Mind Matters Regional Neurofeedback Centers

06/26/2025

🚨 Available July 1st at Mind Matters! 🚨
We’re thrilled to introduce Photobiomodulation (PBM) sessions featuring the Vielight Gamma — a breakthrough, non-invasive service designed to support and optimize brain health in just 20 minutes.

This advanced light-based technology uses low-level near-infrared light to stimulate cellular energy, improve circulation, and promote healthy brainwave activity. The Vielight Gamma specifically targets gamma wave frequencies (40 Hz)—which are associated with memory, attention, and cognitive processing.

✅ Clinically researched
✅ Non-invasive and drug-free
✅ Safe, relaxing, and easy to integrate into your care plan
✅ Ideal for boosting focus, mental clarity, and neurological resilience

Whether you're recovering from a concussion, managing brain fog, or simply looking to support long-term cognitive wellness, PBM may be the extra support your brain needs.

📍 Now available at select Mind Matters locations.
💡 Curious if it’s right for you? Talk to your provider or ask us during your next visit.

👉 Tag a friend who might benefit or share this post to spread the word!

05/10/2025

We’re so grateful to the Syracuse City School District for inviting us to be part of this year’s Neurodiversity Fair!

At Mind Matters, we’re passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals through brain-based services that truly make a difference. Using qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback training, we help people better understand how their brain works—and create personalized programs to support focus, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and more.

Thank you again, SCSD, for creating space to celebrate and support neurodiversity. We’re honored to be a part of it!

Every brain is different—and every brain deserves support.
Learn more at www.urmindmatters.com or send us a message to connect!

05/01/2025

Urgent Need to Prioritize Children's Mental Health
Recent findings from JAMA Pediatrics reveal a dramatic increase in depression and anxiety among children and teenagers. Alarmingly, this trend has continued to worsen even beyond the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These developments signal a critical need to prioritize youth mental health across schools, communities, and at the national level.
Parents and educators are often unequipped to manage the growing emotional and behavioral challenges children face. Research funded by the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration has highlighted that young people often exhibit mood disorders differently than adults—frequently showing conduct issues, irritability, or physical complaints rather than verbalizing emotional distress.
According to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, addressing the worsening mental health crisis requires a coordinated, national effort to identify and understand the complex causes. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia outlines common signs of childhood mood disorders, which may include:
• Intense sadness, irritability, or anger
• Conflict with family members
• Withdrawal from previously enjoyable activities
• Disrupted sleep or eating habits
• Frequent complaints of physical ailments (e.g., headaches, stomachaches)
• Declining academic performance
In the field of psychophysiology, these symptoms are understood as rooted in neurological function. Mood disorders are often tied to how neurons are operating. Biological disruptions—some unrelated directly to the brain, such as gut imbalances—can impair neurological health and contribute to these issues. Addressing these root causes at the cellular level may significantly improve the effectiveness of traditional interventions such as counseling.
One promising tool is a brain map, or quantitative EEG (qEEG), which offers a non-invasive way to assess brain function in real time. This technique can pinpoint neurological irregularities and guide targeted neurotherapy or neurofeedback interventions to help regulate brain activity. Improvements in brain regulation often correlate with meaningful, long-lasting symptom reduction.
To learn more, call 607-437-3305 or visit www.urmindmatters.com.

04/09/2025

04/03/2025

What Do Sleep Medications Do to Your Brain?

Sleep is essential for brain health, playing a crucial role in clearing protein waste and neurotoxins. During sleep, the brain undergoes five maintenance cycles, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. These cycles facilitate the glymphatic system's ability to remove amyloid plaques—buildup that has been linked to mild cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, sleep medications are designed to "turn off" the brain, suppressing the natural processes responsible for clearing waste. Researchers at the University of Rochester used brain imaging and electrical activity monitoring to study the glymphatic system, finding that sleep medications interfere with this essential function.

Sleep disturbances can stem from various factors, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative rest. A Quantitative Electroencephalograph (qEEG), also known as a brain map, can help identify the root cause of sleep disruptions. By using neurofeedback training to regulate brain activity and bring it within optimal ranges, individuals can experience significant improvements in sleep quality.

Learn more at www.urmindmatters.com or connect with one of our Internationally Certified EEG experts at 607-437-3305.

03/18/2025

The Impact of Chronic Worry on Physical Health
Constant worry about situations beyond your control can take a serious toll on your physical health. Persistent anxiety keeps the body in a heightened “fight-or-flight” state, activating its stress response. Over time, this chronic stress weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections and illness.

Additionally, prolonged stress is linked to cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease. Long-term exposure to cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, can also contribute to digestive problems, muscle tension, and headaches.

Mental strain can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use or overeating, further impacting overall health. The brain plays a key role in this cycle, as chronic stress causes neurons to fire outside normal ranges, making it difficult to break free from the pattern of worry.

A Quantitative Electroencephalograph (qEEG), or brain map, is a non-invasive tool that identifies which areas of the brain are functioning outside normal ranges. Understanding these patterns can help guide effective interventions.

If you need support or more information, visit www.urmindmatters.com or call us at 607-437-3305 to speak with a professional.

02/13/2025

Did you know that more health insurance companies are now covering qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback? These innovative services can be game-changers for individuals dealing with ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological conditions.

💡 How to Check if You’re Covered:
✅ Call Your Insurance Provider – Ask if your plan includes qEEG brain mapping (CPT Code 95957) and neurofeedback (CPT Code 90901).
✅ Ask About Medical Necessity – Coverage often depends on a doctor’s recommendation or a specific diagnosis.
✅ Check for Pre-Authorization – Some plans require prior approval before you begin treatment.

While coverage varies, more policies are expanding to include these services—so don’t miss out on potential benefits! If your insurance doesn’t cover it, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) might be options to help with costs.

Have you had success getting neurofeedback or qEEG covered? Drop a comment and share your experience! 👇

01/25/2025

Grief is often seen as a purely emotional experience, but it has profound effects on the body as well. The loss of a loved one disrupts emotional bonds and the physical and social support they provided, triggering a cascade of physiological responses. Here’s a deeper look at how grief impacts the body:
1. Immune System and Inflammation
• The stress of grief activates the immune system, prompting an increase in inflammatory responses. While this might initially help the body repair itself, prolonged inflammation can weaken overall immunity, leaving individuals more susceptible to illness.
• The heightened production of immune system proteins can make grieving individuals more sensitive to physical pain, a phenomenon supported by research.
2. Gut Microbiome Imbalance
• Chronic stress from grief can disturb the balance of the gut microbiome. This allows bacteria to migrate beyond the gastrointestinal tract, triggering systemic inflammation, which can exacerbate both physical and mental health issues.
3. Physical Symptoms
• Grieving individuals often report physical pain, fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues. These symptoms reflect the close connection between emotional and physical health.
4. Prolonged Grief and Neurobiology
• For some, grief becomes chronic, lasting longer than six months and significantly impairing daily life. Researchers suggest that "stuck" grief could have a biological basis, such as impaired neuronal functioning.
• Chronic grief can disrupt brain plasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and rewire—making it harder for individuals to move forward.
5. Neurofeedback and Healing
• Neurofeedback, a therapeutic technique that promotes neuroplasticity, may help regulate brain function. By training the brain to operate more efficiently, individuals may find it easier to process grief, reducing both its emotional and physical toll.
If you’re struggling with grief that feels overwhelming or prolonged, seeking professional support can be incredibly beneficial. For more information, resources, or help, you can visit www.urmindmatters.com or call 607-437-3305.

01/21/2025

🌟 Technician Tuesday: Meet Sadie Kaczynski! 🌟

Today, we're shining a spotlight on Sadie Kaczynski, the lead neurofeedback technician at our Endicott, NY office! 🎉

Sadie has been a vital part of the Mind Matters team since June 2024. She holds a degree in Human Services from Tompkins Cortland Community College (Class of 2023) and is currently completing her Psychology degree at SUNY Empire State University. 🧠📚 On top of that, she is actively pursuing her BCIA board certification, further cementing her commitment to neurofeedback excellence.

Clients may also recognize Sadie in her critical role assisting with data acquisition alongside the renowned Dr. Vincent Monastra (https://www.drvincemonastra.com/), a true pioneer in the field. Her hands-on work ensures precision and quality in every assessment we conduct.

We’re incredibly proud to have Sadie on our team and look forward to the amazing contributions she’ll continue to bring to our clients and community!

💬 Drop a comment to show Sadie some love and appreciation for her hard work! 💙

01/07/2025

Looking to dive deeper into the fascinating world of neurofeedback?

Here are Dr. Steffens’ MUST-READ picks for understanding how this groundbreaking approach can help manage stress, enhance focus, and support healing:

✨ A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback by Jim Robbins

✨ Neurofeedback 101: Rewiring the Brain for ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and Beyond by Michael P. Cohen

✨ The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

✨ The Healing Power of Neurofeedback by Stephen Larsen

✨ Heal Your Mind, Rewire Your Brain by Patt Lind-Kyle

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned practitioner, these books offer powerful insights into how neurofeedback is transforming mental health and well-being.

Which one will you read first? Let us know below!

12/25/2024

This holiday season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have trusted us on your journey toward mental health and well-being. Your resilience, growth, and courage inspire us every day.

At Mind Matters, we are honored to be a part of your story, and we are endlessly thankful for the opportunity to support you in reaching your goals. This season reminds us of the strength found in connection, the power of hope, and the beauty of progress.

From our team to you and your loved ones, we wish you peace, joy, and a holiday season filled with love and gratitude. Here’s to continuing the journey together into the new year.