FLOW
Feel Well Therapy offers FLOW, a noninvasive, drug-free alternative to the treatment of depression that research has proven to be safe and effective.
How we provide Flow transcranial direct current stimulation at Feel Well Therapy
The FLOW headset is a mobile device and uses transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to provide a weak current to the brain that helps to reactivate neural networks that are reduced in depression.
The treatment also gives the option of behaviour therapy via the FLOW app.
At Feel Well Therapy we offer FLOW as a stand-alone therapy or in junction with Psychological therapies.
We will monitor your progress and tailor the level of support and treatment according to your needs.
How It Works
In depression there is an association between lowered activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the brain and low mood.
Flow works by using tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) to stimulate the brain and help restore activity, relieving depressive symptoms. The behavioural therapy via the FLOW app is also likely to aid your recovery.
Following an initial assessment, we will agree on a treatment programme that works for you. You can purchase your own headset from FLOW or hire a headset from us.
A standard programme consists of clients using the headset at home 5 times a week for 3 weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Sessions then reduce to 2 sessions per week for a further 7 weeks, so 10 weeks in total.
Our therapists will oversee adherence to the programme via the Flow App and review your progress at agreed intervals. We can amend the treatment protocol according to your progress and needs to help you to get the best response.
For more information
Reviews and research - is it effective
At Feel Well Therapy we would not endorse a treatment unless clinical research has shown it to be safe and effective.
FLOW has over 20,000 users, is being used in the NHS and is sold in chemists in the UK including Boots and Well Pharmacy.
Is it effective?
All brains are different. Therefore, the results of Flow will differ between patients.
For some, improvements appear almost immediately. For others, it may take a few weeks.
Most patients notice a reduction of depressive symptoms during the first 3 weeks of treatment.
Typically, 90% of improvements happen within the first 10 weeks.
Unfortunately, a minority of patients do not experience an improvement.
FlOW is being endorsed by its users and by Drs and academics but don’t take our word for it, take a look at their latest reviews and research before making your mind up as to whether Flow is right for you
How long should I need to use FLOW for
Most patients notice a reduction of depressive symptoms during the first 3 weeks of treatment.
Typically, 90% of improvements happen within the first 10 weeks.
If the Flow treatment is helpful for the first 10 weeks of your treatment, it is recommended that you continue for at least another 6 to 12 months, even if you have become symptom-free as the risk of relapse is greater in the first 12 months.
Some individuals may also benefit from increased stimulations due to the severity or chronicity of their depressive symptoms, and if patients are working with Feel Well Therapy we can adapt your treatment according to your needs.
Take a look at the guidance of different treatment protocols which you can read here.
Safety information and precautions
Yes. The Flow device was designed by experts and is based on tDCS techniques that have been used in clinics for over a decade to treat depression. The Flow device has undergone research that confirms it is a safe and effective treatment for depression. tDCS is also listed as a treatment for depression on the NHS website.
Read more about known side effects and who it is and isn’t suitable for under Safety and Precautions here
The National Institute for Care Excellence (NICE) a medical regulatory group in the UK has recently published a Medical Innovation Brief on Flow Neuroscience which can be found here
How much does it cost?
- Initial assessment ( in clinic or via video) with our clinical lead Michelle: £100
- Option for you to buy your own headset from FLOW (currently retailing at for £399) with 5 weeks worth of pads included. This can be found on Flow’s website here: Order a Flow tDCS Headset – Flow Neuroscience
- If you decide to work with us we can provide you with a 10% discount code to buy the device after your initial assessment.
- Renting the device from FLOW at £79 per month ( with pads sent to you) *
- Renting the device from Feel Well Therapy for 10 weeks ( inclusive of 30 pads) at £130 thereafter you return it to us. *
- Clinical support : with a review appointment in the first 3 weeks, at week 4 and week 10. £175.
- Additional Psychological therapy/ support/ review sessions: 30 mins /£50 60 mins/ £100.
* this includes 15 pads required for the standard treatment protocol in the first 3 weeks and 2 pads per week for the next 7 weeks. Additional pads will need to be purchased from FLOW if usage is greater than 2 per week after 3 weeks. tDCS Pads – Refills for your Flow Headset – Flow Neuroscience
What is the benefit of using Flow with Feel Well Therapy ?
Clients who work with us may be looking for a combined approach to treating their depression, combining both therapy and FLOW.
Other clients may use FLOW as a standalone treatment but want the reassurance to be supported by a clinician and the option to amend the treatment protocol to their particular needs.
We aim to be flexible to each of our client’s needs.
If you are looking for support in your FLOW treatment our clinical lead Michelle will see you for an initial assessment to see if FLOW is right for you.
We will then draw up a treatment plan and agree the level of support that you need.
Routinely we have a review appointment during your first 3 weeks, at week 4 then at week 10. Then according to clinical need but normally at least monthly.
Throughout your treatment plan Michelle will keep an eye on your progress via the FLOW portal and you can contact her by email if required.
We can also tailor your FLOW treatment plan more towards your needs.
The standard protocol and FLOW device is set to only allow 5 stimulations for the first 3 weeks in the activation phase then 1-2 per week thereafter in the strengthening phase.
Some patients may benefit from a variation in the amount or frequency of stimulations to optimally treat their depression and we can create a customised treatment schedule, allowing more flexibility in your stimulations.
If you work with us we can also offer you the option to loan a device from us in the first 10 weeks, or if you prefer we can provide you with a 10% discount code to purchase your own device.
How do I get started with Flow?
Want to find out more?
Do you have access to a mobile phone that allows you to download the FLOW app ?
If the answer to both of these questions is yes then click on our contact details and Michelle will come back to you.
After your initial assessment appointment with Michelle you can decide if FLOW is right for you and whether you want to work with clinician supported treatment. If you want to buy your own device we can send you a 10% discount code to use on the FLOW website.
If you want to rent a headset from us for 10 weeks then we will post this out to you via recorded delivery.
When you receive your device there will be instructions from FLOW of how to set up the device and how to link it with the app on your phone.
Once you have set-up your account, you must email your us with your account details so you can join our Clinic and be monitored.
From thereon you can start your treatment and contact your therapist by email if you have any questions.
If you prefer we can do your first treatment in the clinic and we will arrange a review appointment with you during the first 3 weeks, at week 4 and then at week 10. Then as agreed after this time if you continue with treatment.
I still have some questions
Please visit FLOWs Help Centre to find answers to other commonly asked questions.