Frequently Asked Questions
What are your COVID-19 precautions?
We take COVID-19 very seriously. We are considered essential. If another quarantine occurs, then we have the option to remain open. While the weather is still nice, we offer outdoor areas for counseling sessions. We also offer telehealth services. We provide hand sanitizer at the door and within the offices. As always, we will take precautions to keep a hygenic environment for everyone. We ask that anyone feeling ill remain at home, because even if it is not COVID then no one wants it!
Which insurances do you all accept?
We accept Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Bright, Cigna, Crescent, EAN, Humana, Humana Military, Medcost, regular Medicare (this does not include Medicaid), Optum VA, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus ONLY. If you have any other UnitedHealthcare plan outside of UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus, we are unable to accept your insurance at this time.
What will my co-pay be?
This depends entirely on your insurance provider. We recommend contacting your insurance and finding out about mental health benefits prior to scheduling. While we do our best to find out any necessary information for you, we do ask that individuals check on their specific plans to ensure there are no unexpected charges.
Are you handicapped accessible?
We are mostly accessible for people with physical handicaps. We have a ramp to get inside, downstairs accommodations for both neurofeedback and therapy, and designated parking spots. However, our bathroom is difficult for a wheel chair to fit in. There are handrails next to the toilet to help, and there are other facilities nearby who do have bathrooms.
What types of issues does neurofeedback address?
Neurofeedback has only been FDA approved for general relaxation. However, there is extensive research on its benefits with many other conditions. The following are the diagnoses with the most research on neurofeedback as a treatement (and we are happy to provide you with articles on any of these!):
- Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, chronic pain, depression, eating disorders, migraines, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Traumatic Brain Injury
If you'd like to look at more information about this, you can go to http://www.eegspectrum.com/therapeutic-uses/ for topic specific links.
What does a neurofeedback session look like?
Neurofeedback sessions typically last between 15 and 45 minutes total, depending on the system. This service does require your provider to touch your head and ears in order to hook sensors on. The areas where sensors will be placed are first cleaned with rubbing alcohol and an exfoliant, and then the sensors are attached with a conductant paste. We understand that this process can be difficult for individuals at times, and we will work with you based on your comfortability. Some systems have visual feedback and/or auditory feedback. You may use a system where you engage with a game or visual display. Other systems utilize more passive screens or no visual/auditory feedback at all. All this is to say, it varies quite a bit but we will guide you in whatever system you work with.
What is the average number of sessions I should expect to have?
Everyone is different, and there is no set number of sessions to a cure. In general, an individual should expect to have at least 40 sessions. A key factor in the varied timeline is that we are working to re-train your brain to act differently than it currently is. Depending on how long symptoms have been experienced, or the level of damage that has occurred from an injury, it can take greater or fewer sessions to get desired results.
What are the negative side effects of neurofeedback?
While we always hope that you get exactly what you want out of training and nothing else, there is always the possibility of side effects. Thankfully, since we are not putting anything in to your brain, they are short lived. The brain does not enjoy unpleasant experiences and will not adapt to those without consistent practice. The main side effects that can occur are a headache, an increase or decrease in energy, and an increase or decrease in focus. Neurofeedback could also potentially disrupt sleep the night after training.
What can I do to get the most benefit from my training?
It's an age old adage, but practice makes perfect. While we do a lot of work in the office, it also takes conscious effort in your daily life to implement the techniques practiced. After the session, reflect on what differences you noticed while training and how you can practice them throughout your day. In addition, it's important to care for the self as a whole. Reducing stress, eating a nutritious diet, sleeping and waking at roughly the same times every day, drinking enough water, exercising daily, and having a support system will all help you get the most out of neurofeedback. This is an active process that requires both the provider and the client to be committed to a goal.
You can read Dr. Mary Ammerman's detailed guide here: Getting the Most Out of Neurofeedback