Wondering if you can benefit?
Are you looking for a non-drug solution to help with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, depression, migraines, autism spectrum disorders or any other issue that is related to "brain wiring"?
Would you prefer not to take medication? Alternatively, do you take medication but wonder why it doesn't work very well? Are you looking for a way to optimize your brain so you can think clearly and live peacefully?
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 helps that helps optimize brain wave functioning. It is like a "work out" for your brain, which strengthens the brain's ability to regulate emotions, recover from stress and focus in a healthy way.
The most comprehensive approach to selecting brain training protocols, is to fist conduct a diagnostic procedure called a QEEG, or "brain map". We do this right here in our office, and it is noninvasive and pain-free. Electrodes are placed on 19 different points of the scalp through a funny looking cap like those used in sleep studies. This cap of electrodes measures and monitors "real-time" brain activity. 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 (under function) 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, 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 medical and mental health providers are not aware that it even exists, or believe it is primarily "experimental". In fact, since 2013 the American Academy of Pediatrics' gold standard treatment planning tool, "Practice Wise" has categorized neurofeedback as a Level 1, research supported intervention on the same tier as medication for ADHD. Unfortunately many otherwise excellent pediatricians are not appraised of this. We appreciate traditional approaches, but believe strongly in the the value of teaching the brain to regulate itself to whatever degree possible.
In order to provide top notch quality of service we create 100% customized treatment plans with individualized protocols. We utilize 5 different systems, each better suited to different types of symptom profiles and brain-wave tendencies. While a QEEG (or brainmap) is recommended for the most diagnostic precision, some difficulties easily lend themselves to systems that do not require mapping. The availability of multiple systems - with or without diagnostic mapping- also makes it easier for us to offer neurofeedback in a variety of fee structures. Our goal is to make neurofeedback accessible to as many people as possible. It is my greatest pleasure to watch people flourish with a healthier, more balanced brains!
Neurofeedback is safe and effective for virtually any age- our youngest client was 4 years old, and our oldest is 85.
Our state of the art neurofeedback office includes multiple protocols and systems:
Zengar Neuroptimal
Neurofield
Cygnet
Nexalin
While neurofeedback is not effective for every client (unfortunately nothing is everything to everybody), research supports a 70-80% success rate in significantly reducing symptoms for most people. That means that most clients experience at least moderate, noticeable relief! This is a better success rate than many medications, and has the benefit of being free of long term side-effects. Neurofeedback can be used alongside natural supplements or medication for those who are already taking them, or for anyone with more severe difficulties necessitating a multi-pronged approach.
We invite you to give us a call and see whether neurofeedback can be of help
to you and your loved ones!
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
Neurofeedback for Depression
Northwestern University:
Migraine Headache Relief
Migraine Research Feature Story:
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. Many insurances have begun covering neurofeedback and we are happy to check out your insurance coverage for these services.
Fees are actually slightly below average in this area, because I truly believe in its efficacy and want to make it a viable option. Please keep in mind that fees factor in the cost of high- tech, up-to-date equipment and software (most professional grade machines are upwards of $10,000). We also do not skimp on continuing education and workshops because we are committed to providing 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 tor greatly minimize 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): $325. This is often covered by insurance with out-of-network benefits. This session provides us with an overview of the issues you would like to resolve and helps us create a comprehensive treatment approach to best provide relief.
B. Brain Map Diagnostic Procedure and Treatment Planning: $1000 total
(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: $675; Brain Map Feedback and Treatment
Planning Session: $325)
2. Ongoing Neurofeedback Sessions:
(commonly covered by PIP
insurance, Empire BCBS PPO plans and BCBS Traditional Plan; sometimes covered
by other plans depending on diagnosis and benefit packages)
A. $195 for a typical neurofeedback session with neurofeedback staff. These are usually about 45 minutes, but can be as long as 60 plus with some neurofeedback systems. Session length is based on clinical judgement. Neurofeedback sessions combined with a brief therapy check in are $225.
B. Longer length sessions are prorated as appropriate.
Depending on availability, intake and brain map sessions can be done separately or on the same day. When done on the same day a block of about 90-120 minutes is needed.
Most difficulties can be significantly improved within 30-50 sessions. While some clients notice improvement immediately, it is most typical to note mild improvement between 5-10 session and incremental improvements until completion of treatment. Many clients choose to begin treatment with a "brain boot camp" approach of 3-5 sessions the first few weeks (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.
Additionally many parents and college students choose intensives during the summer, in order to get a significant amount of training in before the new school year. When intensive treatment is not possible, it is typical to come 2-3 x a week for a few months, and then drop down to less frequent sessions for the duration of treatment. Training frequency is similar to physical therapy- we too are training "muscles" so to speak! (The brain is getting retrained- just as your muscles would be!). At times neurofeedback is received just once a week. This can also be effective, though results will take longer to achieve.
Changes are often 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 101 or 103 or email: [email protected]