Neurofeedback FAQ

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive brain training technique that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity (EEG) to teach the brain to function more efficiently. During a session, sensors placed on the scalp detect your brainwaves, and software provides instant feedback—usually through a video, game, or audio cue—that rewards your brain when it produces desired patterns. Over time, through this operant conditioning process, the brain learns to self-regulate more effectively. Think of it as a "gym for your brain" where you're training neural pathways to work better.

Neurofeedback works through operant conditioning—the same learning principle that helps us form habits. Here's the process: (1) EEG sensors detect your brain's electrical activity in real-time, (2) Software analyzes specific brainwave frequencies at particular locations, (3) When your brain produces the target patterns, you receive positive feedback (a video plays smoothly, a tone sounds, points accumulate), (4) When patterns drift from the target, feedback pauses or dims, (5) Your brain, seeking the reward, gradually learns to produce the desired patterns more consistently. This isn't conscious effort—your brain does the learning automatically, similar to how you learned to balance on a bicycle.

Neurofeedback is a specific type of biofeedback that focuses on brain activity. While general biofeedback might measure heart rate, muscle tension, or skin temperature, neurofeedback specifically measures and trains brainwaves using EEG (electroencephalography). Other names for neurofeedback include EEG biofeedback, neurotherapy, and brain training. The term "neurofeedback" is most commonly used in clinical settings and research.

Research and clinical experience show neurofeedback can help with: ADHD and attention problems (one of the most studied applications), anxiety disorders and stress, sleep problems including insomnia, depression (often as a complement to other treatments), peak performance for athletes and executives, concussion and traumatic brain injury recovery, PTSD and trauma, migraines and headaches, and autism spectrum conditions. The effectiveness varies by condition and individual. ADHD has the strongest research base, with neurofeedback earning a "Level 1 - Best Support" rating from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

A QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) is a detailed assessment of your brain's electrical activity. During the assessment, a cap with 19 or more sensors is placed on your head, and your brainwave activity is recorded for about 10-20 minutes with eyes open and closed. This data is then compared to normative databases of healthy brains to identify patterns that may be associated with symptoms you're experiencing. The result is a visual "brain map" showing areas of over- or under-activity, which guides personalized neurofeedback protocols.

A QEEG brain map serves as the diagnostic foundation for effective neurofeedback. Without it, neurofeedback is like prescribing glasses without an eye exam. The brain map reveals: which brain regions may be dysregulated, whether activity is too high or too low in specific frequencies, connectivity patterns between brain regions, and markers associated with specific symptoms. This information allows practitioners to design targeted training protocols rather than using generic approaches. Research consistently shows that QEEG-guided neurofeedback produces better outcomes than non-guided training.

The actual brain recording takes about 20-30 minutes. However, the full assessment appointment typically takes 1-2 hours, including: preparation and cap fitting, recording with eyes closed, recording with eyes open, sometimes additional tasks or recordings, initial discussion of findings. The comprehensive analysis and report preparation happens after your appointment, and results are typically reviewed in a follow-up consultation within a week.

Most people need 20-40 sessions to see lasting results, though this varies by condition and individual. Here's a general guide: Initial changes often noticed within 10-15 sessions, ADHD typically requires 30-40 sessions for stable improvement, anxiety may respond in 20-30 sessions, peak performance training often shows benefits in 20+ sessions. Sessions are usually done 2-3 times per week. The brain needs time and repetition to form new patterns—similar to learning any new skill. Some people continue with maintenance sessions periodically after completing initial training.

A typical neurofeedback session lasts 30-45 minutes and follows this process: (1) Sensors are placed on your scalp (no pain, no electricity entering your brain), (2) You sit comfortably watching a video, playing a game, or listening to audio, (3) The content responds to your brainwave activity—playing smoothly when your brain hits targets, dimming or pausing when it drifts, (4) You don't need to "try" to do anything—your brain learns automatically, (5) After the session, sensors are removed and you can return to normal activities immediately. Most people find sessions relaxing, and some even fall asleep during training (which is fine—the brain still learns).

Research suggests that neurofeedback results are generally long-lasting because you're training the brain to function differently—not just masking symptoms. Studies following ADHD patients 10+ years after treatment found maintained improvements. However, results depend on: completing enough sessions (stopping too early may not create lasting change), the condition being treated, individual factors and lifestyle. Some people benefit from occasional "booster" sessions, similar to how athletes maintain their training. Unlike medication, which only works while you take it, neurofeedback aims to create lasting structural and functional changes in the brain.

Neurofeedback is generally very safe with minimal side effects. When side effects occur, they're typically mild and temporary: slight fatigue after sessions (the brain is working hard), occasionally feeling "wired" if protocols are too activating, temporary headache (rare). These effects usually indicate the protocol needs adjustment. Serious side effects are extremely rare when neurofeedback is administered by trained practitioners using QEEG-guided protocols. Unlike medications, neurofeedback doesn't introduce foreign substances into your body—it simply provides information that helps your brain learn to regulate itself.

Costs vary by location and provider. At Peak Brain Institute: QEEG brain mapping assessment: typically $500-$1,500 depending on comprehensiveness, individual neurofeedback sessions: $150-$250 each, package programs: often $3,000-$8,000 for a full course of treatment. Some insurance plans cover neurofeedback, particularly for ADHD. We also offer remote/at-home neurofeedback options that can be more cost-effective for ongoing training. Contact us for current pricing and financing options.

Yes, Peak Brain Institute offers professional remote neurofeedback that is fundamentally different from consumer apps or headbands. Our at-home program includes: EEGER clinical-grade EEG amplifiers (the same professional equipment used in clinics, not consumer devices), full 19-channel QEEG brain mapping, real-time clinician support available 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, expert protocol design by Dr. Andrew Hill and our clinical team, guided sessions where our clinicians monitor your training remotely and make real-time adjustments. This is NOT a DIY app—it's professional neurofeedback delivered to your home with the same rigorous clinical standards as in-office treatment. Many of our remote clients achieve results comparable to or better than in-office training because they can do more frequent sessions.

Insurance coverage for neurofeedback varies widely. Some plans cover it, particularly for ADHD in children, when billed under biofeedback codes. Coverage depends on: your specific insurance plan, the condition being treated, whether the provider is in-network, your state's regulations. We recommend: contacting your insurance company directly, asking about biofeedback/neurofeedback coverage, requesting pre-authorization if required. We provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement and can help navigate the insurance process.

Getting started at Peak Brain Institute involves: (1) Free consultation—we discuss your goals and determine if neurofeedback is appropriate, (2) QEEG brain mapping—comprehensive assessment of your brain's current functioning, (3) Results review—we explain your brain map and recommend a personalized protocol, (4) Training begins—regular sessions, either in-office or at home, (5) Progress monitoring—periodic re-assessments to track changes and adjust protocols. Schedule a free consultation at peakbraininstitute.com or call (310) 904-6154.

Peak Brain Institute stands apart in several key ways: (1) Clinical expertise—founded by Dr. Andrew Hill, PhD (UCLA cognitive neuroscientist) with 25+ years experience and 25,000+ brain scans analyzed, (2) QEEG-guided protocols—every client gets comprehensive brain mapping, not generic training, (3) Clinical-grade equipment—we use professional EEGER systems, not consumer-grade devices, (4) Real clinician support—our remote clients get 7-day/week, 12-hour/day access to real clinicians, not chatbots, (5) No shortcuts—we follow rigorous clinical standards whether you're in our office or at home, (6) World-class team—our clinicians are among the most experienced neurofeedback practitioners globally. Many providers offer neurofeedback, but few match our combination of scientific rigor, clinical experience, and support infrastructure.

Peak Brain Institute has offices across the United States and internationally: In the US: Los Angeles, CA (headquarters at 10780 Santa Monica Blvd), Orange County/Costa Mesa, CA, New York, NY (Manhattan), and St. Louis, MO (Clayton). Internationally: London, UK (Peak Brain UK) and Stockholm, Sweden (Peak Brain Neurofeedback). We also serve clients worldwide through our remote neurofeedback program—professional clinical-grade equipment shipped to your home with real-time clinician support. No matter where you are, you can access Peak Brain's expertise.

Yes—and in some cases, remote neurofeedback can be MORE effective. Here's why: (1) More frequent sessions—home clients often train 4-5x per week vs. 2-3x for office visits, (2) Same clinical equipment—we ship EEGER professional-grade amplifiers, identical to what we use in-office, (3) Same expert protocols—Dr. Hill and our clinical team design your training program, (4) Real-time support—clinicians monitor your sessions and adjust protocols as needed, (5) Comfort of home—many clients are more relaxed training at home, which can improve results. The key is that our remote program uses clinical standards and equipment—it's not a consumer app or generic program. Studies show that the frequency of training is often more important than location, and remote clients can train more often.

For remote neurofeedback, we use EEGER—professional-grade EEG amplifiers that are the same clinical systems used in professional neurofeedback clinics worldwide. This is NOT a consumer headband or app. EEGER provides: medical-grade signal quality, full scalp coverage for targeted training, reliability for consistent session quality, and compatibility with our clinical protocols. We ship the complete system to your home, train you to use it (it's simpler than it looks), and our clinicians connect remotely to guide your sessions. You get professional neurofeedback with no compromises on equipment quality.