Occupational Therapy with a Neurological Perspective. Receive a customized at-home reflex integration and brain training program on your first visit. We recommend follow-up visits every 4-6 weeks for an updated program.
Our program is different than traditional Occupational Therapy. We specialize in brain-based, functional neurological treatments. We work on developing the brain from the bottom-up -- treating the "root cause" -- in order to improve symptoms and optimize your child's function.
Our treatments follow the Pyramid of Development and Learning (see below) by working the brain the way it naturally develops, from the bottom-up. First, primitive reflex integration and neuro-integrative movements combined with co-activation of sensory systems for horizontal development. As the child progresses, treatment progresses, working higher on the developmental pyramid to help fill in any "gaps" of development to re-wire the brain and improve neural connections.
We utilize many neurologically-based treatment methods to develop the brain both vertically and horizontally for optimal changes to the brain with the power of neuroplasticity.
During the evaluation we assess core primitive reflexes, all sensory systems, core strength, balance, and visual skills, and brain hemispheric balance. We recommend clients commit to a minimum of 4 months of treatment for best results. We have limited availability with high demand. Please apply below if you are ready to get started.
We come to you, and create a customized program for your child to follow with monthly follow-ups.
Check our FAQs section below for our location, times, and cost.
In addition, my son began asking to try foods. I never worried about his diet because he had a wide variety of food he would eat.... Now, he is asking to try basil, arugula, and even tuna fish! And liking it!!! As we continued to work it was like a door opened wide open for him. All of a sudden he went from toe walking 80% of the time to only 20% of the time! He took off reading and not only was his reading fluid, but he was also enjoying it, laughing at the funny parts and reading nine chapters a day."
--Tamara, Phoenix, AZ
We offer a variety of neurologically-based services guided through an Occupational Therapist perspective. We help create an at-home that works for you and your family.
Primitive reflexes lay the foundation of the nervous system. We work them both passively and actively to encourage development bottom-up. It enhances physical coordination, cognitive function, and emotional regulation, improving concentration and social interactions.
We use specific sensory stimulation to strengthen the weaker hemisphere in order to develop the horizontal connections (cross-lateral) between the brain. We use tools such as Eyelights, TENS unit, Rezzimax, filtered music, and smell to integrate the sensory system and re-balance the hemispheres.
We strengthen neural timing using the Interactive Metronome™ (IM) tool, either in clinic, or with an at-home unit. IM is proven to improve cognition, attention, focus, memory, speech/language, executive functioning, comprehension, as well as motor and sensory skills.
Learn more about our neurological approach to treatment in this 30 minute webinar
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. If you don't find your question below, email us at brainconnex@gmail.com and we'll be happy to reply.
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 a neurological 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.
We are a cash-pay practice, accepting most forms of payment, including Arizona ESA & HSA.
Initial evaluation with programming (60-90 minutes): $350
Monthly follow-up with updated programming (45-60 minutes): $200
All programming includes video & written instructions.
*Cancellations within 24 hours of appointment time result in forfeit of that session.
Payment is due prior to service. If using ESA vendor pay, payment must be submitted & complete before scheduling. We are considered 'tutoring' within CW so all students can benefit from our services, including universal. Private pay clients may request a superbill for possible insurance reimbursement.
We come to you!
We work with families within the N. Phoenix area and nearby communities.
Starting Fall 2025 our hours are:
M & Th 9 - 2 PM
Fill out the application form at the top of the page to get started.
All children start with 2x/week for 12 weeks of treatment. This is necessary to create a strong foundation in the nervous system and integrate reflexes.
At the 12 week point we will re-assess and determine how much longer the child will need to achieve their optimal results.
Some children will need another 12 week session while others may only need 4 more weeks. It all depends on your child's delay and goals. Each child has a personalized therapeutic program.
We use a variety of methods in treatment including primitive reflex integration, hemispheric sensory stimulation, core/postural stability, low-level laser therapy, Interactive Metronome, Rezzimax, Eyelights, and other treatments methods that create change in the brain. These treatment styles are at the center of our results-based, "root cause" therapy services. Many of our tools mentioned above are only available with treatment in clinic.
Kara Rice, MOT, OTR/L has over 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist and Kinesiologist. She has trained in several neurologically-based methods. She has trained with the Melillo Method; MNRI; is a certified provider of iLS Safe & Sound Protocol and other auditory training programs, a certified Pilates instructor, and a certified practitioner for Interactive Metronome (IM)™.
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 prior to scheduling. We are happy to provide a superbill with appropriate codes for possible insurance reimbursement.
In Arizona, we are an ESA vendor and accept both vendor payments or ESA debit cards.
We also accept payment through your HSA/FSA cards.
I'm sorry we have a very limited schedule for in-person. If our days/times do not work within your schedule, I recommend purchasing our either our self-guided INTEGRATE program or Individualized INTEGRATE Program.
You can accomplish the same results working with your child at-home instead of coming to the clinic. As long as you are committed to completing the work on a consistent basis, we can guide you in how to be successful.
The biggest difference between virtual (or at-home) programs & in-clinic is the tools that are available. In clinic we use low-level laser therapy, Interactive Metronome™, Eyelights, Bobo balance board, Rezzimax vibrational tuner, and other equipment. If you need to work at home you can purchase many of the clinic equipment for home use.
Our CALM listening program is the only program done 100% at home. I may recommend you begin with the CALM program for best outcomes.
Neuroplasticity (the ability for the brain to change) occurs with proper frequency, intensity, and duration. This means that your child will need to do specific exercises a minimum of 5 days per week to get the results that we are known for. Just as you won't lose weight eating healthy one day per week, neither will your child's brain change with treatment once/week. Caregivers need to be committed to doing the at-home exercises provided by the therapist.
Each month you will be provided with an updated list of exercises, as well as, video & written instructions to follow. The overall length of treatment can be anywhere from 4 -12 months depending on the severity of your child's symptoms at the beginning of treatment.