Frequently asked questions

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How is Brain Connex Therapy different?

Our approach is based on developing the foundation of the nervous system. We focus on bottom-up treatment of the brain, rather than a symptom-based treatment. We take an integrative approach to strengthening the brain and its connections through sensory engagement, physical development, primitive reflex integration, and brain hemispheric balance. Children who struggle with focus, behavior, social skills, anxiety, and academic performance are consistently the same children who present with underdeveloped sensory and motor systems. Extensive research has confirmed improvements in all of the above areas by improving connections with the brain and enhancing neural pathways with specific, purposeful movements. Our goal is to improve the brain-body connection making it easier for a child to self-regulate, have social interactions, engage in physical activities, and to learn with ease.

What is the Melillo Method™?

The Melillo Method is a revolutionary program created by Dr. Robert Melillo, creator of Brain Balance Achievement Centers. The treatment combines neurologically based movements with sensory stimulation specific to strengthening the weaker brain hemisphere. Cutting edge treatments based on neurological function provide results quickly. Melillo Method has recent research proving the effectiveness of the program. 

What services do you offer?

For virtual clients we offer:

  • CALM 

  • INTEGRATE

  • CONNECT

You can read about these programs and our approach here: https://www.brainconnextherapy.com/our-approach

We have three memberships that provide additional support:

  • Individualized Support: work one-on-one with an OT to customize your child's program

  • Guided Support: attend group zoom chats bi-monthly to help guide you through your child's program

  • Community: open to everyone! Our community gives you access to a library of neuro-sensorimotor programs, brain healthy lifestyle information, and a monthly educational webinar & movement challenge!


*We are an Arizona ESA provider.*

What does the INTEGRATE program include?

Our program is an integrated whole-body approach and, as such, has multiple components.

  • Passive sensory stimulation in the form of tactile, olfactory, visual, and auditory stimulation

  • Exercises targeting primitive and postural reflexes

  • Core muscle exercises

  • Proprioceptive and balance training 

  • Vestibular exercises

  • Rhythm and timing exercises, including whole-body coordination activities and use
    of the Interactive Metronome® 

  • Activities that aim to enhance auditory and visual processing, as well as coordination and endurance of eye movements 

  • Brain healthy lifestyle recommendations

  • Supplement recommendations

  • Community and online support

  • Back office access to video & written instructions while enrolled in the program


Once you are enrolled in the at-home program, you will gain access to our Parent Portal "back office" which has video instructions that will help progress through your program. 

The INTEGRATE program is meant to be completed 5-7x/week for 16 weeks in length, minimum. Some children will need longer than 16 weeks for maximum results. 

The INTEGRATE program is a self-guided program with all information and step-by-step instructions within the virtual platform. To customize your child's program and have accountability, you can add-on either an individualized or guided support memberships at time of checkout.

How can I get started?

If you are ready to get started, and are planning to work 100% virtually, head to our 'Get Started' page and purchase the package that is right for you.

Do you work with clients in-person?

No, at this time (as of January 2024) I am not seeing clients in-person; only virtually.

What is the age range for the Brain Connex Program?

The program is designed for children aged 3-21+, however the Melillo Method has been used successfully on people of all ages. Younger children would benefit from working one-on-one with our OT to help modify & adjust the program.

Our advanced CONNECT program is ideal for school-aged children and older that have done reflex integration work.

Will the program help my child who is struggling at school?

Studies done on the Melillo Method took 60 randomly selected kids who were independently diagnosed with ADHD. After three months of their treatment at the end of the study, up to 60% of them improved a minimum of two grade levels and 35% improved in four grade levels or better. 82% of them were no longer considered ADHD based on standard testing. This is consistent with the results reported by parents of those we coach.

Will this program cover primitive reflex integration?

Yes, one of the foundational elements of our program is to integrate retained primitive reflexes. Primitive reflexes are for our survival and safety. Children, and even adults, can have unintegrated primitive reflexes due to a variety of reasons including stress, trauma, low muscle tone and developmental delays. The majority of reflexes should integrate fully by 18 months of age. When they remain unintegrated past this time, it is a sign of an underdeveloped brain. Our programs helps integrate reflexes faster by co-activating sensory systems, and strengthening core/postural muscles.

Will I have "homework"?

Neuroplasticity (the ability for the brain to change) occurs with proper frequency, intensity, and duration. With our INTEGRATE program the frequency (3x/wk) + duration (16 weeks) is built into the program. Caregivers will be given a minimum amount of "homework" to increase intensity, including passive sensory stimulation (child can be watching TV!) and an optional IM unit. Caregivers need to be committed to doing the at-home exercises provided by the therapist. You will be given video & written instructions for anything you need to do at home and can always discuss questions with your coach.

Do I need additional equipment?

Most likely yes, you will need to purchase a few pieces of recommended equipment that we use for hemispheric balancing. Many times you will have some pieces of equipment & tools lying around the house. In other cases, we may recommend the same items that we use in the clinic for increased intensity. We are happy to work with you and your budget.

Can I pay with insurance?

Both Brain Connex Therapy, LLC and services by Kara Rice, MOT, OTR/L are considered out-of-network Occupational Therapy services. We are a cash pay provider - payment is due at the time of service. We are happy to provide a superbill with appropriate codes for possible insurance reimbursement. This is only possible if we are working with you one-on-one as in telehealth services.

In Arizona, we are an ESA vendor and can provide an invoice or receipt for services rendered. 

What is the cost?

Our INTEGRATE program pricing is $497 for the base, self-guided program.

You can add-on the Brain Connex Concierge Individualized membership as an option for $97/month. It includes a personalized initial evaluation and monthly consultations.

Or our Brain Connex Guided Support for $47/month which includes bi-monthly zoom chats for guidance and accountability.  


INTEGRATE includes access to a back office with resources of video & written instructions for all movements and techniques.
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*We are an AZ ESA Vendor*