How much does neurofeedback cost?
How much does neurofeedback cost?
$100 – $200 average cost per session
$2,400 – $3,500 average package cost (30 sessions)
Neurofeedback therapy cost
Neurofeedback therapy costs $100 to $200 per session on average, depending on the provider. Most practitioners offer slightly discounted prices if you purchase a package of 10 or more sessions, with prices ranging from $2,400 to $3,500 for a typical 30-session package.
Some neurofeedback practitioners charge an initial consultation or evaluation fee of $120 to $200, while others include a consultation and periodic assessments as part of their package price.
| Number of sessions | Average cost (without insurance) |
|---|---|
| One session | $100 – $200 |
| 10-session package | $800 – $1,700 |
| 30-session package | $2,400 – $3,500 |
Neurofeedback cost factors
The following factors impact the cost of neurofeedback therapy:
Number of sessions: Successful neurofeedback therapy typically requires 10 to 30+ sessions, depending on the condition treated. Most practitioners offer packages of 10 or more sessions at a lower price per session compared to purchasing one session at a time.
Provider: Prices vary depending on whether you get neurofeedback as part of a psychotherapy session, at a doctor's office, or at a private specialty clinic.
Neurofeedback system: There are a wide variety of neurofeedback systems in use, and they differ in their features and capabilities. Some variations in systems include:
Number of sensors: Basic systems use as few as 2 sensors on the scalp to record brainwaves. More complex systems have up to 19 sensors to allow for more accurate and comprehensive brainwave detection.
EEG vs. qEEG: Some systems use a standard electroencephalograph (EEG) device to record the patient's brainwaves, while others use Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) with built-in brain mapping features.
System type: Complex systems that use low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORE-TA) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are less common, and therapy sessions typically cost more.
Brain mapping: Some practitioners charge $500 to $1,000 extra for qEEG brain mapping. This process allows the practitioner to see which areas of the patient's brain aren't working in optimal ways and create a personalized neurofeedback training program targeted to address those issues.
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive form of therapy that helps your brain develop healthy activity patterns and function more optimally, changing the brain on a biological level to improve your mental health. During a neurofeedback session, sensors placed on your scalp measure your brain activity in real-time via an electroencephalograph (EEG) device.
Neurofeedback systems typically use a computer program to provide positive or negative visual and audio feedback based on your brainwave readings, helping you recognize and modify your thought patterns. Some systems incorporate the use of games, movies, or music.
Over multiple neurofeedback sessions, you gradually train your brain activity and improve your brain functions to alleviate symptoms.
What conditions does neurofeedback treat?
Neurofeedback can be beneficial for a variety of psychiatric or neurological conditions, including:
ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Memory problems
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic attacks
Phobias
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Seizure disorders
Strokes
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Neurofeedback therapy FAQs
Does neurofeedback work?
Research has shown neurofeedback can be highly effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. However, individual results depend on the patient's specific diagnosis and whether the therapy is the right fit for their condition and ability.
Can neurofeedback damage your brain?
Neurofeedback is an FDA-approved, safe, non-invasive treatment, and the process involves no medications or brain stimulation. Neurofeedback can't damage your brain and typically won't make your condition worse. However, some individuals experience dizziness, headaches, or fatigue during the first session as they adjust to the training.
To ensure your experience is safe and effective, choose a practitioner who is Board Certified in Neurofeedback (BCN).
Does insurance cover neurofeedback?
Many health insurance plans do not cover neurofeedback. Some plans cover the therapy but limit the number of sessions they cover. Others only provide coverage if the treatment is for specific conditions or if the neurofeedback session also includes psychotherapy.
It's important to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether your plan covers neurofeedback for your condition, and if so, how many sessions it covers.
Does Medicaid cover neurofeedback?
Some state Medicaid programs cover neurofeedback, but coverage varies by state and each state's program only covers neurofeedback for certain conditions. Check with your state's Medicaid office to confirm they cover neurofeedback therapy for your condition.
Can you do neurofeedback at home?
Yes, you can do neurofeedback at home with the right equipment and software. Prices for at-home neurofeedback therapy services that use high-quality, medical-grade equipment range from $650 to $1,000 per month or $3,000 to $7,000 total.
Some companies offer at-home neurofeedback therapy through an app and consumer-grade EEG headband that detects brainwaves. Membership prices range from $20 to $150 per month, and the headband costs $250 to $400. However, these headbands have only 1 or 2 sensors and don't offer the same accuracy as medical-grade systems.
How long does neurofeedback last?
Neurofeedback is an extensive process that requires 10 to 30+ sessions to achieve long-term results, but some improvements are noticeable early on. The benefits typically last for 24 to 36 hours after the first few sessions. With more neurofeedback sessions, the improvements last longer as the patient strengthens beneficial brainwave patterns.
Is neurofeedback the same as biofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that measures brain activity in real-time and uses visual stimuli to train your brain to function optimally. Neurofeedback is sometimes called EEG biofeedback because the therapy involves an electroencephalograph (EEG) device to measure brainwaves.
Other types of biofeedback measure different physiological processes like breathing, heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature but do not measure brain activity.
How to find the best neurofeedback therapist
Follow these tips to help you find a reputable, qualified neurofeedback therapist near you:
Look for neurofeedback practitioners certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA).
Read reviews of therapists on Thervo and Google.
Ask for recommendations from your primary care doctor or mental healthcare provider.
Choose a neurofeedback practitioner with experience treating your specific condition.
Confirm whether your insurance covers neurofeedback. If it does, choose a practitioner who is in-network to save money.
Questions to ask a neurofeedback therapist
Ask the neurofeedback therapist these important questions to ensure they're a good fit for you:
How long have you been practicing neurofeedback?
Are you board-certified by the BCIA?
How much experience do you have treating patients with my condition?
What success rate and improvements have you observed in previous patients with this condition?
How long will it take to see results?
How many sessions do you think I'll need?
Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
Are you a member of the International Society for Neuroregulation & Research (ISNR) or any other neurofeedback organizations?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.