the neurofeedback specialist or myself.

B. $130 for a 45-60 minute session with a technician.

C. Sessions may sometimes consist of a combination of therapy and neurofeedback (eg 20 minutes of counseling and 30-45 minutes of neurofeedback).  Fees are then adjusted as appropriate to include both aspects of the session (usually about $175 total, as a therapy session would be, but divided between two billing codes).

D. Longer length sessions are prorated as appropriate.

Depending on availability, intake and brainmap sessions can be done separately or on the same day. When done on the same day a block of about 90-100 minutes is needed.

Most difficulties can be significantly improved within 30-40 sessions.  While some clients notice improvement immediately, it is most typical to note mild improvement between 6-12 session and incremental improvements until completion of treatment.  Many clients choose to begin treatment with a "brain boot camp" approach of 3-10 sessions the first week (sometimes doing double or triple sessions a few days in a row).  This greatly accelerates results and can create dramatic improvements in a short time frame.  This is an especially attractive option when the problem is acute, or there is a crisis situation like academic failure, threats of school or work suspension, or extreme anxiety.  When intensive treatment is not possible, it is typical to come twice a week for a few months, just as one might for physical therapy.  (The brain is getting retrained- just as you rmuscles would be!).    

Changes are generally permanent and wide-reaching!  (Booster sessions are sometimes needed, but they are generally few and far between)

To learn more about neurofeedback's potential benefits, or set up an appointment call 973-815-0777, ext 201 or 253 or email: DrMiriam@MiriamAdlerTherapy.com