BACKGROUND
Just Need A Referral Source?
Hear Two Psychologists And A Psychiatrist Talk About Using Neurofeedback Clinically
What's The Clinical Efficacy Of Neurofeedback And How Is It Commonly Used?
The most common clinical uses: ADHD, depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PDD and autism. But there are many other CNS symptoms it can impact.
Is There Enough Research?
There are more than 1000 publications. Clinicians who've looked closely at both the research and the neuroscience have found it stands on very solid ground. But the clinical use far exceeds the research. Funding is limited, as it's non-proprietary technology.
Guide To The Best Research
Who To Get Advice From?
Before you decide on anything, it's natural to find someone close by or a referral. Sometimes, it's even a vendor you call. Or someone you meet at a conference. All are options. The more people you talk to the better.
But how do they compare their "success" with others' success? No one measures it the same way. There's a lot of hearsay, but few clinicians have much exposure to all the models and systems. We're only suggesting - choose carefully.
FINANCIAL
What Is The Cost To The Client?
Client fees vary widely - just as fees for MD's, psychologists and other mental health providers vary. There are even unlicensed providers out there. Results should be the real criteria.
Do Insurance Companies Reimburse For Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is biofeedback. Some insurance companies will pay directly for biofeedback. Many will not. Click the link above for more details for professionals and consumers.
What About Liability Insurance For Neurofeedback?
For most professional liability or malpractice policies, it's easy and inexpensive to add EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback to an existing policy - if it's not already included.
What Are Typical Billing Rates By Clinical Professionals?
Many clinicians bill at their normal hourly billing rate. Billing rates vary by location, by the type of clientele you see, clinician experience and reputation, etc. They will charge the same rate for a neurofeedback session that they would for a clinician hour.
CERTIFICATION
Is biofeedback certification (BCIA) required or important to provide neurofeedback?
If the clinician is a licensed health professional, licensure is sufficient. Many professionals are choosing to get certified to demonstrate competency. Click the link above for a discussion.
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TRAINING
How Much Training And Practice Is Needed Before A Clinician Should Work With Patients?
There are health professionals who have started training clients within days of their first course. Others practice for several months.
Courses
The field isn't about equipment. It's about training. This is a clinical tool. The equipment is only as good as your ability to use it, and your knowledge of clinical applications. The course you pick is one of the most important decisions. Read more . . .
Mentoring
A good mentor is critical to your clinical success in neurofeedback. Finding who that is takes some effort. Read more.
Learning Curve
How long will it take to really get confident and competent in my practice of neurofeedback? Are there ways to speed up the learning curve?
EQUIPMENT
There are many options and they all sound good. But they're not. The smallest part of your initial investment in neurofeedback is equipment. So pick the best you can find. Here are some important criteria to review. Read more.
YOUR PRACTICE
Practice Issues
How does neurofeedback actually help me build my practice? What's the cash flow look like? How many patients do I want to see? Should I consider adding staff in the future? Do my space options fit what I'll need? Want help in developing a practice?
qEEGs
Where do qEEGs fit in?
Future Tools
What additional tools and courses will I need to take over the next 2 to 3 years to gain sufficient competency? Are you sure this is going to pay for itself?
What's The Payback?
Figure out how you are billing per patient. If you can project number of clients, and subtract costs and overhead, you can calculate your payback time. Ultimately, you should amortize all costs. You'll see quickly that the equipment, no matter what the price, turns out to be a small part of the cost for on ongoing practice.
Can I Use Technicians?
Yes, but you need to know what you are doing before you bring one on. We strongly recommend the staff gets the same training as the clinician.
How Long Should Sessions Be Scheduled?
Usually clinicians use 45 to 50 minute session slots.
Do Clinicians Get Started ... then not get the kind of results they hear about in courses?
No question there's a learning curve for neurofeedback. But results aren't just about the learning curve.
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