What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is biofeedback for the brain. The training tends to improve cognitive function, attention, mood, anxiety, and behavior. It helps quiet the mind. It is painless and generally has no side effects.

How does neurofeedback work?
An overview of the process. Connecting electrodes to an amplifier, software, what the therapist sees, and what the client may see.

How is neurofeedback used clinically?
Think of it as regulating central nervous system-related problems or “dysregulation”. It’s commonly used for ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, attachment disorder, autism, panic attacks, peak performance, traumatic brain injury or concussions, seizures, and sleep problems. You often train differently for different problems.

How many sessions are needed?
That’s like asking how many times you need to go to the gym before you get in shape? The answer is different for everyone. It could be 10 visits, or it could be 40. Most people know within 6 sessions whether or not neurofeedback is going to work for them.

How long is each session?
Total session time is usually 30 minutes. There may be some variance depending on the type of equipment or software used, and 30 minutes is a safe average.

How often do you need to come for training?
Twice a week is typical. Three to four times a week can be helpful. Once a week is standardly regarded as the minimum.

When do you stop the training?
We recommend not stopping training the minute symptoms get better. It takes some time for the brain to learn a new habit. By continuing to train a few sessions after you’ve noticed consistent and reliable improvement, you turn the healthier patterns into a new brain habit.

How long before I notice changes from the training?
Many people begin to notice changes within six sessions. Sometimes the client doesn’t notice changes, but people close to them do.

Do symptoms ever get worse with neurofeedback training?
If something can produce positive changes relatively rapidly, is it possible to make symptoms worse, even if just for a short time?

How long does the effect of training last?
In an interview with Dr. Joel Lubar, he reported following up with patients up to 20 years later. Do the effects of training always hold?

Can it be used while a patient is on medication?
Clinicians report that more than half their neurofeedback clients start neurofeedback while taking one or more medications. After training for a while, it is often possible to reduce medication under appropriate supervision.

When doesn’t neurofeedback work?
Just as physicians and psychologists vary in their effectiveness based on their training, knowledge, and people-skills, the same is true of neurofeedback practitioners. Very few things help everyone. While neurofeedback helps, on average, 80% of people who try it, sometimes it just doesn’t work.

How does training transfer to everyday situations?
In neurofeedback training, the “beep” is the sound you hear to remind your brain to return to the goal (to relax, to focus, or a specific goal set for the client). The experience generalizes so when you’re not training, you can be more focused, less anxious, sleep better, be in a better mood, etc.

Do insurance companies reimburse for neurofeedback?
There are ways to code neurofeedback that are both accurate and help increase the chances of it being accepted by insurance.

What’s the right name: neurofeedback, EEG biofeedback, neurotherapy?
No one in the field has agreed to a single name. Several names can be used and are interchangeable.

Is there more than one way to do neurofeedback?
There are multiple approaches to doing neurofeedback. All of them have value. Is there a best one – or at least a best one to get started with? Some clinicians use multiple models. Here’s some info about the various models.

Is neurofeedback experimental?
Neurofeedback has been around for a long time, and the field is constantly evolving. Neurofeedback devices are FDA-approved.

Are there FDA guidelines for neurofeedback instrumentation?
Yes. This is an evolving question, and there are several companies that clearly are registered with the FDA under FDA guidelines. There are others who have chosen not to register, and some controversy exists about their availability.

Can anyone do neurofeedback, or do you have to be licensed?
There are nonlicensed professionals obtaining equipment, then offering services to others. Professionals in the field are very concerned that they are treating without a license. What’s the controversy?