Biofeedback Therapy for Mental Health: What Florida's New Bill Means for Families

A bill making its way through the Florida legislature—House Bill 1505—is raising questions in the world of mental health care. For those who use or recommend biofeedback therapy for mental health, the bill could significantly change how this non-invasive treatment is provided to minors.

Let’s break it down in simple terms and explore why this matters for parents, clinicians, and young people alike.

What is Biofeedback Therapy?

Biofeedback therapy uses sensors to monitor bodily functions—like heart rate, brain waves, or muscle tension—and teaches individuals how to control them consciously. For example, someone with anxiety might learn to slow their breathing and calm their heartbeat, leading to less stress.

Types of biofeedback include:

EEG (neurofeedback) – tracking brain wave patterns

EMG – measuring muscle activity

Heart rate variability training – for stress and trauma

Thermal biofeedback – monitoring skin temperature

This method is often used to support treatment for anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and even depression. It’s also popular because it’s non-invasive and doesn’t require medication.

New Rules for Parental Consent in Florida

Under HB 1505, parents would need to give written consent before any biofeedback therapy is provided to minors. This includes therapy used in schools, clinics, and possibly even research settings.

Here are some key changes if the bill becomes law:

All biofeedback treatments would legally count as healthcare services.

Parents must consent in writing before any session begins.

All session results must be shared with the parent and treated as confidential medical records.

While this may sound straightforward, the implications are more complex, especially for mental health providers.

Why This Matters for Mental Health Providers and Patients

How HB 1505 Could Affect Biofeedback Therapy for Mental Health

Mental health treatment for minors often involves a delicate balance. Therapists and doctors sometimes provide services when a parent isn't available or when seeking consent might put a child at risk—such as in cases of abuse, trauma, or neglect.

This bill removes some of those exceptions. It also expands parental control to include things like:

Consent for surveys and mental health questionnaires

Reviewing and approving responses before they’re shared

Overseeing treatment plans involving new or emerging technologies

While the bill’s sponsors argue this empowers families and fosters trust, critics argue it could delay necessary mental health care, discourage teens from seeking help, or limit the use of emerging therapies like biofeedback.

Balancing Protection and Access

Supporters of HB 1505 say it ensures that parents are in the loop about their children's health. Opponents worry that it could limit access for vulnerable minors who may not feel safe or supported enough to involve a parent.

As biofeedback and other innovative mental health treatments grow more popular, legislation like this raises important questions:

How do we protect children while also giving them access to life-changing therapies?

Who should decide what mental health treatments are appropriate for minors?

What role should emerging therapies play in modern healthcare law?

Looking Ahead

Whether you’re a parent, a provider, or someone interested in the future of mental health, HB 1505 is a reminder that biofeedback therapy for mental health sits at the intersection of science, care, and policy. As lawmakers continue to review and revise the bill, ongoing dialogue between clinicians, families, and legislators will be key to finding the right balance.

Sources:

American Psychological Association. (2023). Biofeedback: An Overview. https://www.apa.org/

Florida House of Representatives. (2025). HB 1505 – Parental Rights in Healthcare. https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/