Now offering:
Alpha-Stim AID
Treatment with Alpha-Stim AID
Alpha-Stim AID is an FDA-cleared prescription medical device that offers relief from anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
It is a portable, easy-to-use device that provides cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). CES works to regulate brain waves and relieve symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and depression quickly and safely without depending on medication. It can be used as needed if you feel stressed or sluggish during the day. Lastly, it can boost the effects of psychotherapy when used in conjunction. Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness of CES for relief of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which is why over 200 Department of Defense (DOD) practitioners and over 92 Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals use Alpha-Stim with military personnel for acute, chronic, and post-traumatic anxiety, depression, and insomnia treatment.
Alpha-Stim AID can only be purchased with a prescription or through a healthcare provider. Dr. Chalk has been trained and credentialed to provide Alpha-Stim AID to clients. Alpha-Stim may be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Your assessment and consultation are included for free. The device is also HSA/FSA eligible. If you are interested in purchasing Alpha-Stim AID, please contact register@tworiverspsych.com. Assessment and consultation are required prior to authorization of purchase.
You can learn more about Alpha-Stim at alpha-stim.com.
What Exactly is Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)?
CES is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that applies a low-amplitude waveform to the brain via earclip electrodes. Psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and insomnia, are associated with alterations in the electric activity in large-scale brain networks. CES modulates large-scale brain network activity patterns by stimulating cranial nerves and directly modulating cortical oscillations in the temporal lobe of the brain. This normalizes the pathological signaling in the default mode network of the brain observed in psychiatric disorders, providing rapid, effective, and lasting symptom relief without the side effects of medication.
Dr. Chalk has reviewed many studies on CES for the treatment of mental health conditions and believes in the safety and efficacy of the product. Risks and side effects and are mild and self-limiting. The risks and side effects are dizziness/vertigo (if the device is turned up too high), headaches (if the device is turned up too high or used for too long), and skin irritation at the site of the ear clips. It is also advised that you do not use the device while driving or operating machinery.
If you have more questions about Alpha-stim, please contact Dr. Chalk at register@tworiverspsych.com.
Research on Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation
See below for a list of studies on CES and Alpha-Stim
Anxiety Research, Studies, Trials and Reports
Randomized Controlled Trials
Park BS, Jin S, Kim WY, Kang DS, Choi YJ, Lee YS. Comparison of the effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation and midazolam
as preoperative treatment in geriatric patients: A CONSORT-compliant randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Sep 2; 101(35). Download Article
Liu, E., Zhang, W., Wang, J., Zhao, F., & Bai, Y. Acupuncture combined with cranial electrotherapy stimulation on generalized
anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. 2020; 40(11).
Ren, Y., Zhu, Y., Yang, J., & Ding, F. Efficacy of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation on Anxiety and Sleep Qualities Among Elderly
Patients with Chronic Sleep Disorders. Chinese Journal Modern Nursing. 2019; 25(24).
Roh, HT. & So, W-Y. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation affects mood state but not levels of peripheral neurotrophic factors or
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. Technology and health care: Official Journal of the European Society for Engineering and Medicine. 2017; 25(3):403–412.
Ou, Y. & Li, C. Sertraline combined Alpha-Stim clinical observations on the treatment of 30 cases of generalized anxiety disorder.
Chinese Journal of Ethnomedicine and Ethnopharmacy. 2015; 24(17):73-75.
Hill, Nolan. The effects of alpha stimulation on induced anxiety. 2015. Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and
Dissertations. Paper 6. http://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/6. Download Article
LU Ling, HU Jun. A comparative study of anxiety disorders treatment with Paroxetine in combination with cranial electrotherapy
stimulation therapy. Medical Innovation of China, 11(08):080-082, 2014. Download Article in English or Download Article in Chinese
Kong, J., Wu, J., Jiang, X., et al. Treatment of Sleep Disorder with Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation Combined with Psychological
Counseling in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Study. Chinese Journal of Medicinal Guide. 2014; 921, 16(6):(Serial No.128).
Wei Y., Yang Z., Pan H., Zhao S-J., Fang J-Z. Clinical Efficacy of Assisted Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation Treatment on
Depression. Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction. July 2014, 9(4):317.
Barclay TH, Barclay RD. A clinical trial of cranial electrotherapy stimulation for anxiety and comorbid depression. Journal of
Affective Disorders. 2014; 164:171-177. Presented at the American Psychological Association National Conference, Honolulu, HI, July 2013. Download Article
Lee, S-H, Kim, W-Y, Lee C-H, Min, T-J, Lee Y-S, Kim J-H. Effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on preoperative anxiety, pain
and endocrine response. Journal of International Medical Research. 2013; 41(6) 1788–1795. Download Article
Koleoso ON, Osionwo HO, Akkhigbe. The role of relaxation therapy and cranial electrotherapy stimulation in the management of
dental anxiety in Nigeria. ISOR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences. 2013; 10(4): 51-57. Download Article
Qin, S., Sheng, J., Guo, W., Zhang, X. Curative effect of CES as adjuvant therapy on elderly patients with chronic insomnia.
Practical Geriatrics. 2013; Vol. 27, No. 5:399-402.
Strentzsch, Julie A. An examination of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on alpha-amylase levels, cortisol levels and
state-trait anxiety scores in the chronically mentally ill. Doctoral Dissertation. 2008. Saint Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas.
Mellen, Ronald R. and Mackey, Wade. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) and the reduction of stress symptoms in a
sheriff’s jail security and patrol officer population: a pilot study. American Jails. 2008; 22(5): 32-38. Download Article
Kim, Hyun Jung, Kim, Woon Young, Lee, Yoon Sook, Chang, Moon Seok, Kim, Jae Hwan, and Park, Young Cheol The effect of
cranial electrotherapy stimulation on preoperative anxiety and hemodynamic responses. Korean Journal of Anesthesiology. 2008; 55(6): 657- 661. Download Article (English) Download Article (Korean)
Chen Yixin, Yu Lin, Zhang Jiuping, Li Lejia, Chen Tunong, Chen Yi. Results of cranial electrotherapy stimulation to children with
mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. Shanghai Archives of Psychiatry. 2007; 19(4):203-205. Download Article in English or Download Article in Chinese
Winick, Reid L. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES): a safe and effective low cost means of anxiety control in a dental
practice. General Dentistry. 1999; 47(1):50-55. Download Article
Voris, Marshall D. An investigation of the effectiveness of cranial electrotherapy stimulation in the treatment of anxiety disorders
among outpatient psychiatric patients, impulse control parolees and pedophiles. Delos Mind/Body Institute Newsletter. 1995. Dallas and Corpus Cristi, Texas. Download Article
Gibson, Thomas H. and O’Hair, Donald E. Cranial application of low level transcranial electrotherapy vs. relaxation instruction in
anxious patients. American Journal of Electromedicine, 4(1):18-21, 1987. Doctoral dissertation (TG), California School of Professional Psychology. 1983. 152 pages. Download Article
Open-Label Clinical Trials
Royal, S., Keeling, S., Kelsall, N., Price, L., Fordham, R., Xydopoulos, G., et al. Feasibility, acceptability and costs of nurse-led Alpha-
Stim cranial electrostimulation to treat anxiety and depression in university students. BMC Primary Care. 2022; 23:97. Download Article
Griffiths, C., Leathlean, C., Smart, D., Zafar, A., Hall, C-L., & Deeks, S. Alpha-Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) for
Anxiety Treatment: Outcomes in a United Kingdom (UK) Primary Care Practice. Open Journal of Psychiatry. 2021, 11: 186-201. Download Article
Morriss R, Price L. Differential effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on changes in anxiety and depression symptoms over
time in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2020, 277: 785-788. Download Article
Morriss R, Xydopoulos G, Craven M, Price L, Fordham R. Clinical effectiveness and cost minimisation model of Alpha-Stim cranial
electrotherapy stimulation in treatment seeking patients with moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2019, June; 253:426-437. Download Article
Platoni K, Oakley R, Haltiwanger SG, Kirsch TB, Marksberry J and Price LR. First responder research shows that electrical brain
stimulation helps control anxiety, insomnia, and depression. JJ Psych Behav Sci. 2019; 6(1): 25-31. Download Article
Kirsch TB, Kuhn J, Price LR, Marksberry J, Haltiwanger SG. A novel medical device that relieves anxiety, depression and pain while
improving sleep in a population of teachers. Journal of Depression and Anxiety. 2019; 8:334. Download Article
Morrow DJ, Fischer EP, Walder AM, Jubran NI. Nonopioid Alternatives to Addressing Pain Intensity: A Retrospective Look at Two
Noninvasive Pain Treatment Devices. Federal Practitioner. 2019, 36(4):181-187. Download Article
Yennurajalingam S, Kang D-H, Hwu W-J, Padhye NS, Masino C, Dibaj SS, Liu DD, Williams JL, Lu Z, Bruera E. Cranial
electrotherapy stimulation for the management of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain in patients with advanced cancer: a preliminary study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2018, 55(2): 198–206. Download Abstract
Mellen, Ronald R., Case, Jan and Ruiz, Deanna J. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) As a treatment for reducing stress and
improving prefrontal cortex functioning in victims of domestic violence. International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology Newsletter. 48(3):12-15, 2016. Download Article
Bystritsky, A., Kerwin, L., Feusner, J. A pilot study of cranial electrotherapy stimulation for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of
Clinical Psychiatry. 2008; 69:412-417. Download Article
Lu XY, Wang AH, Li Y, Zhang JS, Liu BX. Safety and effectiveness of cranial electrotherapy stimulation in treating children with
emotional disorders. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation. 2005; 9(8):96-7. Download article in English or Download article in Chinese
Overcash, Stephen J. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation in patients suffering from acute anxiety disorders. American Journal of
Electromedicine. 1999; 16(1):49-51. Download Article
Case Series and Reports
Hare, Jean P., Misialek, Leah H., Palis, Katy and Wong, Charmin. Using cranial electrotherapy stimulation therapy to treat
behavioral health symptoms in a combat operational setting. Military Medicine. 2016; 181(11):1410-1412. Download Article
Kirsch, D.L., Price, L.R., Nichols, F., Marksberry, J.A., & Platoni, K.T. Military Service Member and Veteran Self-Reports of Efficacy of
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for Anxiety, PTSD, Insomnia, and Depression. The Army Medical Department Journal. 2014; 46-54. Download Article
Insomnia Research, Studies, Trials and Reports
Randomized Controlled Trials
Khyatee, S., Sarker,A., & Aggarwal R. Impact of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation Based Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in
Insomnia. In: Prateek M., Sharma D., Tiwari R., Sharma R., Kumar K., Kumar N. (eds) Next Generation Computing Technologies on Computational Intelligence. NGCT 2018. Communications in Computer and Information Science, Vol 922. Springer, Singapore, 2019.
Ren, Y., Zhu, Y., Yang, J., & Ding, F. Efficacy of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation on Anxiety and Sleep Qualities Among Elderly
Patients with Chronic Sleep Disorders. Chinese Journal Modern Nursing. 2019; 25(24).
Bie, H., Ren, L., & Li, X. A control study of a hypnotic drug plus cranial electrotherapy stimulation in the treatment of insomnia. Journal Clinical Psychosomatic Disorders. 2016; Vol 22, No. 3:17-20.
Kong, J., Wu, J., Jiang, X., et al. Treatment of Sleep Disorder with Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation Combined with Psychological
Counseling in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Study. Chinese Journal of Medicinal Guide. 2014; 921, 16(6):(Serial No.128).
Taylor, Ann Gill, Anderson, Joel G., Riedel, Shannon L., Lewis, Jante E., Kinser, Patricia A., and Bourguignon, Cheryl. Cranial
electrical stimulation improves symptoms and functional status in individuals with fibromyalgia. Pain Management Nursing. 2013 Dec;14(4):327-335. Download article
Qin, S., Sheng, J., Guo, W., Zhang, X. Curative effect of CES as adjuvant therapy on elderly patients with chronic insomnia.
Practical Geriatrics. 2013; Vol. 27, No. 5:399-402.
Lichtbroun, Alan S., Raicer, Mei-Ming C., and Smith, Ray B. The treatment of fibromyalgia with cranial electrotherapy
stimulation. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. 2001; 7(2):72-78. Presented at the Fifteenth Annual International Symposium on Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, October 1999. Download Article
Lande, R. Gregory and Gragnani, Cynthia. Efficacy of cranial electric stimulation for the treatment of insomnia: A randomized
pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 21(1):8-13, 2013. Download Article
Open-Label Clinical Trials
Platoni K, Oakley R, Haltiwanger SG, Kirsch TB, Marksberry J and Price LR. First responder research shows that electrical brain
stimulation helps control anxiety, insomnia, and depression. JJ Psych Behav Sci. 2019; 6(1): 25-31. Download Article
Kirsch TB, Kuhn J, Price LR, Marksberry J, Haltiwanger SG. A novel medical device that relieves anxiety, depression and pain while
improving sleep in a population of teachers. Journal of Depression and Anxiety. 2019; 8:334. Download Article
Yennurajalingam S, Kang D-H, Hwu W-J, Padhye NS, Masino C, Dibaj SS, Liu DD, Williams JL, Lu Z, Bruera E. Cranial
electrotherapy stimulation for the management of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain in patients with advanced cancer: a preliminary study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2018, 55(2): 198–206. Download Abstract
Rickabaugh K, Johnson T, Martin S, Jones C and Onifer D. A retrospective review of patient perception of Alpha-Stimulation
treatment. Poster presented at The Military Health System Symposium in Kissimmee, Florida. 2016; August 15-18. Download Poster
Case Series and Reports
Hare, Jean P., Misialek, Leah H., Palis, Katy and Wong, Charmin. Using cranial electrotherapy stimulation therapy to treat
behavioral health symptoms in a combat operational setting. Military Medicine. 2016; 181(11):1410-1412. Download Article
Kirsch, D.L., Price, L.R., Nichols, F., Marksberry, J.A., & Platoni, K.T. Military Service Member and Veteran Self-Reports of Efficacy of
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for Anxiety, PTSD, Insomnia, and Depression. The Army Medical Department Journal. 2014; 46-54. Download Article
Clark, Nancy, Mills, Daniel & Marchant, Jeremy. Evaluation of the potential efficacy of the Alpha-Stim SCS in the
horse. DeMontfort University Equestrian Centre and Field Station, Caythorpe, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. January, 2000. Download Article
Depression Research, Studies, Trials and Reports
Randomized Controlled Trials
Kong, S., Gao, C., & Yang, Z. Effects of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation on the Levels of HPA, BDNF and Clinical Symptoms in
Patients with Mild Depression. Journal of International Psychiatry. 2021; 48(1).
Gao, C., Kong, S., Duan, H., Yang, Z., Li, D. Effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on suicidal ideation and event-related
potentials in patients with treatment-resistant depression. China Journal of Health Psychology. 2021; 29(2):183-188.
Liu, Y., Xie, L., Wang, L., Zhao, R-J., Xu F., & WANG, W-S. Effect of CES combined with flupentixol-melitracen for depression after
stroke. Chinese Journal of Misdiagnosis. 2021; 16(2):106-109.
cerebral infarction. Chinese Journal of Practical Nervous Diseases. 2018; 21(22).
Roh, HT. & So, W-Y. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation affects mood state but not levels of peripheral neurotrophic factors or
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. Technology and health care: Official Journal of the European Society for Engineering and Medicine. 2017; 25(3):403–412.
Luo, H-D, Luo, H-L., Hong, L-F. Comparative Observation between Single Use of Fluoxetine and Its Combination with CES. Chin J
Mod Drug Appl. 2015; 9(7).
Wang, X., Xia, P., Lin, Q., Cheng, K., Chen, A., Yang, T., & Xueping, L. I. The effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation therapy
combined with psychological intervention in treating post-stroke depression. Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2015; 37(9):680-682.
Kong, J., Wu, J., Jiang, X., et al. Treatment of Sleep Disorder with Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation Combined with Psychological
Counseling in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Study. Chinese Journal of Medicinal Guide. 2014; 921, 16(6):(Serial No.128).
Wei Y., Yang Z., Pan H., Zhao S-J., Fang J-Z. Clinical Efficacy of Assisted Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation Treatment on
Depression. Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction. July 2014, 9(4):317.
Barclay TH, Barclay RD. A clinical trial of cranial electrotherapy stimulation for anxiety and comorbid depression. Journal of
Affective Disorders. 2014; 164:171-177. Presented at the American Psychological Association National Conference, Honolulu, HI, July 2013. Download Article
Amr, Mostafa, El-Wasify, Mahmoud, Elmaadawi, Ahmed, Roberts, Jeannie, and El-Mallakn, Rif. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation
for the treatment of chronically symptomatic bipolar patients. Journal of ECT. 2013; 29(2): 31-32. Download Article
Qin, S., Sheng, J., Guo, W., Zhang, X. Curative effect of CES as adjuvant therapy on elderly patients with chronic insomnia.
Practical Geriatrics. 2013; Vol. 27, No. 5:399-402.
Mellen, Ronald R. and Mackey, Wade. Reducing sheriff’s officers’ symptoms of depression using cranial electrotherapy
stimulation (CES): a control experimental study. The Correctional Psychologist. 2009; 41(1):9-15. Download Article
Chen Yixin, Yu Lin, Zhang Jiuping, Li Lejia, Chen Tunong, Chen Yi. Results of cranial electrotherapy stimulation to children with
mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. Shanghai Archives of Psychiatry. 2007; 19(4):203-205.
Open-Label Clinical Trials
Royal, S., Keeling, S., Kelsall, N., Price, L., Fordham, R., Xydopoulos, G., et al. Feasibility, acceptability and costs of nurse-led Alpha-
Stim cranial electrostimulation to treat anxiety and depression in university students. BMC Primary Care. 2022; 23:97.
Morriss R, Price L. Differential effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on changes in anxiety and depression symptoms over
time in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2020, 277: 785-788. Download Article
Platoni K, Oakley R, Haltiwanger SG, Kirsch TB, Marksberry J and Price LR. First responder research shows that electrical brain
stimulation helps control anxiety, insomnia, and depression. JJ Psych Behav Sci. 2019; 6(1): 25-31.
Kirsch TB, Kuhn J, Price LR, Marksberry J, Haltiwanger SG. A novel medical device that relieves anxiety, depression and pain while
improving sleep in a population of teachers. Journal of Depression and Anxiety. 2019; 8:334.
Morrow DJ, Fischer EP, Walder AM, Jubran NI. Nonopioid Alternatives to Addressing Pain Intensity: A Retrospective Look at Two
Noninvasive Pain Treatment Devices. Federal Practitioner. 2019, 36(4):181-187. Download Article
Yennurajalingam S, Kang D-H, Hwu W-J, Padhye NS, Masino C, Dibaj SS, Liu DD, Williams JL, Lu Z, Bruera E. Cranial
electrotherapy stimulation for the management of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain in patients with advanced cancer: a preliminary study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2018, 55(2): 198–206.
Rickabaugh K, Johnson T, Martin S, Jones C and Onifer D. A retrospective review of patient perception of Alpha-Stimulation
treatment. Poster presented at The Military Health System Symposium in Kissimmee, Florida. 2016; August 15-18. Download Poster
Case Series and Reports
Hare, Jean P., Misialek, Leah H., Palis, Katy and Wong, Charmin. Using cranial electrotherapy stimulation therapy to treat
behavioral health Symptoms in a combat operational setting. Military Medicine. 2016; 181(11):1410-1412. Download Article
Kirsch, D.L., Price, L.R., Nichols, F., Marksberry, J.A., & Platoni, K.T. Military Service Member and Veteran Self-Reports of Efficacy of
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for Anxiety, PTSD, Insomnia, and Depression. The Army Medical Department Journal. 2014; 46-54.