FAQ


Frequently Asked Questions – for Beginners in Neurofeedback

1. Which of your workshops would be best for me to take as a beginner who wants to add neurofeedback to my private practice?
GNI Neurofeedback Bootcamp for Beginners is the best to learn, and it’s also the first step toward accreditation as a Neurofeedback practitioner.

2. For what specific clinical issues/presenting issues is neurofeedback useful?
Neurofeedback has a wide variety of clinical applications being reported by practitioners. The most common mental health applications are with ADD/ADHD; Anxiety Disorders; PTSD; OCD; Depression; and Addictions. There are also practitioners who focus on neurological issues such as Traumatic Brain Injury and recovery from Stroke.

3. What equipment do I need to buy before I can learn how to do neurofeedback with my clients? How much does it cost?
There are many different choices for EEG Neurofeedback Equipment: BrainMaster,Thought Technology, and J & J to name a few.

StressTherapy Solutions instructors choose BrainMaster Technologies equipment as their equipment of choice at Stress Therapy Solutions workshops.

For BrainMaster you will need three things:

  1. A Windows-based laptop computer with a fast processor and video card (click here for a complete list of necessary specifications for the laptop)
  2. A neurofeedback system with 2, 4, or 19 channels
  3. Software to process the brain wave signals coming from the neurofeedback system

Most people will also want to attend a Neurofeedback Bootcamp for Beginners workshop to learn how to use this equipment.
Brainmaster does not sell the laptop computer; the cost of the professional neurofeedback system and software starts at approximately $1700. Please select the appropriate flyer for the system you are interested in.

4. Do I need to have a license to use neurofeedback in my practice?
Yes, BrainMaster equipment and training is only available to licensed clinical practitioners and universities for research. If you have any questions about how this policy applies to you, please call our Sales Department at (440) 232-6000 ext 200 or 201.

5. Is there any ongoing clinical use support or super-vision available after I take an initial neurofeedback training?
Yes, ongoing support is available via email or phone. There is also an extensive online knowledge base you can access as well as a BrainMaster listserv to communicate with other neurofeedback practitioners. Mentoring, webcasts, workshops and inservices are also available.

6. Do I need to be comfortable using computers to use neurofeedback in my practice?
You do not need to be a “power user” to successfully use BrainMaster Neurofeedback products. You just need to be comfortable using Microsoft Windows; creating folders and files; using email, browsing the Web, and be willing to learn!

7. Do I need to have had a graduate level course in brain physiology to use neurofeedback in my practice?
No. A knowledge of basic physiology is covered in the Neurofeedback Bootcamp for Beginners class.

8. Can neurofeedback cause an increase in problems for clients with certain issues? If so, which issues?
Neurofeedback practitioners should avoid working with the following issues unless they have had advanced, specialized training in working with these issues and/or working closely with an experienced neurofeedback practitioner:

Epilepsy, Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Psychotic Disorders

9. Can I bill insurance for neurofeedback sessions?
Not usually. There are some insurance companies that will allow you to bill for biofeedback procedure code 90901 or 90875, but most providers use direct fee for-service charges for Neurofeeback. Insurance coverage varies from state to state. For more information, check your state insurance companies directly.

10. Will I be required to do additional trainings in the future to maintain my status as a neurofeedback practitioner?
Because Neurofeedback is an ever-evolving field, most practitioners decide to expand their knowledge by completing additional training, but that is not necessary. You can also get certified as a Neurofeedback practitioner through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) with StressTherapy Solutions: http://stresstherapysolutions.com/ For more information on BCIA Certification click here.

11. Is there any research I can review on the use of neurofeedback in clinical practice?
Yes, there has been a great deal of research on the use of Neurofeedback in clinical practice. Here are some resources you can review regarding research:

http://stresstherapysolutions.com/links/
http://www.brainmaster.com/kb/entry/231/
http://www.brainm.com/software/pubs/BiofeedbackCaseStudy2.pdf
http://www.bcia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3691
http://www.eeginfo.com/research/