is a training program that measurably and sustainably improves working memory, attention and concentration, The program is used by children and adults with attention problems ranging from mild inattention to ADHD, and some learning disabilities. COGMED is a radically different, effective and evidence-based addition to the tools we traditionally use to address attention deficits. COGMED is distributed only through psychologists and physicians to ensure that you get the same results as the research.
COGMED was developed by neuroscientists at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, and introduced to the United States in 2006. Our practice is now one of more than 175 teams of qualified professionals offering COGMED training across the country with over 10,000 persons worldwide having completed the training already. This training program is backed by many peer-reviewed studies published in leading scientific journals and has produced excellent clinical results. It has been used at universities and research centers around the world.
COGMED is a computerized training program that requires 25 sessions over 5 weeks and can improve working memory, attention, and focus as measured by fMRI and neuropsychological testing and checklists. Training effects gradually evolve and are long- lasting; 80% of those who complete training notice results 3-4 weeks after they have finished the program.
The initial meeting and preparation for the training take place in the office and is about 30-60 minutes with your COGMED coach. Children doing the training come with one or both parents (one parent is typically the training aide and needs to be present at the first session). You leave the office with your Cogmed username and password.
The actual training takes place at home on a computer with Internet access. There will be weekly Coach Calls after the initial intake session. This is a very important part of the training to ensure the same results as the research. Training results are displayed online for the Coach to review the work that is done.
The program will provide the overall results and the coach will contact the client/parents to talk about the outcome.
Cogmed then offers 100, 15 minute long extension trainings, free of charge. These trainings may be used for up to one year after training is completed. It is recommended that 2 sessions be completed each week.
Payment for the Cogmed training program is due at the first appointment - please call for pricing. We also ask that an “End-user agreement” required by COGMED be signed at this time. Although some insurance companies are declining to pay for this service, others have paid for training, and one potentially could use health savings accounts for payment.
When you improve your working memory capacity, the change generalizes to your behavior. In other words, the change is translated to other things than just working memory. The research breakthrough is that by training a tightly defined cognitive function you create a cascading effect of improvements. You will be better able to pay attention, resist distractions, self-manage, and learn.
Cathleen McCarthy is a specialist using the COGMED program. She works in conjunction with the Psychologists at The Nicholls Group as a COGMED coach.. She offers support, answers questions, and monitors progress when using the program. You may contact her directly to set up an appointment, her telephone number is 480.720.7055 or by email at [email protected]
Dr. Christina Lebovitz, Clinical Psychologist at The Nicholls Group, also provides this service as a COGMED representative. You can reach her at 480-998-2303, or by email at [email protected]
Call The Nicholls Group for more details and pricing, 480-998-2303