Neurostimulation therapy is a non-invasive approach that uses gentle forms of electrical, electromagnetic, light, or sound stimulation to help modulate brain and nervous system activity and to gently support the nervous system towards improved regulation, flexibility, stability, and recovery.

Neurostimulation may be used on its own or alongside neurofeedback therapy and processing therapies such as EMDR and DBR.

tDCS - transcranial direct current stimulation
tDCS uses a very low-level direct current applied through electrodes placed on the scalp.

tACS - transcranial alternating current stimulation
tACS uses a gentle alternating current at specific frequencies. It is designed to interact with brain rhythms and may be used to support more regulated patterns of brain activity.

Electromagnetic (EMF) field stimulation
Low-intensity electromagnetic stimulation may be used to influence brain and nervous system activity..

Light stimulation

Light-based stimulation uses 810nm (penetrates superficial tissues) or 1070nm wavelength (penetrates deeper tissues) light waves to improve mitochondrial activity.

Sound and noise stimulation
Sound-based stimulation may use specific frequencies, rhythmic patterns, or forms of noise stimulation to help regulate arousal, attention, sensory processing, and nervous system state.

The process begins with an initial assessment to understand the person’s symptoms, history, current functioning, goals, medical background, and safety considerations. In most instances a QEEG is done to help understand brainwave patterns and guide treatment planning.

During a session, the client sits comfortably while the equipment is set up. Depending on the protocol, electrodes, EMF Coils and light sources are attached to the scalp. Sessions are generally gentle, non-invasive, and do not require the client to consciously “perform” a task.

Protocols are selected carefully and reviewed over time. The response to neurostimulation can vary from person to person, and the plan may be adjusted depending on symptoms, tolerance, and progress.

Neurostimulation may be considered where symptoms appear to involve dysregulation of the brain, nervous system, arousal systems, sleep, pain processing, attention, cognition, or recovery after injury.

Depression

Depression can affect mood, motivation, energy, sleep, concentration, and the way brain networks communicate. Some forms of non-invasive brain stimulation, particularly tDCS have been found to be effective in depression. Neurostimulation may be considered as an adjunctive option, especially where symptoms have not fully responded to standard approaches The Royal Australia New Zealand College of Psychiatrists recognizes the benefit of using tDCS in the treatment of Depression.

Anxiety and stress-related symptoms

Anxiety often involves a nervous system that is over-alert or unable to settle easily. This may present as racing thoughts, physical tension, panic symptoms, poor sleep, irritability, or feeling constantly “on edge”. Neurostimulation with tDCS and Magnetic stimulation may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can leave the body and brain in a heightened threat state. People may experience hypervigilance, intrusive memories, emotional reactivity, avoidance, sleep disturbance, shutdown, dissociation, or difficulty feeling safe. Neurostimulation may be used to support nervous system regulation and may complement trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR and DBR.

Sleep difficulties

Sleep problems may be related to over-arousal, stress, pain, trauma, mood difficulties, circadian disruption, or difficulty shifting the brain into a resting state. Neurostimulation may be used to support relaxation, sleep-wake regulation, and the brain’s ability to move into calmer states.

OCD and repetitive thought patterns

OCD often involves intrusive thoughts, anxiety, compulsive behaviours, and difficulty tolerating uncertainty or distress. Neurostimulation may be used as an adjunctive approach to support regulation of anxiety and distress.

Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury

After concussion, some people continue to experience headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, dizziness, light or sound sensitivity, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbance, or brain fog. Neurostimulation may be considered as part of a broader rehabilitation approach, especially when symptoms suggest ongoing dysregulation of brain networks or the autonomic nervous system.

Fatigue, brain fog and cognitive difficulties

Some people experience mental fatigue, reduced processing speed, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, or a sense that their brain is not functioning as clearly as before. This can occur after concussion, chronic stress, trauma, poor sleep, pain, illness, or prolonged nervous system strain. Neurostimulation may be used to support regulation, alertness, cognitive efficiency, and recovery, while also addressing the underlying contributors.

Autonomic dysregulation and nervous system instability

Some clients experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, temperature sensitivity, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, anxiety surges, or difficulty tolerating stress. These symptoms may reflect dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. Neurostimulation may be used to support regulation of the broader nervous system, alongside medical assessment and treatment where required.

Neurological and Cognitive Conditions

Neurostimulation is also being studied and used in a range of neurological and cognitive conditions. In these conditions, the aim is not to replace medical care, rehabilitation, medication, or specialist neurological input. Rather, neurostimulation may be considered as an adjunctive approach to support brain regulation, neuroplasticity, cognitive functioning, communication, mood, sleep, and recovery.

Stroke rehabilitation

After a stroke, people may experience weakness, reduced coordination, speech and language difficulties, fatigue, mood changes, cognitive difficulties, and reduced confidence in daily functioning. Some forms of non-invasive brain stimulation have been studied as adjuncts to stroke rehabilitation. The aim is usually to support neuroplasticity and improve the brain’s response to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or cognitive rehabilitation.

Post-stroke aphasia and communication difficulties

Some people develop aphasia after stroke, affecting speech, word finding, understanding, reading, or writing. Neurostimulation has been studied as an add-on to speech and language therapy. The evidence is still developing. Some studies suggest possible benefits for naming and language recovery.

Parkinson’s disease and movement-related conditions

Parkinson’s disease can affect movement, balance, gait, mood, sleep, cognition, and autonomic regulation. Non-invasive stimulation approaches, particularly rTMS, have been studied in Parkinson’s disease for motor and non-motor symptoms. The evidence is still evolving and varies according to the symptom being targeted and the stimulation protocol used. Neurostimulation should not replace neurological care or Parkinson’s medication, but in selected cases it may be considered as an adjunctive approach to support function, mood, sleep, and regulation.

Mild cognitive impairment and dementia

Mild cognitive impairment and dementia can affect memory, attention, language, orientation, mood, sleep, and daily functioning. Neurostimulation approaches such as tDCS, tACS, rTMS, and light-based stimulation are being researched for cognitive symptoms, but the evidence remains preliminary and mixed. Neurostimulation is not a cure for dementia or a way to reverse neurodegenerative disease. However, in selected clients, it may be considered as an adjunctive approach to support attention, alertness, mood, sleep, communication, and quality of life. Any client with suspected cognitive decline should have appropriate medical assessment to clarify the diagnosis, identify reversible contributors, and ensure that suitable medical, family, and community supports are in place.

Age-related cognitive decline

Some people experience difficulties with concentration, memory, processing speed, word-finding, or mental fatigue. These symptoms may occur with ageing, stress, poor sleep, pain, concussion, trauma, medication effects, medical conditions, or early cognitive decline. Neurostimulation may be used to support brain regulation and cognitive efficiency, particularly when combined with sleep support, pacing, exercise, cognitive strategies, neurofeedback, and medical review where needed.

Non-invasive brain stimulation is an active and growing area of clinical research. The strength of evidence varies considerably depending on the condition, the modality used, the stimulation protocol, and the person receiving treatment.

At ReBoot, neurostimulation is used as an adjunctive therapy. It is not presented as a cure and does not replace medical care, psychological therapy, medication, rehabilitation, neurological care, or specialist treatment where these are required.

Neurostimulation is generally well tolerated, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Possible temporary side effects may include tiredness, headache, dizziness, tingling, scalp discomfort, irritability, emotional changes, or changes in sleep.

The frequency of sessions can vary from twice daily x 5 days a week for two weeks to thrice weekly for 6-8 weeks. Clients may need more than one cycle of sessions two to three months apart.

The cost of each neurostimulation session is $400.00 (incl GST), and the cost of a combined Neurostimulation + DBR / EMDR session is $600.00 (incl GST).

The cost of the initial session is between $600.00 and $900.00 (incl GST) and the cost of QEEG if needed is $1800.00 (incl GST).

Depression

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for depression. Interventional Procedures Guidance IPG530. Published 26 August 2015. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg530

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression. Interventional Procedures Guidance IPG542. Published 16 December 2015. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg542

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Position Statement 79: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. RANZCP; 2013.

Brunoni AR, Moffa AH, Fregni F, et al. Transcranial direct current stimulation for acute major depressive episodes: meta-analysis of individual patient data. Br J Psychiatry. 2016;208(6):522–531. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.115.164715.

Moffa AH, Martin D, Alonzo A, et al. Efficacy and acceptability of transcranial direct current stimulation for major depressive disorder: an individual patient data meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2020;99:109836. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109836.

Anxiety, trauma-related disorders and PTSD

Gay F, Singier A, Aouizerate B, Salvo F, Bienvenu TCM. Neuromodulation treatments of pathological anxiety in anxiety disorders, stressor-related disorders, and major depressive disorder: a dimensional systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:910897. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.910897.

Gouveia FV, Davidson B, Meng Y, Gidyk DC, Rabin JS, Ng E, Abrahao A, Lipsman N, Giacobbe P, Hamani C. Treating post-traumatic stress disorder with neuromodulation therapies: transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. Neurotherapeutics. 2020;17(4):1747–1756. doi:10.1007/s13311-020-00871-0.

Stroke-related aphasia

Elsner B, Kugler J, Pohl M, Mehrholz J. Transcranial direct current stimulation for improving aphasia in adults with aphasia after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;5:CD009760. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009760.pub4.

Biou E, Cassoudesalle H, Cogné M, Sibon I, De Gabory I, Dehail P, Aupy J, Glize B. Transcranial direct current stimulation in post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation: a systematic review. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2019;62(2):104–121. doi:10.1016/j.rehab.2019.01.003.

Stroke rehabilitation and motor recovery

Hsu WY, Cheng CH, Liao KK, Lee IH, Lin YY. Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor functions in patients with stroke: a meta-analysis. Stroke. 2012;43(7):1849–1857. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.649756.

Osman H, Siu R, Makowski NS, Knutson JS, Cunningham DA. Neurostimulation after stroke. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2024;35(2):369–382. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2023.06.008.

Persistent post-concussive symptoms

Khosravi MH, Louras M, Martens G, Kaux JF, Thibaut A, Lejeune N. A scoping review on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for persistent post-concussive symptoms. Biomedicines. 2024;12(2):450. doi:10.3390/biomedicines12020450.

Chronic insomnia

Nabil Y, Hatem N, Aboelkhier MM, Mansour A, Elsamman K, Allam S, Samy A, Ehab K, Noufal A, Alkheder A. Transcranial alternating current stimulation for chronic insomnia: a meta-analytic evaluation of sleep restoration and safety in adults. BMC Psychiatry. 2026;26:236. doi:10.1186/s12888-026-07900-w.

Parkinson’s disease

Ye F, Shao Y, Wu G, Huang M, Huang H. Effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation on neurophysiologic motor function in Parkinson’s patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Aging Neurosci. 2025;17:1621052. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2025.1621052.

Putzolu M, Botta A, Cosentino C, Mezzarobba S, Bonassi G, Ravizzotti E, et al. Recent advances of transcranial electrical stimulation in healthy aging and Parkinson’s disease: effects on dual tasking. J Parkinsons Dis. 2025;15(4). doi:10.1177/1877718X251327758.

Tahtis V, Kaski D. Parkinson’s disease treatments: focus on transcranial direct current stimulation. J Parkinsonism Restless Legs Syndr. 2017;7:55–70. doi:10.2147/JPRLS.S128146.

Mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Koch G, Altomare D, Benussi A, Bréchet L, Casula EP, Dodich A, Pievani M, Santarnecchi E, Frisoni GB. The emerging field of non-invasive brain stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease. Brain. 2024;147(12):4003–4016. doi:10.1093/brain/awae292.

Nissim NR, Pham DVH, Poddar T, Blutt E, Hamilton RH. The impact of gamma transcranial alternating current stimulation on cognitive and memory processes in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease: a literature review. Brain Stimul. 2023;16(3):748–755. doi:10.1016/j.brs.2023.04.001.

Cognitive performance and healthy ageing

Lv Y, Wu S, Nitsche MA, Yue T, Zschorlich VR, Qi F. A meta-analysis of the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training on working memory in healthy older adults. Front Aging Neurosci. 2024;16:1454755. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2024.1454755.

General clinical guidelines covering multiple conditions

Fregni F, El-Hagrassy MM, Pacheco-Barrios K, et al. Evidence-based guidelines and secondary meta-analysis for the use of transcranial direct current stimulation in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2021;24(4):256–313. doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyaa051.

Safety, technical application and professional standards

Antal A, Alekseichuk I, Bikson M, et al. Low-intensity transcranial electric stimulation: safety, ethical, legal, regulatory and application guidelines. Clin Neurophysiol. 2017;128(9):1774–1809. doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2017.06.001.