Is Neurofeedback the Future of Mental Health? A Complete Guide to This Groundbreaking Solution

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Migraines, Insomnia, Memory and Cognitive Function, and even Autism. The brain is not hard-wired, it is not limited or fixed in its abilities to heal. Join Amber Ratcliffe and Corey Ameele as they discuss how Neurofeedback can help you achieve life changing results.  

Request a Free 20 Minute Consult to see if Neurofeedback is right for you.

Are you looking for a way to address mental health challenges or improve your focus without relying solely on medication? Neurofeedback offers exactly that. This advanced technique is gaining traction as a natural way to optimize brain health, helping people with issues like anxiety, ADD, headaches, PTSD, addiction, and more. But how does it work, who can benefit, and is it truly effective? Let’s dive into the transformative potential of Neurofeedback and see if it’s the right path for you. 

What does Neurofeedback do? 

Neurofeedback is a science-backed modality that helps individuals learn to regulate their brain activity, promoting lasting changes in mood, focus, and mental clarity. During a session, sensors monitor your brainwaves and provide real-time feedback, guiding your brain to form healthier patterns. The goal is to train the brain to self-regulate, leading to meaningful and sustainable changes.  

When conditions like Anxiety or Chronic Pain arise, it’s often because the brain becomes “stuck” in a pattern of dysregulation, forming deep-seated neural pathways that reinforce these symptoms. The more we rely on these pathways, the more entrenched the symptoms become, leading to chronic issues. Neurofeedback works by retraining your brain, encouraging the development of new, healthier neural pathways that can help alleviate these symptoms.  

Who Is a good candidate for Neurofeedback? 

Neurofeedback is ideal for those wanting to optimize mental health and cognitive performance. It is considered safe and effective for kids, teens, and adults.  

Arbor Health patients find Neurofeedback helpful for a variety of conditions related to:  

• ADD/ADHD 

• Addiction 

• Anxiety 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder 

• Behavioral Disorders 

• Bipolar Disorder 

• Chronic Pain 

• Depression 

• Headaches & Migraines 

• Insomnia & Sleep Problems 

• Memory Problems 

• Pain Management 

• PMS  

• PTSD 

• Schizophrenia 

• Stroke 
• Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussions 

Is Neurofeedback legitimate? 

Neurofeedback is legitimate, evidence-based, and widely used by healthcare providers trained in mental health. Many studies support its use, especially for attention and focus, memory and headaches, trauma and pain, and brain injuries and disorders. While it’s a newer approach, Neurofeedback has helped thousands achieve a better quality of life. Additional third-party research is included at the end of this blog post.   

What are the benefits and potential downsides of Neurofeedback? 

The benefits of neurofeedback are compelling: 

• Non-Invasive: Neurofeedback doesn’t require medications or invasive procedures, making it a natural option for mental health support. 
• Long-Lasting Results: Many individuals experience lasting improvements in focus, mood, and emotional regulation. 

Potential downsides may include the time commitment and initial cost, as Neurofeedback usually requires multiple sessions for the best results. However, patients often find that the improvements in their well-being make Neurofeedback well worth it. 

What are the success rate and timing for Neurofeedback? 

Studies have shown that Neurofeedback can have a high success rate for a number of symptoms, especially when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Some people notice improvements in just a few sessions, while others may require longer treatment for more sustained results. Since it’s a personalized approach, the timeline depends on your unique goals and needs. 

Does Neurofeedback rewire your brain? Are the benefits permanent? 

Yes, Neurofeedback effectively “rewires” the brain by training it to establish healthier, more balanced patterns. Many people experience lasting benefits that continue after their sessions have ended. Permanent changes are more likely when Neurofeedback is part of an overall wellness plan, including lifestyle and mental health support. 

What are common issues with Neurofeedback and who should avoid it? 

While Neurofeedback is safe, some individuals may experience temporary side effects like headaches or dizziness. As with any healthcare decision, it’s important to consult a qualified provider, especially if you have underlying neurological conditions. Neurofeedback is not self-administered—professional guidance is necessary to achieve safe and effective outcomes. 

While Neurofeedback is safe for all ages, it may not be recommended for those with certain neurological conditions or severe psychiatric issues unless managed by a professional. A qualified provider can help assess if Neurofeedback is the right fit for your health needs. (Arbor Health offers a free 20 minute consult to determine if a qEEG Brain Map is a good fit for you or your child.) 

Is Neurofeedback FDA approved and covered by insurance? 

Neurofeedback devices are FDA-approved for relaxation, and the brain training itself is supported by numerous studies. While some insurance plans may cover Neurofeedback as part of broader biofeedback therapy, many do not cover it for specific mental health conditions, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider.  

Is Neurofeedback the same as EMDR, TMS, or Meditation? 

Each of these modalities has unique benefits, but Neurofeedback’s non-invasive, brain-focused approach makes it especially effective for mental clarity and emotional regulation. 

• EMDR: Primarily used for trauma and PTSD, EMDR involves processing memories and emotions but does not directly target brainwaves. 
• TMS: TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain regions, often for depression treatment. It’s more invasive than Neurofeedback and requires specific equipment. 
• Meditation: Neurofeedback can aid meditation by helping users reach a relaxed state, but unlike meditation, Neurofeedback actively trains brainwave patterns using real-time data. 

How is Neurofeedback at Arbor Health different? 

Consumer brain training versions don't offer a precision treatment because they lack a qEEG Brain Map and comparative database to determine optimal treatment protocols.  

Arbor Health’s Neurofeedback program provides:  

• Personalized approach 

• qEEG Brain Map 

• Unique protocol based on data 

• Ongoing support 

What is a qEEG Brain Map? 

A qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) is a diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the form of brain wave patterns. It is sometimes referred to as “Brain Mapping.” 

The Brain Map illustrates the cortical electrical activity in your brain. It shows if the activity is too high or too low in particular areas, and it can reveal how your brain cells are communicating with each other. It’s helpful in many ways, including: 

• Identifying cognitive and psychiatric problems 

• Showing how your brain wave patterns can be improved 

• Predicting medication response, such as how you are likely to respond to antidepressant medication 

• Providing valuable information in creating a personalized treatment plan (which may include biofeedback techniques such as Neurofeedback) to help balance your brain 

• Tracking your progress with different therapies and treatments 

• Providing objective information used to create your personalized Neurofeedback program 

Considering Neurofeedback?  

At Arbor Health, we believe that Neurofeedback offers a powerful tool for mental wellness and optimal brain health. Our expert team tailors each session to your individual needs, creating a comfortable and supportive environment to help you reach your full potential. Neurofeedback can be a turning point in your journey toward mental clarity, improved focus, and emotional balance. 

Request a Free 20 Minute Consult to see if Neurofeedback is right for you.

Additional Information on ADD/ADHD:

Over the past 30 years, many clinicians have reported success in treating ADD/ADHD with Neurofeedback. In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics named Neurofeedback a “Level 1: ‘Best Support’ intervention for ADD/ADHD, on par with medication”. 

Research on Neurofeedback:

ADD/ADHD: Teachers noticed significant improvement in attention and parents noticed improvements in attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in this review of existing research.

Addictions: After Neurofeedback, scientists at UCLA found higher abstinence rates in people with addictions.

Anxiety: In a study of two patients with anxiety, both reported a significant reduction in symptoms following treatment, and one year later report being symptom free.

Depression: People with treatment-resistant depression saw a reduction in functional impairment and an improvement in symptoms after Neurofeedback in this 2017 study.

Memory: In the journal, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, it was reported that patients showed significant improvement in recall and working memory after Neurofeedback treatments.

PTSD: A group of 28 people with chronic PTSD experienced significant improvement in symptoms and emotional regulation after completing Neurofeedback.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Traumatic Brain Injury survivors showed a reduction of symptoms related to attention, mood, and mindfulness after Neurofeedback in military and civilian populations.  

Request a Free 20 Minute Consult to see if Neurofeedback is right for you or read more on our Braincore Neurofeedback Page.

This Website has been created to provide information about functional health care services and is for general informational purposes regarding functional health care that should never be construed as medical advice for any person, including patients of the Practice. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.