Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves (neurofeedback), heart function (e.g., HRV), breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately “feed back” information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behaviour — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument (adapted from The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research www.isnr.org). Click HERE to learn more about neurofeedback, biofeedback, and other neuromodulation treatments.
Neurofeedback, biofeedback, and other forms or neuromodulation (e.g., CES, tDCS, LENS, AVE, Transcranial Photobiomodulation) are used to treat ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress, epilepsy/seizures, headache, traumatic brain injury (TBI), strokes, and to help with optimal performance. To learn more, click here.
Dr. Friesen’s other practice, Friesen Sport & Performance Psychology (FriesenPerformance.com) offers in-person sport and performance psychology services to serious athletes from Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe region (Niagara to Oakville). We work with athletes at a distance, including national, Olympic, and professional, via phone/Skype. We also focus on helping other high achievers (e.g., executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, writers) achieve goals and improve their performance and productivity. We do this by leveraging the latest research from sport/performance psychology, executive coaching, Acceptance & Commitment Training, and cognitive neuroscience. We offer coaching, consulting, and workshops to high-achieving individuals and businesses looking to maximize personal and professional potential.
Niagara Neuropsychology offers psychological and neuropsychological assessments and treatments to individuals. Our neuropsychological treatments focus on neuromodulation (e.g., neurofeedback, CES, tDCS, and other cutting edge modalities). Our psychological treatments are based on evidence-based approaches including biofeedback, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT).
Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessments and Treatments
Niagara Neuropsychology offers both neuropsychological and psychological assessment and treatment services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We offer services directly to patients or for third parties (e.g., IME companies, lawyers, occupational health/safety departments of various organizations, sports teams, nursing homes, police services, professional organizations/colleges, and family physicians, neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, and other health professionals).
ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER – ADHD/ADD ASSESSMENTS & TREATMENTS
To see some of the ADHD/ADD treatments we provide, CLICK HERE.
At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer 3 levels of assessment for ADHD/ADD for those age 5 and up (including adults). These were developed in order to be able to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible and to ensure that even those with less financial means can obtain an adequate assessment and diagnosis.
- To learn more about ADHD and assessment options, CLICK HERE
- To learn more about the ADHD treatments we provide, CLICK HERE
CONCUSSION/MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (MTBI) – ASSESSMENTS & TREATMENTS
Recently experienced a concussion? Please see the Sports Neuropsychological Society Return to School-Play Fact Sheet to see the latest guidelines for returning to school or sport.
At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer 3 levels of assessment for Concussion/Mild TBI for those age 4 and up (including adults). These were developed in order to be able to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible and to ensure that even those with less financial means can obtain an adequate assessment.
Below are descriptions of each level of Concussion/Mild TBI assessment from the top tier ADVANCED Concussion/Mild TBI Assessment, middle-tier INTERMEDIATE Concussion/Mild TBI Assessment, and lowest tier BRIEF Concussion/Mild TBI Assessment. We also offer baseline (i.e., before a concussion) neuropsychological testing (no interview or feedback from Dr. Friesen) for each of the 3 tiers and repeat testing after a concussion to determine recovery.
- To learn more about TBI and assessment options, CLICK HERE
- To see some of the TBI treatments we provide, CLICK HERE
MEMORY/COGNITIVE/EARLY DEMENTIA ASSESSMENTS & TREATMENTS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Interested in learning how to keep your brain healthy and sharp as you age? Drs. Robert and Alanna Conder and I recently published a review article in OBM Geriatrics where we outline ways to promote healthy neuro-cognitive aging.
In our article we cover:
Click HERE for the link and HERE for the PDF.
At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer 3 levels of assessment for Memory/Cognition/Early Dementia Assessment for Older Adults. These were developed in order to be able to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible and to ensure that even those with less financial means can obtain an adequate assessment.
Below are descriptions of each level of Memory/Cognition/Early Dementia Assessment for Older Adults from the top tier ADVANCED assessment, middle-tier INTERMEDIATE assessment, and lowest tier BRIEF SCREENING assessment. We also offer repeat testing to determine or track change over time.
- To see some of the MEMORY/EARLY DEMENTIA treatments we provide, CLICK HERE.
- To learn more about MEMORY/EARLY DEMENTIA and assessment options, CLICK HERE
Our assessment services are usually focused on the questions posed to us by the individual or the referral source but can also be more general. Assessments can help determine:
- DSM-5 Psychological Diagnoses (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, etc)
- Neuropsychological assessments for ADHD/ADD, Concussion/TBI, age-related memory changes, early stage dementia
- Disability status
- Treatment plans
- Prognosis for recovery
- Return to play determinations for sports concussions
- Police candidate psychological screenings
Who pays for the services of a Neuropsycholoist or Psychologist?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not pay for the services of a psychologist. Although some clients pay their own fees directly, there are a number of options for funding and reimbursement available to many people who are interested in seeing a psychologist.
Automobile Insurance Coverage – If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and are suffering from psychological/emotional changes as a result, you may be eligible for a psychological and/or neuropsychological assessment and treatment (if deemed required). Such services are directly billed to your insurance company once it has been approved. Unfortunately, we are not accepting automobile insurance referrals at this time.
Extended Health Plans – Many people who are employed have an extended health care plan through their employer. Many of the health care plans pay all or a portion of the costs of seeing a Registered Psychologist. Look in the booklet describing your benefits or talk to your insurance company to find out about your coverage. Coverage for psychologists varies from around $300 per year to $1200 per year for most plans. Typically, you will pay the psychologist and then be reimbursed by the insurance company.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board – If you have psychological problems because of an accident or other workplace stress or incident, you may qualify for psychological treatment through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Your claim adjudicator or family physician may be able to help you with this. Unfortunately, we are not accepting WSIB referrals at this time.
Veterans Affairs Canada – Psychological/neuropsychological assessments and treatments may be funded through Blue Cross if you are an eligible member of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, or a veteran.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board – The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides compensation for psychological services to eligible applicants who experience psychological problems as a result of being a victim of crime.
