We don’t call Neurofeedback a cure; with brain disorders, it’s a matter of getting the brain to function better rather than curing anything. When it comes to problems of brain dysregulation, we would say that there is not a disease to be cured, but a brain to be regulated. However, as brainwaves are regulated many times the symptoms of the dysregulation go away.
After successfully completing Neurofeedback training your prescribed medication may need to be lowered or eliminated, after consulting with your physician. This is because your brain is taking over more of the role of self-regulation. When an individual is decreasing medications while participating in Neurofeedback training it generally takes longer than someone who is not on any medication. It is important for clients to communicate with their prescribing physician regarding Neurofeedback and medications.
Clients are regularly prescribed medications, but prescription can’t teach you how to calm your brain and think through things clearly. Generally, there are only a few areas in the brain causing the symptom, and brain training identifies and targets those areas. Medications tend to affect the entire brain, which is why some medications may cause people to feel run down or tired.
Medications only work when they are taken, so clients become dependent
Many medications are addictive, stopping improperly can produce more stress and withdrawal
Physicians often change medications when unwanted side effects occur or they no longer work as intended. This may cause agitation and confusion while a client’s get used to the newest drug.
Neurofeedback involves learning by the brain; In most instances once your brain learns how to perform at its optimum level, it stays there and no further sessions are needed. Think about learning to ride a bike, was it hard? did you fall? was it difficult? You still learned to keep your balance. Have you forgotten how to ride a bike? At a subconscious level, your brain was sending messages to your muscles to do what they needed to do to keep you upright. Even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years, if you were to get on one today you would be able to ride it, your brain would remember what it is supposed to do to keep your balance.
This is what happens through Neurofeedback. We train your brain to work in a way that will help you be balanced. This learning brings order out of disorder, and the brain will continue to use its new capabilities, and thus reinforce them. So, the effects may be ongoing.
Or how does Neurofeedback help neurological issues, such as a stroke, TBI, concussion, anxiety, sleep problems and PTSD. Once the Brain Map locates the cause of the symptom (the dysregulation), then a variety of methods and equipment can be used based on what is the best for your neurological issues. Neurofeedback locates specific areas of improper brain function or dysregulation, which is often the situation with a stroke, or it can locate neural dysregulation of the various hubs, as seen in a concussion or PTSD. Neurofeedback looks for the cause, such as what specific pathways are dysregulated or brain waves that are over or under activated. In regulating the brain the symptoms dissipate.
Brain mapping has been used for over 30 years to diagnose and measure brain function. It has evolved into a primary tool in neuroscience. QEEG’s are used in research center’s all over the world to study ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, and emotional conditions. So, yes it is!
In the early 1970’s, just as biofeedback was becoming popular medically, insurance reimbursement and Medicare was reduced for biofeedback by about 75%. Money was put into pills for these disorders. As a result, most health providers dropped it, and it was forgotten. The current resurgence came about because of improvements in technology – and by professionals and clients who demand an effective alternative to medications.
The most effective way to approach Neurofeedback training is to “over learn” or “over train.” Don’t quit as soon as symptoms begin to subside. Keep training for at least 3 to 5 more sessions, so your brain really retains what it has learned. Discuss with the psychotherapist about reducing the Neurofeedback training gradually – once a week then once every 2 weeks to once a month, and see if you maintain the improvements.
Let’s say for example you quit Neurofeedback as soon as you see improvement. If in 2 or 7 months from now the symptoms reappear, you’ll probably say the training didn’t work. But Neurofeedback is fundamental learning. Don’t stop till you’ve over-learned otherwise you could end up throwing your time and money away. Repeated practice is necessary for the learning to stick.
Many insurance plans cover Integrated NeuroHealth’s services.
We accept the following providers:
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MEDICADE
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SELECT HEALTH
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BCBS
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TRIWEST
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MOLINA
For those who choose to use an insurance provider we are not credentialed with you can pay us directly and then we can give you a CMS 1500 bill for you to submit to your insurance company. This bill will have the CPT codes used for the sessions and all our information needed for you to submit to your insurance company; then based off your plan the insurance company will reimburse you directly. We accept:
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Cash,
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Checks,
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HSA credit cards
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Standard credit cards
With that said we have teamed up with Advanced Care to help those clients looking for financing, they offer the following
High Approval Rate
Interest Free Periods of up to 14 months
No Sign-Up fees to participate
No collateral required
Secure on-line, paperless application, 100% confidential
Co-signers may be used on your application if needed to improve your chances for approval
No Pre-Payment Penalties
No Punitive Late Fees, you only pay interest on remaining balance after the interest free period
Instant credit decisions
Credit lines from $500 to $25,000 are available to the client
All monies paid during the interest free period are applied directly to the principal
The remaining balance after the interest free period expires is subject to interest
Minimum payments of 2% of the balance are required during the interest free period.
