Frequently Asked Questions

Neurofeedback–a type of biofeedback–uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to help individuals learn to regulate their brainwave patterns. By placing sensors on the scalp, neurofeedback provides feedback on ultra low (under 0.1Hz) brainwave activity, helping the brain to self-correct and achieve a healthier state. Over time, this can lead to improvements in focus, relaxation, and emotional balance.

The goal of ILF (Infra-low frequency) neurofeedback is for the client to enter a relaxed but attentive state, focused and aware, and to intensify this state until it becomes permanent. This brain training takes advantage of the neurological phenomenon of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to create new neural networks. ILF neurofeedback is symptoms-driven, meaning specific protocols are used for each individual client. 

There is no cookie-cutter approach to neurofeedback. As our clinical supervisor likes to say, “we never treat the same brain twice.” No two brains are alike, which necessitates a personalized approach. ILF feedback relies more on client reporting than high technology, such as qEEG brain mapping. The ILF neurofeedback modality requires a regular checking in with the client in order to adjust and develop the best protocols and training level for that particular client. We don’t hook you up to a cap and walk away for a half-hour.   

ILF neurofeedback measures arousal levels. If you have a low arousal level, it may result in symptoms like sleepiness and lethargy. The higher the arousal level, the better the performance and the ability to concentrate and focus. However, an increase beyond the optimum level of arousal can lead to a decline in performance, especially during stressful situations. ILF neurofeedback strives to take the brain into “the zone” and keep it there long enough to develop new neural pathways that, with time and practice, become permanent.

Source: The Development of the Othmer Method (Segler, K)

ILF neurofeedback has been shown to help with a wide range of conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Autism
• Depression
• ADHD
• Migraines
• PTSD
• Sleep disorders
• Migraines
• Stress management

This is not a definitive list. Please visit our page on clinical applications for a more comprehensive list of ILF neurofeedback applications.

Yes. ILF neurofeedback is a non-invasive, safe therapy. It does not involve medication or any direct stimulation to the brain. Instead, it monitors brainwave activity with the electricity your own brain already creates and provides real-time feedback, allowing the brain to learn how to function more efficiently. The process is gentle and has no known serious side effects.

The number of sessions needed varies depending on the individual and the condition being addressed. ILF neurofeedback is an individualized, client-centered, non-prescriptive and symptom-based procedure. A client with acute anxiety or a sleep disorder may report results after just a few visits.

Some clients notice improvements after just a few sessions. Many clients notice improvements after 10-20 sessions, while some may need 30-40 sessions for lasting results.

There are no hard guidelines here. Your Steel City Neurofeedback practitioner will work with you to assess your progress and recommend the appropriate number of sessions, based on both your goals and your response to the neurofeedback.

It is important to note that we want you to successfully finish treatment as quickly (and affordably) as possible, because that means we did our job. We are not a therapy mill. We are a small practice intent on providing the highest quality of care to motivated clients who want to heal whatever ails them. We are passionate about what we do.

Nobody’s getting rich on neurofeedback. Insurance companies don’t (yet) pay more for the treatment than a typical psychotherapy session. Equipment is expensive, as is proper training and continuing education. Most neurofeedback practitioners are passionate because they see the difference ILF neurofeedback makes in their client’s lives. 

ILF neurofeedback is completely painless. Sensors are simply placed on your scalp to monitor brainwave activity. You’ll be sitting comfortably during the session, usually watching a screen or listening to sounds, and will not feel anything from the equipment. Chances are you’ll feel extremely relaxed. 

Neurofeedback has been shown to help with a wide range of conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• PTSD
• Sleep disorders
• Migraines
• Cognitive performance (peak performance) training

Please see our page on clinical applications with ILF neurofeedback.

Steel City Neurofeedback & Wellness is located in Crafton, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh, 4.3 miles from downtown. Free street parking is available.

Click here for map and directions.

Steel City Neurofeedback & Wellness is not directly credentialed with insurance carriers. We are a private-pay clinic. Payment is due when services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks or credit cards.

We will provide a “Superbill” on request that may be submitted to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. It is your responsibility to determine any insurance coverage. Clients (or the responsible parties) are responsible for all charges, whether covered by insurance or not. 

Check with your insurance company to see if you have out-of-network (OON) benefits, and what your deductible is. If you have OON benefits and a low (>$1,000) deductible, contact your provider and request prior authorization for ICD code 90837 (60 minute psychotherapy) sessions. Some of our clients have had success using this approach. 

Achieving the best results with neurofeedback is a collaborative journey that relies on regular, consistent practice. To help your brain build lasting new habits, we recommend scheduling one to two sessions per week as a baseline. Because your brain thrives on routine, training at the same time and days each week helps reinforce your progress. If your schedule allows for two or more sessions a week, that is a fantastic option—it can help you find relief and complete your program in a shorter timeframe. However, a multi-session week is completely optional (and often not possible). If a single weekly visit to our Crafton office fits your life better, steady consistency will still guide your nervous system toward lasting calm.

Also, we offer limited weekend hours (including Sundays) to accommodate our busy clients.

Yes:

• Please ensure you have shampooed your hair the day before or the day of your session, and do not use any other hair products. Dirty hair and hair products affect impedance and can lower the quality of your session. 
• If you eat a meal or a snack within a few hours of your session, try to eat protein and/or fat and avoid processed foods, especially those high in carbohydrates, i.e., crackers, breads, chips, and starches.
• Avoid sugars and caffeine. Proteins, fruits, vegetables and nuts are best.
• If you drink alcohol, you should not drink the same day you have a neurofeedback session.

You can also download and complete new client paperwork to bring to your first visit at https://steelcityneurofeedback.com/forms.

If, after starting neurofeedback, there is a change to any prescription you are currently taking for depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, or any mental health related conditions, or there is an addition of a new medicine to your regimen for these conditions, advise your neurofeedback therapist right
away.

Please provide us with the updates to any of the following:

• Changes in medications
• Dosage changes
• Starting new medications
• Decreasing or stopping medications
• Changes in frequency of taking medications

Absolutely. Studies show higher efficacy with neurofeedback when the client and clinician have entered into a therapeutic alliance. When the client has positive rapport with the therapist and believes in the process of neurofeedback, the chances of a positive outcome are substantially increased. 

Regardless of modality, the alliance between a therapist and client is essential for successful therapeutic outcomes. In the context of this relationship trust is established, collaboration is possible and realistic expectations are reinforced that best enable clients to achieve established goals.

The clinicians at Steel City Neurofeedback & Wellness are mental health therapists who provide ILF neurofeedback. Traditional mental health therapy/counseling services are available through our affiliates.

Our education and experience in treating mental health clients helps us develop the therapeutic alliance necessary for positive outcomes with ILF neurofeedback.

Neurofeedback is a gradual process, but your brain starts learning from day one. While dramatic transformations take time, many clients notice subtle, comforting shifts after just a few initial sessions. You might find yourself sleeping more deeply at night, waking up with a clearer head, or navigating your day with a newfound sense of calm and productivity. As you stay consistent with your training, these positive shifts will grow stronger, feel more noticeable, and last much longer.

Because neurofeedback is a workout for your brain, any side effects are rare, mild, and short-lived—very similar to what you might experience after a deep meditation session. The most common response is simply feeling a bit tired or unusually energized right after training. Occasionally, you might notice a slight headache or a brief wave of moodiness, both of which typically clear up within a few hours as your nervous system settles into its new balance.

Steel City Neurofeedback operates as a private-pay clinic. This allows us to provide highly customized, personalized care without the diagnostic and structural restrictions often imposed by insurance companies.

• We believe in total flexibility, which is why we never require contracts. You simply pay as you go, continuing your training for as long as it brings you real value and relief.
• Initial Comprehensive Assessment (2 Hours): $200
• Neurofeedback Session (60 Minutes): $150
• Income-based sliding scale options are available to ensure care remains accessible

Maximizing Your Insurance Benefits

While we do not bill insurance companies directly, many of our clients successfully get reimbursed for their sessions. Upon request, we will gladly provide you with a monthly “superbill” (an itemized medical receipt) that you can submit to your insurance provider. Because every insurance policy is different, we highly recommend calling your provider before your first visit to check your Out-of-Network (OON) mental health benefits.

How to check your coverage in 3 steps:

• Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card.
• Ask the representative: “Do I have out-of-network behavioral health benefits for telehealth or office visits?”
• Ask about your deductible: “Do I have an out-of-network deductible to meet before I can receive reimbursement, and what percentage of the fee is covered?”

Clinicians and published scientific research claim a 75%-80% success rate for neurofeedback. However, more neurofeedback research needs to be done to accurately state efficacy rates.

Also, certain conditions respond to NFB quicker than others, such as anxiety, sleep disorders and migraines, all which typically improve rapidly.  However, as everyone’s brain is unique, we can’t predict to what degree symptoms will diminish or improve for any one individual.

There are environmental factors that can negatively affect your neurofeedback. Some common ones include:

• Chronic use of alcohol and drugs (including marijuana and vaping)
• Mold exposure 
• Chronic exposure to paints, chemicals or pesticides (all which impact neurological functioning)
• Internet addiction/excessive screen time
• Excessive cell phone use
• Poor diet & nutrition
• Inconsistent sleep pattern

Good sleep hygiene protocol is recommended for everyone, not just those participating in NFT. The Sleep Foundation is a non-profit that has good primer on sleep hygiene. You can view it at https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene. 

A criticism of neurofeedback is that it has not been sufficiently researched. This is erroneous. There are over 2,400 published papers on neurofeedback, including animal studies, reversal designs, and random treatment assignment.

Neurofeedback research has grown sharply since 2009, as illustrated in the number of published papers available in PubMed’s database. 

ILF neurofeedback is an individualized, client-centered, non-prescriptive, symptom-based procedure. Randomized and controlled studies for neurofeedback are more demanding and challenging than for standardized study protocols. In addition, ILF neurofeedback sessions are continually amended based on an individual’s progression and input. Neurofeedback is symptom-driven, which makes the therapist’s role in the process vital. 

Also, when discussing neurofeedback it needs to be specified which neurofeedback method is being referring to. There are various neurofeedback methods currently in use (ILF, qEEG, sLORETA, LENS, fMRI, Z-score, HEG). While all have evolved from the same root, each has developed in quite different directions. When researching your neurofeedback options, please note that we utilize ILF (Intra-low frequency) neurofeedback.  Click here to read more abut the origins and development of ILF neurofeedback.   

You can also find research studies in ILF neurofeedback here.