FAQ

You’re office is located in south Florida, but I live in the Bahamas. Will it be possible for my child to enroll in the Cogmed program?

You raise two important issues. First, since the training is completed on your home computer it’s not necessary that you come to our office. We are able to conduct virtually all of our business together with the aid of phone, email, and surface mail. Second, it is not necessary to be located in the same geographic location to successfully participate in the Cogmed Working Memory Training. So whether you reside in the US, or another country in the Caribean or Latin America, or elsewhere you can still benefit from the program.

What equipment is needed to use Cogmed?

It is necessary to have a personal computer with internet access. It can be dial-up but it won’t be as fast as other services. Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 5.0) produces better results than other browser programs. IThe computer should have at least a Pentium II processor, although it will work better with a Pentium III or higher. There should be at least 64 MB of RAM, but 128 MB RAM is preferred. A minimum of 150 MB of storage space on the hard drive is required. Naturally you have both a sound card with speakers or headphones and a graphics card. Finally, since the RoboMemo software comes on a CD it is essential that you have a disc drive for installation.

How much does it cost?

There is an initial assessment and screening fee of $150. The five week training program costs $1500. In the event a three week booster program is desired it costs $750.

That seems like a lot of money. How does this compare with other interventions?

This is a good question because we have to consider the context and relative costs associated with any interventions. The maximum cost for Cogmed Working Memory Training is $2250. This is actually quite favorable in comparison to other interventions that might be used. For someone who does not complete a set of booster sessions the entire program cost is $1650. There are no other costs or hidden fees.

The cost for private counseling or psychotherapy from a doctoral level psychologist, if not covered by a health plan can cost between $80 and $200 per session, depending on where you live more than any other factor. If a child attends weekly psychotherapy the cost can be as much as $800 per month for as long as the child attends. A course of therapy lasting three or four months is not atypical and may go for as much as a year.

The cost of a psychoeducational evaluation prior to beginning a program of tutoring or academic therapy can run between $850 and $2500 depending on how thorough it is and the level of expertise of the examiners. Then a program of educational enhancement can cost a minimum of $50 per hour. Some centers require a contract for a certain number of sessions whereas an individual private tutor just charges for each hour spent with the child. Educational testing and tutoring are rarely covered by health insurance.

Neurofeedback, also known as brainwave biofeedback, costs between $75 to $150 per session. The research shows that in order to be effective there should be two to three sessions per week for at least six months. In some studies the investigators found that nine to twelve months were required to obtain improvements. So, for a minimum cost neurofeedback program with a duration of twice per week for six months, the associated cost is $3900. Lengthier programs would cost more. Some health plans have a provision for covering some of the costs but it is not that common. Most HMOs and PPOs do not offer coverage for neurofeedback.

The cost of medication is often covered by insurance which may make it appear to be something of a bargain. The amount of money spent out-of-pocket depends on how much the plan covers, the required co-payments, and the specific medication prescribed. Methylphenidate, which is generic Ritalin is relatively inexpensive and may cost only $10 per month even without the help of health insurance. Focalin XR can cost $50 per month co-payment as a non-formulary medication on some plans. Other medications can cost $250 per month. If more than one medication is prescribed the costs go up accordingly. Please remember that medications costs will continue even with other intervention programs, although the quantity and dose level may be reduced significantly after completing another intervention. Medications are largely for maintenance and their results are obtained only as long as medications are used.

I have more than one child with ADHD. Will I have to pay full price for a second child?

It’s not unusual to have more than one child who presents ADHD symptoms. We know that this is an inheritable disorder and it does tend to run in families. We are able to offer a somewhat reduced cost for families when a second member begins the Cogmed program at either the same time or shortly after the first child begins.

Do you offer any other discounts?

Due to restrictions in our arrangement with the parent company we can only offer certain incentives to people who make referrals to us because this reduces our direct marketing costs and we are thus able to pass the savings along.

How can I pay for a Cogmed program?

We can only accept US funds. We are able to accept checks drawn on a US bank, money orders paid in US currency, and credit cards like VISA and MasterCard. We can also accept Discover and American Express credit cards.

How does Cogmed compare with other computer memory programs?

There are a number of programs available that are really memory games. The main difference between them and Cogmed’s Working Memory Training program is the ability to continually challenge and modify the training experience. By gradually adjusting level of difficulty based on real time experiences Cogmed is able to provide a true training experience. This differs from other memory game programs and creates a genuine learning experience that will enhance and improve specific aspects of working memory until maximum benefit is attained.

My husband and I both work and my two other children are very demanding. Does the Training Aide always have to be a parent?

No, parents often serve as Training Aides, but another adult can also do the job. It may be another family member, such as grandparent, or you can bring in someone specifically to work as a Training Aide.