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NEUROFEEDBACK FAQS

Your questions answered 

Learn everything you need to know to be confident about our neurofeedback program's quality and safety.

 

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woman enjoying a neurofeedback session using the neuroptimal braintrainer at home
FAQ

How Does NeurOptimal® Brain Training Work?

When the brain is about to change states and perform an action, it produces an electrical “dance” called turbulence. The neurofeedback system identifies the turbulence and, by stopping the music in that millisecond, triggers the brain’s orienting response — the process every brain uses to assess changes in its environment. It’s similar to being lost in a daydream when someone calls your name: you automatically come into the present. In that moment the brain “sees” what it is about to do, and if that activity doesn’t fit present needs — for example, scanning for danger while you sit safely reading a book — it adjusts its own functioning.

There is no outside variable forcing change. The system works like a mirror, and each central nervous system changes itself to optimize its own functioning, whether that is focusing when needed, going into sleep mode at night, or staying calm when there is no danger.

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NeurOptimal How it works illustration

 

What Is the Difference Between Neurofeedback and Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is the broad category of training that gives you information about your body’s own signals — such as heart rate, breathing, muscle tension or skin temperature — so you can learn to regulate them. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses EEG sensors to read the brain’s electrical activity and feed that information back, which is why it is also called EEG biofeedback. NeurOptimal® is a form of neurofeedback: it gives the brain real-time information about its own activity so it can self-regulate, without you having to consciously control anything.

Is NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Safe?

Yes. NeurOptimal® is approved by the FDA as a General Wellness Device, which means it can be used directly by consumers without medical supervision. It is a training tool and does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. If you require medical assistance, please seek the advice of your physician.

Does Neurofeedback Have Side Effects?

NeurOptimal® is non-invasive and nothing is added to your system. During a session, the brain is alerted to pay attention at exactly the right millisecond when it can shift its habitual patterns. Side effects, when reported, are mild — such as temporary tiredness after a session — and resolve quickly. Any noticeable shifts in mood, awareness or energy after training depend on the individual and can vary from session to session.

Related Article:

Read our definition of neurofeedback

Can Neurofeedback Make You Feel Worse?

NeurOptimal® doesn’t push the brain in any direction, so it can’t force a change. Some people feel tired after a session, which often reflects the body’s need for more rest. Progress also isn’t always a straight line: as the brain reorganizes, you may notice ups and downs before things settle. These shifts are usually mild and short-lived. If anything feels off, talk to your trainer, who may suggest adjusting how often you train.

Is NeurOptimal® FDA Approved?

NeurOptimal® is designated by the FDA as a General Wellness device, which means it can be used directly by consumers without medical supervision. It is a training tool and does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. If you require medical assistance, please seek the advice of your physician.

How Are The Benefits From NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Measured?

NeurOptimal® was designed so that the individual’s self-assessment is the main tool for tracking change. We ask clients to complete our Checklist of Concerns every 8–10 sessions, rating concerns across cognitive, emotional and behavioral areas from 1 to 10 (for children, parents and teachers fill it out). Seeing a 10 for “feelings of worry, fear or anguish” become a 4 helps clients notice what is shifting, captures broad changes beyond the specific concern they started with, and helps them stay consistent with their training.

 

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How Many Neurofeedback Sessions Do I Need?

How Many NeurOptimal Sessions Will I Need?

It varies by person and by goal. Most clients complete 30 to 60 sessions over two to four months, and many notice changes within the first 10 to 15 sessions. Rather than following a fixed number, we use the Checklist of Concerns every 8–10 sessions to help you and your trainer decide how many sessions are right for you or your child.

Does Neurofeedback Work, And How Will I Know It’s Working?

Our clients most commonly report feeling calmer, more grounded and less stressed, sleeping better and focusing more easily. Results vary by individual, and many people notice changes within the first 10–15 sessions. Because NeurOptimal® gives the brain information rather than pushing it toward a set target, the best way to see what is changing is to track it: we ask every client to complete our Checklist of Concerns every 8–10 sessions, and your trainer reviews it with you so you can see the shifts in the areas that matter to you.

Does NeurOptimal® Require A QEEG Or Brain Map Before Starting?

No. Only first-generation, protocol-based neurofeedback systems need a brain map before starting, to decide which brainwaves to alter. The limitation of a map is that it is a static picture that quickly becomes outdated. NeurOptimal® is a Dynamical Neurofeedback® system that measures the brain in real time, so no brain mapping, QEEG, diagnosis or neurofeedback expert is needed. The best way to measure progress is our self-reporting Checklist of Concerns tool.

 

What's The Purpose Of The Music?

Neurofeedback works not because of the particular sound or image, but because stopping the music or visual display triggers the brain’s orienting, or “pay attention to yourself,” response. Interrupting the music at the exact millisecond the brain is about to change states brings the automatic, self-regulating part of the nervous system into the present moment, giving maladaptive habits — such as constantly being in a state of stress — the opportunity to be revealed and adjusted. So while sound is necessary, it is the timing of the interruption that provides the feedback.

Will My Insurance Cover Neurofeedback?

Check with your insurance company to see whether it covers neurofeedback. Most insurers consider it experimental and don’t cover it. The good news is that the per-session cost of a home rental is roughly the same as a typical co-pay.

While I Do A Neurofeedback Session, Is It OK If I Do Other Things?

Yes! NeurOptimal® does not require you to watch the training screen. The feedback comes primarily through interruptions in the music or audio, so as long as you can hear the music, the session will be successful. You can read, talk, play games on a tablet, sleep or meditate — whatever you feel inclined to do.

Do The Effects Of Neurofeedback Last?

Training with NeurOptimal® is a learning task. You get results because your brain is actively learning, even if not consciously — and much like reading, once your brain knows how, it doesn’t forget. It may get rusty and fall back into old habits, especially with new or increased stress, toxins, poor nutrition, illness or environmental stressors. When you notice you are less resilient, more irritable or more distracted, it may be time for a few booster sessions; a neurofeedback-trained brain quickly uses the information NeurOptimal® offers. You can book a session or two at our New York City office, or re-rent a home system — many of our rental clients re-rent for a month every 6–8 months, or once a year, after their initial training period.

What Happens in a NeurOptimal® Session?

In a NeurOptimal® session, you sit comfortably while small sensors are placed on your scalp and clips on your ears. You then listen to music through headphones, or watch a movie, for 33 minutes. You don’t need to concentrate or do anything; many people relax, read or even fall asleep. Throughout the session, NeurOptimal® monitors your brain’s activity in real time. When it detects that your brain is about to shift into a less efficient pattern, it briefly pauses the music. These pauses alert the brain to its own activity, particularly in the limbic system, which manages emotions like fear as well as sleep and attention. Your brain uses that information to adjust itself, for example by recognizing an unnecessary stress reaction while you’re in a safe environment and settling it. After a session, most people feel calm and relaxed. Some feel tired, which often reflects the body’s need for more rest.

infograph-what-happens-in-a-neuroptimal-session

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What Is The Difference Between NeurOptimal® And Other Systems? 

A first crucial difference is that NeurOptimal® requires no diagnosis. It gives the brain information about what it has just done, and the brain uses that information to organize itself. During a session you listen to music or watch a movie; when NeurOptimal® detects that the brain has “veered off” its path or become less stable, it provides feedback through a very brief pause in the sound. Like a dance, NeurOptimal® and the brain adapt to each other moment by moment. Traditional neurofeedback systems instead require a diagnosis up front, often through a QEEG or brain map, and then use protocols that push the brain to produce more of some frequencies and less of others based on a single static picture taken days or weeks earlier. With NeurOptimal®, the brain interacts adaptively with itself in real time; any changes occur as part of an intrinsic self-organizing principle rather than an artificially imposed constraint. This is a large part of both the power and the safety of NeurOptimal®.

 How Is NeurOptimal® Different From Muse, Mendi Or Myndlift?

Consumer EEG devices such as Muse, Mendi and Myndlift are designed for general wellness goals like meditation support, relaxation or focus, and they guide your brain toward a preset target state. NeurOptimal® is a professional-grade Dynamical Neurofeedback® system with no target: it monitors your brain in real time and mirrors back information about its own activity so your brain can self-correct. It is the same system used by practitioners worldwide, and when you rent through us it comes with a weekly 1:1 coaching call with a certified trainer.

What Are My Best Neurofeedback Training Options?

NeurOptimal® is a fully automated neurofeedback system designed for home use. We offer in-office sessions at our New York City office, and sessions are also available through our affiliate in Denver. The same system used in-office is available to rent or purchase for home use. Every rental includes everything you need: a tablet with the latest NeurOptimal® 3 software, EEG sensors, amplifier, conductive paste, our exclusive set-up guide and a weekly 1:1 coaching call with a certified trainer. A home rental provides the exact same training as in-office sessions and saves approximately 50% compared with in-office sessions.

Where Can I Do NeurOptimal® Sessions Near Me?

We offer in-office NeurOptimal® sessions at our office in New York City, and sessions are also available through our affiliate in Denver. Wherever you live in the U.S., you can train at home by renting, leasing or buying a system, with support from a certified trainer by phone or video.

Additional Reading:

Testimonials:

Here's a testimonial from a family who underwent neurofeedback training together

This was a wonderful experience! We rented a unit for 6 weeks and used it as a family and I noticed that I was much calmer and less reactive after the 6 weeks. It was very easy to do and I started seeing it as relaxing "me time." My husband said he was more focused and my son said he "felt happier". We will definitely be renting on a yearly basis for "boosters". I highly recommend this if you feel anxious, reactive or have some internal tension you want to work through. =)

We also heard from this young professional who sought out neurofeedback at home after struggling with socializing

Neurofeedback with this team has been such an incredible experience. Throughout the couple of months of feedback, my fear and worry dramatically lessened. I used to have physical reactions to social interactions, seeing old friends and anything that was a big deal for me. I would get massive stress rash, my heart rate soared and I had so much nervous sweat - until the last couple weeks (post feedback) I have literally had no reaction in the 3 big meetings since then. I didn’t even know that could be fixed! 100% I recommend take the step toward better mental wellness. I feel like I can function now.

This client noticed immediate change in her overall well-being;

I had a great experience with my neurofeedback home rental system. It was easy to use, and after just 12 sessions (one month) I definitely felt more focused and creative with my work. I also slept better and my mood improved. My mind felt overall more relaxed and peaceful. Would highly recommend giving this a try!

Renting A Home Neurofeedback System: Your Questions Answered

How much does the Neurofeedback equipment cost to rent?

Home rental plans start at $650 per month, and every plan includes a weekly 1:1 coaching call with a certified trainer. Plans range from a single-person plan with 12 sessions to unlimited-session plans that up to six family members can use, each with their own program. The minimum rental period is one month, starting the day after you receive or pick up the system, and you can extend for additional months. Shipping within the U.S. is a flat $35 each way ($70 round trip). See our rental page for current plans and pricing.

How soon can I get my home rental?

Once your reservation and rental agreement are complete, we ship within 1 business day via FedEx. Most clients receive their system in 2–3 business days, depending on location.

Can I pick up the system in person?

Yes, pick up and drop off is available at our office in Manhattan. 

Does the paste have to be purchased separately?

No. The NeurOptimal® rental package comes with all the materials needed to run training sessions, including conductive paste. The only item you’ll need is a pair of headphones or earbuds — or you can listen through the tablet’s speaker.

How long is a NeurOptimal session?

A standard session lasts 33 minutes. An in-office session takes about 50 minutes total, including putting on and removing the sensors. If you rent a home system, allow a little extra time while you learn to apply the EEG sensors; most people learn within 15–30 minutes. Home systems also offer an extended 44-minute session, but NeurOptimal® research has used the standard session length.

How many sessions should I do a week when I rent?

We recommend a minimum of 1–2 sessions per week per trainee, and you can train as often as daily if you wish, since NeurOptimal® is non-invasive. Through the training, the brain is learning a new way of decision-making, and, like learning a new language, the more frequently the brain practices, the faster it learns.

If I do 30 sessions in 30 days, will that have the same effect as 30 sessions over three months?

Not necessarily. Your brain will learn a lot about itself if you train every day for a month, but spreading your training over three months gives your behavior and thought patterns time to adapt. For example, when the brain learns it doesn’t need to stay in an anxious fight/flight pattern, it will want to spend less time in highly anxious environments.

What if one cannot perform all included sessions in one month?

The monthly fee is the same regardless of how many sessions you complete. If you don’t finish your sessions in the first month, you can extend your rental for another month or two weeks, and on plans with a set number of sessions, unused sessions roll over to the next rental period. You can also upgrade or downgrade your plan.

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What do I do if I have trouble with my equipment?

Every rental includes printed guidelines on using and troubleshooting the system, and you are assigned a certified trainer coach for extra help. A reboot and checking that all cords are plugged in usually solves the problem. If not, email your rental manager or use the chat widget on our website with your name, a description of the problem and the best way and time to reach you. We may connect you with NeurOptimal® tech support, and we’ll put your rental on hold while we troubleshoot. If the issue can’t be resolved, we’ll ship a replacement system at no extra cost.

Are the rental systems software up-to-date?

Yes, all our rental's NeurOptimal software is up-to-date before shipment and includes the latest software, NeurOptimal 3.

Why do we recommend that a parent train if they rent a machine primarily for their child’s issues?

Through training, your child’s central nervous system learns to respond to what is happening in the here-and-now rather than relying on habitual patterns — for example, not producing a fear state when there is no threat. The goal is regulation: calm, alert and open, becoming active only when an event needs action. This learning speeds up when a primary caregiver’s brain is learning the same thing, because children’s nervous systems tune themselves to their caregivers’, like tuning forks resonating with each other. If the parent is anxious, the child becomes anxious; if the parent becomes calm, the child’s brain shifts too.

What if one cannot perform all included sessions in one month? 

The monthly fee is regardless of how many sessions one completes. If you don't finish all sessions in the first month, you can always extend an additional month (or two weeks) to finish all your sessions. You can also downgrade or upgrade to another plan if needed. If you rent any of the lower-cost plans and didn't finish all the sessions, please know that they roll over to the next rental period. See here for pricing.

What do I do if I have trouble with my equipment? 

It's important that you read the printed Guidelines that came with the equipment and follow our instructions on handling the equipment. A reboot of the system usually always helps and makes sure all cords are plugged in. If that doesn't help, email your rental manager immediately (or use the Chat Widget in the lower right corner) with your name, a problem description, and the best way/time to reach you. We may then instruct you to connect with Tech Support (ZenConnect) from your device to allow technicians to troubleshoot. We'll put your rental on hold for up to 24h to allow troubleshooting time. Contact us here.

What Is The Minimum And Maximum Time I Can Rent A NeurOptimal® System?

The minimum rental is one month. After that, you can extend in two-week or full-month periods for as long as you’d like to keep training. Our clients report the best results from renting for two to three months.

Is The Rental System Software Up To Date?

Yes. Every rental system is updated before shipment and includes the latest NeurOptimal® 3 software.

What If A Sensor Falls Off During A Session?

Put it back in place and relax. If it has been off for two minutes or more, restart the session and let your rental manager know (unless you are on an unlimited plan). If training with a small child, check the sensor placement now and then.

Buying & Leasing A NeurOptimal® System

How Much Does It Cost To Buy A NeurOptimal® System?

New NeurOptimal® systems come in two bundles. The Limited License Bundle is $5,995 and includes 100 sessions; additional sessions can be added as needed for as little as $10 each. The Unlimited License Bundle is $9,995 and includes unlimited sessions, which we recommend for professionals and larger families. Both include a fully configured NeurOptimal® system with touchscreen laptop and zAmp amplifier, sensors, earbuds and conductive paste, two coaching sessions, online technical support, a 36-month warranty on the laptop and zAmp, and free shipping. Interest-free financing is available.

Can I Finance A NeurOptimal® System? 

Yes. Interest-free financing is available on new systems, starting at $110 per month for the Limited License Bundle and $166 per month for the Unlimited License Bundle. Financing is generally not available for used systems, though some used systems can be paid for in two installments.

Do Rental Fees Go Toward The Purchase Of A System?

No. Rental fees are not applied toward the cost of buying a system. Many clients rent first to experience NeurOptimal® in their own home before deciding to buy, and our team is happy to help you compare the cost of renting, leasing and purchasing for your situation.

Do You Sell Used NeurOptimal® Systems?

Yes. We periodically offer verified used systems from our rental inventory, priced from $6,500 to $8,350, compared with $9,995 for a new unlimited system. Each system is checked, refreshed and prepared for transfer by Natalie Baker, an Advanced NeurOptimal® Trainer, and runs the latest NeurOptimal® software. A $495 license transfer fee is paid directly to NeurOptimal® to move the license into your name. Used equipment may be out of warranty unless stated otherwise, and availability is limited.

Should I Rent, Lease Or Buy A NeurOptimal® System?

Renting is best for trying NeurOptimal® or completing a set program: plans start at $650 per month and include a weekly 1:1 coaching call with a certified trainer. Leasing suits people who already know NeurOptimal® works for them and want longer-term training at a lower monthly cost: leases run 3, 6 or 12 months, from $499 per month for a one-year lease, with unlimited sessions for up to six people and a monthly 1:1 check-in with a certified trainer. Buying makes the most sense for families training several members or anyone with long-term goals; new systems start at $5,995, with interest-free financing. Book a free consultation and we’ll help you compare.

Becoming A Certified NeurOptimal® Trainer

How Do I Become A Certified NeurOptimal® Trainer?

Take the NeurOptimal® Basic Certification Course, taught by Natalie Baker, MA, LMHC, an Advanced Certified NeurOptimal® Trainer and NeurOptimal® Instructor. The course covers the principles of Dynamical Neurofeedback®, how NeurOptimal® differs from other systems, running sessions and troubleshooting, client communication, ethics, and business models for offering sessions and rentals. The online course is held over Zoom and costs $660; see the course page for upcoming dates. On completion you are certified by NeurOptimal® as a trainer. Certification is valid for three years, with optional recertification.

Do I Need To Be A Therapist Or Own A System To Take The Certification Course?

No. There are no prerequisites, and you don’t need to own a system. The course is designed for mental health clinicians, wellness professionals, home system owners who want to deepen their understanding, and anyone researching neurofeedback before buying. A background in psychology or a related field is helpful but not required. Clinicians can also choose our Professional Immersion, which adds a month of unlimited home NeurOptimal® training, four live clinician calls and a 1:1 integration consultation.

Do I Need To Be Certified To Use A NeurOptimal® System At Home? 

No. NeurOptimal® is fully automated and designed for home use, so you don’t need certification to run sessions for yourself or your family. Every rental and purchase includes setup guidance and support. Home system owners who want a deeper understanding of how the system works are welcome to take the certification course.

Did we answer all of your questions?

If not, book your free consultation.

By Natalie Baker, MA, LMHC

Licensed Psychotherapist · Advanced NeurOptimal® Trainer · Amen Clinic Brain Health Coach
Natalie has over 25 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist and has been a NeurOptimal® neurofeedback trainer since 2011. She is the founder of Neurofeedback Training Co., which offers in-person sessions in NYC and runs the largest nationwide home rental program for NeurOptimal systems.

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