How to Become a Neurofeedback Therapist

Neurofeedback therapy is an alternative therapy technique that involves training a patient to become more responsive to his brainwave patterns, as measured using electroencephalography (EEG). The goal of neurofeedback therapy is to help the patient become more aware of, and able to exert control over, the state of her central nervous system. Neurofeedback therapy is used to treat many conditions, including ADHD and affective disorders.

Becoming a neurofeedback therapist requires a significant deal of training, time, and expense.

Things You'll Need

• A Bachelor's degree or greater in a health-related or brain-related field
• Health professional license
• $5000 or more

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Instructions

Becoming a Neurofeedback Therapist

• 1

  Acquire a degree in a health-related field. Acceptable fields include medicine, psychology, nursing (including all licensed RNs), counseling, and therapy.

  Some certifying institutions recommended that you hold an M.D., D.O., Ph.D. or Master's degree in a health-related field. If you have a Bachelor's degree in a health-related field you'll should contact the certifying organization to ensure eligibility before signing up for a certification program.

• 2

  Become a licensed health-care practitioner in your state. Requirements for licensing vary from place to place.

  If you are not a licensed health-care practitioner, you will need to form a partnership with a licensed health-care practitioner or work for a licensed health-care practitioner in order to practice neurofeedback therapy.

• 3

  Attend a neurofeedback training certification course. Certification costs vary, depending on the level of training desired and the institution that you choose to attend. As of 11/20/2009 certification through the Biofeedback Association of America costs $400 ($300 for current students in an approved field). Certification through private organizations typically costs $1095 for a 4-day course.

• 4

  Purchase EEG equipment and sensors. You can purchase required equipment from specialized internet vendors. These machines aren't cheap; expect to spend $4000 or more for the necessary equipment.