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
LEARNING DISABILITY (LD) & PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTS
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At Niagara Neuropsychology, we provide comprehensive Psychoeducational Assessments for children, adolescents, and adults (ages 6 and up). We offer 3 levels of assessment — including evaluations for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Non-Verbal Learning Disability — designed to provide the most thorough evaluation possible while ensuring accessibility across different needs and budgets.
- To learn more about Learning Disabilities and assessment options, CLICK HERE
ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, & BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES
At Niagara Neuropsychology, our treatment for anxiety, depression, and emotional or behavioural difficulties is grounded in evidence-based approaches — specifically Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), both forms of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). We work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, low mood, anger, oppositional behaviour, school refusal, and related concerns. Our child and adolescent services are provided by Anya Sudakar, Psychological Associate, under the supervision of Dr. Friesen. For clients who may benefit from a combined approach, we also integrate neurofeedback, biofeedback, and other neuromodulation treatments.
- To learn more about our Anxiety, Depression, & Behavioural treatment services, CLICK HERE.
FIRST RESPONDERS PROGRAMS
Dr. Friesen has been working with First Responders — including police officers, dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, and front-line health workers — for nearly 20 years. At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer the Optimal Psychological Performance Assessment (OPPA), a ground-breaking annual assessment program that uses objective neuropsychological and psychophysiological measurements to identify psychological, cognitive, and physiological difficulties early — often before the individual is aware of them. The primary goal is to help prevent stress-related injuries such as PTSD and burnout. We offer 3 tiers of the annual assessment to accommodate different needs and budgets.
- To learn more about our First Responders Programs, CLICK HERE.
ADULT & TEEN VIRTUAL GROUP MENTAL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMS
Dr. Friesen offers live, skills-based virtual group training programs for adults and teens, grounded in evidence-based approaches from CBT, ACT, and REBT. The Mental Fortitude Skills Training program is designed to help participants understand how the mind works, build stress resilience, overcome unhelpful thought patterns, and develop skills they can use for life. The adult program runs over 12 weekly sessions at $100/session. A separate program is also available for teen athletes and high achievers, running over 6 weeks. Both programs are billed as Psychological Skills Groups and receipts can be submitted to your insurer.
- To learn more about our Group Mental Skills Training Programs, CLICK HERE.
CLINICAL HYPNOSIS (COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL HYPNOTHERAPY)
Dr. Friesen offers Clinical Hypnosis as an adjunct to evidence-based psychological treatment. Hypnosis is used to help clients manage anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, pain, insomnia, bad habits, and peak performance issues. Dr. Friesen has completed Level 1 training through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) and integrates hypnosis within a Cognitive Behavioral framework.
- To learn more about our Clinical Hypnosis services, CLICK HERE.
CONCUSSION/TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) – ASSESSMENTS & TREATMENTS
At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer 3 levels of assessment for Concussion/TBI for those age 4 and up, including adults. These were developed to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible while ensuring accessibility across different budgets. We also offer baseline neuropsychological testing prior to a concussion, and repeat testing afterward 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
At Niagara Neuropsychology, we offer 3 levels of assessment for Memory, Cognition, and Early Dementia for older adults. These were developed to provide the most comprehensive evaluation possible while ensuring that those with less financial means can still obtain an adequate assessment. We also offer repeat testing to track changes over time.
- To learn more about Memory, Cognition, and Early Dementia assessment options, CLICK HERE.
- To see some of the Memory/Early Dementia treatments we provide, CLICK HERE.
Who pays for the services of a Neuropsychologist 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.
