Informed Consent for Biofeedback & Neurofeedback

This document contains important information about  Neurofeedback (also known as EEG biofeedback or Neurotherapy), Biofeedback, and the policies of True Balance Ltd. related to Neurofeedback treatment provided through our office.

Benefits and Risks of Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback and Biofeedback, as methods of treatment have been around for over 30 years, although it has gained attention mostly in the past few years.  It has been used to treat variety of conditions which appear to be associated with irregular brain activity including attention deficit disorder with and without hyperactivity.  The procedure has also shown promise with certain behavioral disorders, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, minor head injury and seizure disorder.  In the reported research most subjects benefit from neurofeedback to some extent.  Nonetheless, no representation is made that every client will improve from training.

In regards to risks or harm, there is no evidence, either from our experience or from the literature and research, that treatment is harmful.  It in non-invasive and painless.  Some clients have reported that training seemed to cause a temporary worsening in some symptoms including feeling more anxious, more distractible, having more difficulty sleeping, etc.  Typically, these problems resolve quickly and on their own.  It is very important that you keep us informed of any changes or negative effects, even if they seem unconnected, so that training can be modified for you.

  Neurofeedback and Medications
You should also be aware of the relationship between Neurofeedback or Biofeedback and medications.  Obviously, many people undergo this type of training with the goal of reducing or eliminating the need for medications.  However, do not stop or alter your medications without consulting your physician.  Also be aware that this type of training could affect your body’s response to other medications you are taking for conditions unrelated to the ones you are seeking treatment for. Should new symptoms appear to be developing, it is your responsibility to keep us informed of them as well as to inform your physician.

Neurofeedback Procedures
You need to be aware that Neurofeedback or Biofeedback training requires the placement of surface electrodes on the scalp for the express purpose of recording the EEG and using this signal to provide feedback to the brain in the form of a video display or games.  There is a very remote possibility of skin irritation from the electrode cream that is used to prepare the skin and attach the electrodes.  The client needs to report any discomfort during or after the session to the clinician/technician so that the treatment modality can be altered in the best interest of the client.  Please note that all equipment and preparations used during the delivery of Neurofeedback treatments at True Balance Ltd. are all high-quality, medical grade materials.  The techniques used to prepare the skin and attach the electrodes have been used at numerous clinics and research institutions for many years and no deleterious side effects have been reported.  It is a universally used procedure for the recording of the EEG, and a necessary tool for the evaluation of brain function in various contexts.  The client can remove the electrodes at any time if they so desire.  We do NOT introduce any information into the brain AT ANY TIME.  There is NO risk of electric shock from this procedure.

Schedule and Length of Treatment
Sessions are approximately 30-60 minutes in length; with 30 - 45  minutes (approximately) for the Neurofeedback training and 15 minutes for set-up, clean up and progress reports.  Sessions are typically scheduled two to three times per week.  The average length of training sessions needed is 20-35 sessions, with 30 sessions being average.  Most individuals will begin to notice changes after just a few sessions, but in some challenging cases, major benefit will not be noted until after several weeks.

Fees

   Payment is due at the time of service. This service is NOT BILLABLE TO INSURANCE. 

Initial Assessment & Map:  $600.00

Cost per Session: $120.00

Home Devices: Cost Varies. Units are available for purchase through the product distributor.

Package Costs:   10 Sessions: $1100.00

                         20 Sessions: $2300.00

Clinicians and Technicians
True Balance Ltd. hires technicians to assist in administering treatments.  Our technicians are fully trained in appropriate, ethical and caring behavior with clients and how to correctly administer your training.   Our technicians follow a carefully outlined treatment protocol which is determined by the licensed clinician.  At no time do technicians make treatment decisions without the direction of a licensed clinician.  At times your training may be done with a clinician and at times it may be done with a technician.  We always make sure that whoever does your training with you does so in a professional manner and with your utmost care in mind.