Neurofeedback Today

Checking with your insurance company Some insurance companies require you to get authorization before you begin treatment. Give your insurance company a call before coming in and determine if this is the case for you.   Also, if you are coming in for neuro­feedback, ask about their policies for covering it. It may depend on why you are coming in. When you talk to them, remember that neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback and may fall under their policies for biofeedback. Unfortunately, I will be out of network for your company because I do not file insurance on behalf of my clients. Most of my clients have PPO policies and reimburse their expenses.

Welcome to my practice!

Congratulations on taking a big step to help yourself or your child. I hope that our work together brings all of the results that you wish. You can choose your first visit to be an informational session to find out more about neurofeedback or (if you already know you want to start neuro­feedback) a full evaluation.

If you are coming in for an informational session and you bring in the appropriate intake and checklists below, we can discuss your situation in more detail, including diagnosis and how neurofeedback may be of benefit to you. We will also discuss alternative treatments. However, you do not have to bring any forms with you. We will still cover the same areas, though in less detail.

If you're coming in for a full evaluation, then it's definitely a good idea to bring the intake form and checklists. Though I can get much of the same information by interview, it is easier and quicker with the forms. I will need them eventually anyway.

To view and print the items below you will need the Adobe Acrobat reader, which most people have. (You can get it here if you don't have it. It is free.)

When you arrive I will ask you to read and sign a statement of confidentiality and office policies. I do this when we meet so that you can ask questions as you read them.

Getting started in neurofeedback sometimes begins with a 50 minute initial consultation to discuss ones needs and whether neurofeedback can help. This occurs when a client is not sure if they want to pursue neurofeedback.

Beginning neurofeedback itself typically takes two to three hours of testing and evaluation. I always do a basic "brain map" which reports the level of arousal of different parts of the brain. This uses simple EEG equipment and helps with both diagnosis and treatment planning. In cases where attention and focus is involved, I also do the computerized Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), which is a test for overall attention and efficiency of brain functioning. After testing is completed I do a one hour clinical evaluation to go over ones history and symptoms in detail, discuss test results, and offer initial treatment suggestions. The cost for each of these three components is $125. As a result, an initial work-up for neurofeedback can cost from $250 to $500 depending on the number of sessions involved and whether an informational session is included.

When TOVA's are used to guide treatment and as a measure of progress they are given after every 20 sessions. The charge for TOVA's after the first one is $50 each.

Though the parking lot for my building is not gated, you will need a pass to put on the dashboard of your car. You can print one out here if you did not print one above with the office directions.

When you are coming in for an evaluation and testing

• Please bring a list of all medications and doses. This information should be entered on the intake questionnaire above.
• It is desirable to take the attention testing without any stimulants in your system. So, please discontinue caffeine for five days prior to testing and stick to decaf beverages. Remember not to eat chococlate, which includes caffeine.
• Also, since the testing must be done in the morning to be accurate, if you or your child are on stimulants such as Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, or Adderal, don't take the morning dose until after the testing. However, take your other medications as usual.
• Please wash your hair on the morning of the evaluation so that the electrodes will adhere properly during the neurofeedback session.