When looking for a quality provider who specializes in biofeedback or neurofeedback, it is important to find a provider with both the professional background for the disorders or symptoms you are experiencing, and state-issued license to practice in their field.
All states regulate the independent treatment of diagnosed medical or psychological disorders through licensing laws and it is illegal to independently treat a diagnosed disorder without a license, regardless of the type of treatment (although unlicensed people can work under appropriate supervision).
It is important to distinguish between the difference of being licensed to treat a patient, versus being licensed to use a piece of technology. In some cases, vendors of some psychological treatment technologies license people to use their equipment or software, although the licensee may not be a licensed health care provider. In such cases, there is a risk the technology could be used inadequately or insufficiently, resulting in ineffective or potentially harmful treatment.
To verify if the provider you are considering has a valid, intact psychological license in Arizona, you can check the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners where you can determine the status of a provider's license and if they have encountered any disciplinary action.
In addition, biofeedback and neurofeedback are openly used terms and there is a large discrepancy in the various types of equipment and skill level required to effectively administer treatment. The better systems are sold exclusively to qualified health care professionals to ensure proper usage and require extensive training.
When seeking a provider, be sure they are in fact a qualified health care professional properly trained in biofeedback and neurofeedback. The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR – www.isnr.org) and the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA –www.bcia.org) are membership organizations representing the major researchers, academics, and clinicians in the field of neurofeedback and biofeedback, and a great resource to validate if a technology or provider is qualified in both areas.