Brain Balance
Brain Balance is a private US franchise network offering a drug-free, neuroplasticity-based program to children, teens, and adults addressing attention, behavior, learning, and social challenges through 70+ centers and virtual delivery, supported by Harvard, McLean Hospital, and Cambridge Brain Sciences research collaborations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Brain Balance does
Brain Balance is a private US franchise network founded in 2006 by Dr. Robert Melillo that delivers a drug-free, neuroplasticity-based program targeting attention, behavior, social, and learning challenges in children, teens, and adults. The core offering — the Brain Balance Program — integrates four components (Train the Brain, Engage the Senses, Move the Body, Fuel the System) into an in-center protocol with an average length of roughly five months, supplemented by an At-Home virtual program and post-program Cognitive App subscription for ongoing engagement. The proprietary methodology is supported by research collaborations with Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, and Cambridge Brain Sciences, and the company cites parent-reported outcome data showing measurable improvements across ADHD symptoms, emotional well-being, and academic performance.
The company operates 70+ independently owned centers across the United States alongside its digital channels, employing 501-1,000 staff and reaching 50,000+ families cumulatively over the past decade. Revenue is generated through cash-pay monthly subscriptions, one-time payments, and three-to-six-month installment options for the program (no insurance reimbursement), plus recurring Cognitive App subscriptions and franchise-level economics from center operations. Distribution spans in-center sessions, remote coaching with shipped materials, and tablet- and mobile-based apps (EyeLearn, Brain Balance Cognitive App), with lead generation driven by a content-heavy blog, online assessment quizzes, webinars, referral marketing, and earned media (Lifetime TV, World's Greatest!, Mayo Clinic Kids Podcast).
The customer base is direct-to-consumer and highly fragmented — individual families with children or young adults facing ADHD, anxiety, autism, learning, or processing challenges — with no enterprise or institutional customers disclosed. The legal entity is Brain Balance Holdings, Inc., with no parent company, outside investors, or funding rounds publicly identified; leadership includes CFO/COO Jason Licar, co-founder William J. Fowler, and Chief Programs Officer Dr. Rebecca Jackson.
Brain Balance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Brain Balance
- Legal name
- Brain Balance Holdings, Inc.
- Website
- https://brainbalancecenters.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Brain Balance is a private US franchise network offering a drug-free, neuroplasticity-based program to children, teens, and adults addressing attention, behavior, learning, and social challenges through 70+ centers and virtual delivery, supported by Harvard, McLean Hospital, and Cambridge Brain Sciences research collaborations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Brain Balance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Child Developmental and Cognitive Training Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (61171)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Special Needs Skill-Building & Therapy Learning Apps (Autism, OT/PT, Life Skills) (EDAFAKAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- ADHD/Executive Function & Organization Coaching (Academic) (EDANAFAC), Executive Functioning & Behavioral Support Tools (ADHD, SEL/Behavior Tracking, Routines) (EDAFAKAG), AT for Reading, Writing & Learning (Literacy/Executive Function) Tools & Training (EDAKAIAC), Study Skills & Executive Function Coaching (Planning, Organization, Time Management) (EDANADAB)
Keywords
Where Brain Balance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Francisco
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices20 records
Markets served
Brain Balance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Brain Balance Program Fees: Subscription-based or one-time payment options for the in-center program. Program fees billed monthly with recurring subscription contract. Payment options include monthly subscription, one-time payment, or three to six monthly payments. Program includes ongoing maintenance and optimization consultations post-completion.
- Brain Balance Cognitive App Subscription: Monthly subscription for digital cognitive training sessions through tablet application (Android or Apple). Access granted through recurring payment with month-to-month billing until cancellation. Recommended minimum usage of 3 sessions per week with 20-30 minute sessions.
- At-Home Program: Virtual coaching and support program with shipped materials for families without nearby center access
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | In-Center Program |
| Subscription | Monthly | At-Home Program |
| Subscription | Monthly | Brain Balance Cognitive App Post-Program Subscription |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Brain Balance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Brain Balance operates a drug-free, neuroplasticity-based brain training program delivered through 70+ franchised centers nationwide. The program integrates sensory-motor exercises, cognitive training, academic activities, and nutritional support to improve focus, behavior, emotional regulation, social skills, and academic performance in children, teens, adults, and young adults with developmental, learning, and behavioral challenges. Programs are delivered as in-center sessions, at-home virtual coaching with shipped materials, and post-program digital cognitive app subscriptions.
Product overview
Brain Balance Achievement Centers offers a unified brain health and development platform focused on drug-free cognitive training. The core offering is the Brain Balance Program, which integrates four components: sensory-motor exercises, cognitive training, physical development, and nutrition support. The platform includes multiple delivery channels: in-center programs at 70+ locations nationwide, the At-Home Program with virtual coaching, and the Brain Balance Cognitive App for post-program subscription. Assessment tools include an Online Assessment quiz and Personalized Assessment at centers using third-party tools like Cambridge Brain Sciences, EyeSync, and others. The company also offers specialized programs including the Child Program, Teen Program, Adult Program, and the College Reboot Program for young adults. The EyeLearn mobile application and Program Portal provide ongoing engagement and tracking. The average program length is 5 months, with research published in collaboration with Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Brain Balance Program Core drug-free brain health and development program combining sensory-motor exercises, cognitive training, academic activities, and nutrition to improve focus, behavior, emotional regulation, social skills, and academic performance in children, teens, and adults with developmental and learning challenges.
- Child Program Brain development program for children ages 4-17 addressing focus, behavior, emotional control, social skills, and learning challenges through an integrated approach.
- Teen Program Brain development program for teenagers facing procrastination, emotional volatility, motivation issues, and executive function deficits as academic expectations rise during adolescence.
- Adult Program Brain training program for adults addressing focus, processing, and brain connectivity issues for those working harder for less results due to underdeveloped brain connections.
- At-Home Program Virtual coaching and support program with shipped equipment and materials for families without nearby center access, combining at-home exercises with remote guidance from Brain Balance coaches.
- College Reboot Program Personalized eight-week program for high school graduates and college-aged students (18-24) combining processing speed exercises, sensory motor skills training, critical listening and comprehension with ongoing student support to improve focus, motivation, confidence, and learning skills.
- Personalized Assessment In-center assessment measuring hundreds of brain and body functions, providing tailored feedback on unique needs; includes cognitive testing, sensory-motor evaluation, and behavioral questionnaire.
- Online Assessment A quick online quiz providing personalized insight into challenges and how they connect to brain function, serving as a first step before the in-depth in-center assessment.
- Brain Balance Cognitive App Post-program tablet application providing digital cognitive training sessions with games and activities designed to improve visual motor and cognitive skills; available on Android and Apple devices via monthly subscription.
- Balance 360 System Nutrition and lifestyle system designed to improve overall health and balance in both body and mind, integrated as part of the Brain Balance program.
Quantifiable outcome
- 81% of participants demonstrated improvement in ADHD-related symptoms over a 3-month program
- +8 more outcomes
Companies that use Brain Balance
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Brain Balance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature5 records
Brain Balance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Dr. Adrian OwencoreRenowned neuroscientist and co-founder of Cambridge Brain Sciences. Dr. Owen's research has focused on furthering understanding of the brain for over 30 years. He serves as Chief Scientific Officer of CBS and is collaborating with Brain Balance on research to understand how cognition develops in children and young adults in a more comprehensive way than previously possible.
- Cambridge Brain SciencescoreNationwide collaboration with Cambridge Brain Sciences (CBS), a leading online platform for cognitive assessments co-founded by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Adrian Owen. CBS began a research study in May 2019 to study changes in cognitive development over time and how developmental concerns impact cognition in children and young adults. Brain Balance centers began using CBS cognitive testing as part of student assessments, measuring key areas including concentration, memory, reasoning, and verbal skills. Data collected through child and young adult cognitive assessments will help scientists better understand cognitive development in individuals struggling with ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, processing disorders, and anxiety.
- Harvard Medical SchoolcoreResearch collaboration with Harvard Medical School found that participation in the Brain Balance program was as effective as low-dose medication in reducing ADHD symptoms in children, with measurable improvements in attention, hyperactivity, and cognitive performance.
- McLean HospitalcoreResearch collaboration with McLean Hospital (affiliated with Harvard Medical School) demonstrating program effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms comparable to medication.
- Hanamaru Lab Inc. (Think! Think!)supportingThird-party assessment tool provider integrated into Brain Balance program for cognitive training activities.
- SyncThink (EyeSync technology)supportingThird-party assessment tool provider for visual and eye-tracking assessments integrated into student evaluations.
- The Regents of the University of California (Rhymicity)supportingUniversity research partner providing cognitive assessment tools for Brain Balance student evaluations.
- SMARTfit (Smart Pods)supportingThird-party assessment tool provider for sensory-motor and cognitive training integration.
- Eyecarrot Innovations Corp. (Binovi)supportingThird-party assessment tool provider for visual and sensory processing assessments.
- Listen Innovation Inc. (Listenwise)supportingThird-party assessment tool provider for auditory processing and listening comprehension assessments.
- Cambridge Brain Sciences Inc.supportingWeb-based platform for assessment of cognitive function measuring key areas including concentration, memory, reasoning, and verbal ability. Data from Brain Balance student assessments used for research purposes.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Brain Balance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- LearningRx: LearningRx operates a national franchise network delivering one-on-one cognitive skills training programs for children and adults with learning, attention, and processing challenges. It is the closest direct competitor to Brain Balance in center-based brain training using non-medication, neuroplasticity-based protocols.
- Cortica: Cortica provides multi-disciplinary developmental care for children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, integrating therapy, medical care, and counseling. It competes with Brain Balance for the same special-needs pediatric population, particularly on the autism and developmental disorder end of the spectrum.
- Hopebridge: Hopebridge is a multi-state center-based provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and related services for children with autism and developmental delays. It is comparable in its center-based delivery model and pediatric special-needs focus, although its primary modality (ABA) differs from Brain Balance's sensory-motor/cognitive approach.
- Behavioral Innovations: Behavioral Innovations operates a multi-state network of autism treatment centers offering ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. It competes for the same pediatric autism/developmental-disorder families that Brain Balance serves, with overlapping geography in several U.S. states.
- Caravel Autism Health: Caravel Autism Health is a multi-state provider of ABA therapy and diagnostic services for children with autism, with center-based delivery. It is comparable in its pediatric special-needs focus and center-based operating model, though its clinical modality differs.
Broad incumbents
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD): CARD is one of the largest U.S. providers of ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder, with a national footprint of centers. It overlaps with Brain Balance on the autism segment and is a broader incumbent in the developmental services space.
- Cleveland Clinic Children's Neurodevelopment Center: Major academic medical centers provide clinical neurodevelopmental evaluation and therapy for ADHD, autism, and learning disorders. These institutions represent the incumbent clinical pathway that Brain Balance competes against for parents seeking developmental services, particularly when insurance reimbursement is a factor.
Emerging players
- Brightline: Brightline is a digital-first behavioral health platform specifically designed for children and teens, including ADHD and anxiety support delivered via telehealth. It represents an emerging digital challenger to center-based programs like Brain Balance, particularly for families preferring at-home delivery.
- Akili Interactive: Akili Interactive developed EndeavorRx, an FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutic for pediatric ADHD delivered via mobile app. It is comparable in targeting the same ADHD pediatric population but offers a digital, FDA-cleared alternative to Brain Balance's center-based protocol.
Others
- Understood.org: Understood.org is a non-profit resource and support platform for parents of children with learning and attention issues. While not a direct competitor, it serves as the primary online destination where parents research programs like Brain Balance, making it a key ecosystem participant and indirect acquisition channel.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Brain Balance social profiles
Digital presenceBrain Balance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Brain Balance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Brain Balance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Brain Balance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Brain Balance
What does Brain Balance do?
Brain Balance operates a drug-free, neuroplasticity-based brain training program delivered through 70+ franchised centers nationwide. The program integrates sensory-motor exercises, cognitive training, academic activities, and nutritional support to improve focus, behavior, emotional regulation, social skills, and academic performance in children, teens, adults, and young adults with developmental, learning, and behavioral challenges. Programs are delivered as in-center sessions, at-home virtual coaching with shipped materials, and post-program digital cognitive app subscriptions.
Is Brain Balance a public or private company?
Brain Balance is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Brain Balance founded?
Brain Balance was founded in 2006. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Brain Balance based?
Brain Balance is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.
How does Brain Balance make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Brain Balance Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are brain Balance Cognitive App Subscription and at-Home Program.
Who are Brain Balance's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are LearningRx, Cortica, Hopebridge, Behavioral Innovations and Caravel Autism Health. Broad incumbents are Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and Cleveland Clinic Children's Neurodevelopment Center. Emerging players are Brightline and Akili Interactive. Understood.org is listed as an others.
Does Brain Balance have an API?
No public API is recorded for Brain Balance.
What industry is Brain Balance in?
Brain Balance's product category is Child Developmental and Cognitive Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAKAJ, Special Needs Skill-Building & Therapy Learning Apps (Autism, OT/PT, Life Skills), with a secondary code of EDANAFAC, ADHD/Executive Function & Organization Coaching (Academic). Its NAICS code is 61171 and its SIC code is 8200.