How many sessions does it take?
This is a common question and it is difficult to answer until we have an opportunity to evaluate the individual client. Some problems are resolved fairly easily while others may take some time and certain conditions may require occasional "booster" sessions. Uncomplicated ADD is usually resolved in about 40 sessions. If ADD is accompanied with anxiety or behavioral issues then it is more likely to be 60 sessions. This does not mean that you will wait for 40 sessions to see some change. Changes are often noticeable within 10 sessions but additional training is required for full resolution and to permanently integrate these changes. We will re-evaluate progress around 20 – 25 sessions.


Does the training work every time?
Nothing works every time including medication. Some conditions such as uncomplicated ADD have high rates of resolution (80%-90%). Stress, anxiety, PTSD and depression are also highly responsive to this training. There are other conditions such as bi-polar disorder for which ongoing “booster“ sessions are required. Our experience in our clinic is that when we have an individual with a supportive family, work, or school environment we always see very positive responses to training. When other factors in an individual’s life create ongoing difficulties, response to training is much slower and sometimes unsuccessful.


How do you know if it’s working?
We use several measures to evaluate the effectiveness of our training. Our primary measure is actual changes in behavior and performance. We do regular check-ins with clients and/or parents to measure these changes. We also generally re-give the Test of Variables of Attention after 25-30 sessions. This provides us with an objective measure of improvement. In cases with brain injury or severe behavioral issues we may recommend another QEEG to determine actual brain wave changes that have occurred since the start of training.


What is a typical session like?
We book hourly sessions though most are completed in 45 minutes. We begin with a brief check-in with the individual and the parent if appropriate. The actual training on the computer is generally for 30 minutes. We like to spend some time either coaching the individual in what ever target areas have been identified during the evaluation or discussing situations that have arisen in their life. The actual time spent may vary then between 45 minutes to an hour.


Can someone train while on medication?
Many of our clients are on medications when they begin their training. One of their goals is often to reduce or eliminate their need for medications. Medications do not interfere with the efficacy of training and we have been quite successful in assisting clients with medication reductions.


Is the training permanent?
Research shows that training is permanent if enough sessions are completed. There are some conditions such as Bi-polar disorder that may benefit from occasional “booster” sessions.


Does insurance cover the cost of training?
The answer to this is sometimes. We provide billing statements called "superbills" that you can submit to your provider for reimbursement. Some clients are receiving partial payments. However, this can be difficult and may require you to spend considerable time communicating with your insurance company.

 

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