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How does NFB differ from talk therapy?
How long do the effects of NFB last?
Are there any side effects for NFB?
How is NFB tailored to me? OR treat my brain specifically?
How does NFB differ from talk therapy?
Talk therapy can be very effective with its use of cognitive and relational interventions. Talk therapy is what one might see in a move of television show: A therapist is in a soft leather chair sitting across from them in another chair, talking through and processing events, patterns, and emotions. Talk therapy focuses on lived experiences and the relationships between therapist and client is the most powerful factor.
Although a relationship is very important between neurofeedback provider and patient, it is a much more passive process than talk therapy. Neurofeedback training sessions are rather easy. We call them ‘training’ sessions, since the patient will be sitting chair with sensors on their scalp, as the technician uses the equipment to ‘train’ the brain to develop the more adaptive neural pathways. The patient gets to watch a show or a movie of their choice, or listen to music, depending on the training. During this time, as the screen is flashing and the sound is chirping, stimuli that trains the brain to fire differently in order to receive the ‘reward’ of a clear show or sound coming through. Essentially, it’s as easy as watching TV, while the brain is busy learning how to function healthier. Learn about neurofeedback therapy.
How much does NFB cost?
There are a couple of things to consider while budgeting for neurofeedback. We recommend calling around to ask different providers how much they charge for brain maps and how much they charge for each training session.
The brain map is a diagnostic tool that shows us what the brain is doing in an exact location. Neurofeedback providers use this very important tool to fully understand what is causing your discomfort, where in the brain the irregularities live, and what protocols will treat the problem. The brain map is a pre and post treatment assessment, so most practitioners will have you pay for two maps. At iAmClinic, our first map is roughly $550, about half the cost of industry standards. We charge less for an optional second brain map if you should choose to have one down through the course of your treatment. Learn more about the Pros and cons of using insurance for therapy!
The training sessions are ~45-55 minute sessions that we recommend patients make space for weekly, or ideally even two times a week. Typically you will pay $150 for the training session, but at iAmClinic, our sessions are $80 and we offer packages to allow even more savings.
How long do the effects of NFB last?
We are pleased to see in the research, in our personal lives, and in the lives of our clients that the effects of neurofeedback are generally permanent. There are some outlying factors like concussions, substance abuse, or strokes that can affect the brain. But by and large, the effects of neurofeedback will turn on and never turn off.
Are there any side effects for NFB?
Generally speaking, you should not experience any side-effects from QEEG neurofeedback. The brain map gives us so much detail that we are very precise to target the right area of the brain with the right protocol. The only side-effect that you should feel is feeling better.
How do I prepare for NFB?
Neurofeedback is a very easy process. The only thing you need to do is track what medicines you might be taking, what time you took them, and be sure to get a good night’s sleep. Just like preparing for a good workout, we want your brain fully rested for its training sessions.
Is NFB covered by insurance?
Just like any other service and service providers, neurofeedback is only covered by practitioners that are on insurance panels. At iAmClinic, we do not bill insurances directly, but we do provide an insurance reimbursement invoice so that—if your insurance covers neurofeedback—they can reimburse you directly. You are able to use health savings account (HSA) cards to purchase neurofeedback packages, as long as it is in accordance to your own insurance plan.
How is NFB tailored to me? OR treat my brain specifically?
Some Neurofeedback providers base their protocols on nothing but your symptoms. Others will create their protocols solely on the brain map. At iAmClinic, we combine both. We track your symptoms and ensure that what we see in the brain map correlates with your experiences. We then customize the protocol to treat very specific areas in the brain. With these practices in use, we are sure to create a treatment plan that is going to bring relief for your brain, body, and life.
If you have any additional questions, we’re here to help.
