Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. It is completely non-invasive — sensors read electrical activity, and the software provides auditory feedback through music. Nothing is added to the brain. It holds an FDA General Wellness designation in the United States and has been used across more than 3 million hours of training worldwide with no known negative side effects.

  • No. There is no sensation from the sensors. The experience is listening to music in a comfortable chair.

  • Most neurofeedback systems are protocol-based — a practitioner sets specific targets based on a diagnosis. NeurOptimal® is dynamical — it provides information to the brain and lets it self-organize without imposed targets or diagnoses. A detailed comparison is available on the What is NeurOptimal®? page.

  • This varies. Some people notice shifts early on; for others, it takes more time. A series of 10–20 sessions is a common starting range, but every brain is different. We track progress along the way to help inform decisions.

  • Yes. NeurOptimal® complements therapy and counseling well. Many therapists refer clients to neurofeedback. If you are on medication, continue following your doctor’s guidance.

  • Responses vary. Some people feel relaxed during the session. Some notice subtle shifts in clarity or mood afterward. Others don’t notice anything in the moment but observe changes over the following days. There is no expected or “correct” response.

  • Yes. Children’s brains are highly plastic, and they tend to respond well. The session is the same — sitting comfortably and listening to music. Young children can watch a movie or play quietly during the session.

  • NeurOptimal® is grounded in decades of research in neuroscience and non-linear dynamics. Over 400 peer-reviewed articles support the broader field of neurofeedback. Research specific to NeurOptimal® is growing — a few notable studies: a 2024 peer-reviewed study published in Brain Sciences found measurable reductions in salivary cortisol (a biological stress marker) after 21 NeurOptimal sessions. A 2025 retrospective analysis of 113 ADHD and anxiety patients found significant improvements in attention and anxiety scores over the course of training (Low et al., Archives of Clinical Trials). A University of Central Florida dissertation found significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, depression, and anxiety in college students after 16 sessions (Harris, 2017). And a study on post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment found significant improvements in cognition, fatigue, sleep, and psychological well-being after 20 sessions — with improvements maintained at follow-up (Alvarez et al., Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2013). NeurOptimal holds an FDA General Wellness designation in the United States. Research specific to NeurOptimal® continues to grow.

  • Because NeurOptimal® is a learning process, the changes tend to persist, similar to other forms of learning. In the Alvarez et al. (2013) study on post-chemo cognitive impairment, improvements were maintained at a four-week follow-up, with participants returning to general population norms on most measures. Some people choose periodic sessions during demanding periods as a form of maintenance.

  • We bring everything — all that’s needed is a comfortable chair and a quiet space. The session is identical to in-studio, and the pricing is the same. If you’re starting with an at-home session rather than visiting the studio first, we’ll schedule a short introductory call beforehand.

  • That’s understandable. Neurofeedback is unfamiliar to most people. A single introductory session is a low-commitment way to experience it firsthand. The brain doesn’t require belief to respond to the training.

  • Yes. We collaborate with schools, wellness centers, mental health professionals, and corporate clients. Visit our Partnerships page or get in touch.

Disclaimer: NeurOptimal® is not a medical treatment and does not diagnose or cure any condition. It is a brain training tool that supports the brain’s natural ability to self-regulate. The experiences described on this site reflect common reports from users, trainers, and published studies. Individual results vary — every brain is different, and there are no guaranteed outcomes or fixed timelines. If you are currently under medical or psychological care, we encourage you to continue that care alongside neurofeedback.