Frequently Asked Mental Health Questions in Raleigh NC

There are no chemicals or magnetic energy inputs from Neurofeedback so side-effects are rare.  You may experience short-lived negative effects after training, but these effects are mild and are usually gone the next day. The most common side effect is mental fatigue after a session because Neurofeedback is learning and learning uses a lot of energy. Other side effects such as dizziness are typically from medication but may be exacerbated by the improvements gained with neurofeedback. Usually, we can alter the training so that negative effects do not occur.

No.  However, it may be possible to reduce a medication dose or eliminate taking a medication all together after an initial period of neurofeedback and consultation with the prescribing doctor.

Neurofeedback has been a part of successful mental health treatment since the 1950’s and has recently seen tremendous advances in technology and in clinical use. Neurofeedback is one of only a few ways to actually see what is happening in our brains and knowing how your brain functions is a logical first step in successful treatment. In the same way that blood work is consulted before prescribing medication or MRI studies are taken before surgery Neurofeedback provides the clinician with powerful information to help make an informed diagnosis.
Still, many physicians are too busy to stay up with the latest research information and you may encounter skepticism. Skepticism just means more research is required.  These resources can be helpful.

www.isnr.org/isnr-comprehensive-bibliography
www.aapb.org
www.aboutneurofeedback.com
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/
American Academy of Pediatrics Research 

Neurofeedback, like many other natural treatments, currently has limited coverage under insurance. The Veteran’s Administration is a notable exception and often sends us referrals to help cope with pain and PTSD. This may be a good option for you if you are a Veteran. If not, talk with our staff if financing is an issue for you and your family. Getting you the care you need is a priority at Brainworks.

Total time from check in to the end of your session is less than1 hour. One session per week is the minimum recommendation to see improvement while additional weekly sessions will help individuals see improvement faster.
Home units are available to decrease travel time and allow the opportunity for a more focused training schedule.
Neurofeedback, like any kind of learning, is best with practice and consistency.  The rate of progress is unique to each person and depends on variables such as age, severity of the condition and medication status.  Most people see progress within 5-15 sessions with family members often noticing positive changes first. The average treatment plan for most people is 30 sessions. A minimum of 20 sessions is needed for learning to be consolidated so you maintain the gains that have been made. 

Counseling and medications can be helpful and we encourage our patients to continue any treatments they find helpful. Neurofeedback is different from counseling or medication in the way it works.. Neurofeedback balances and improves brain function so you can engage in the counseling process more fully, allowing you feel healthier, more centered and to make more conscious, healthier decisions.  With time and guidance from doctor Hightower, our clients often decrease their medications or cease having the need for them at all.