A Brainmaster Freedom BrainAvatar is equipment that public safety therapists can use with police officers and firefighters who have faced tragic incidents and been involved in critical issues. The device measures brainwaves in different areas of the brain to see if brain synapses are firing normally. It can help to pinpoint areas that may need to be restructured; this can be done by the therapist or referred elsewhere.

Councilmember Mike Blackham said in speaking with Police Chief Solomon Oberg, they had to meet certain staffing requirements to even qualify to purchase this tool. Blackham said the Police Department is only receiving this equipment because they were awarded a grant through the state. He said the therapist must go through a course to learn how to use the device and it is required they have another independent person (not on staff) to work the equipment alongside the therapist. To meet that requirement, Blackham said the therapist has spoken to doctors and psychologists that work with mental health throughout the county to find someone.

“The reason this item is being presented to the City Council for approval is because it was not budgeted in the current fiscal year 2023 budget,” said City Manager Shayne Scott. He said this item was not included in the budget because staff were only recently made aware of this equipment and the ability to receive a grant to pay for it. The financial grant through the State of Utah was recently awarded to cover the entire $35,595 cost of the item, which means the net cost for the city will be zero.

BrainAvatar is a full-featured clinical system, registered with the US FDA for professional and clinical use. This mechanism provides neurofeedback that can identify the parts of the brain struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health issues. For many clients seeking therapy, their brains have become stuck in a rigid pattern of thinking and responding. With neurofeedback, the therapist can better enable clients to learn how to change physiological activity to improve mental health and performance.

The City Council had questions as to whether the grant for this equipment is the same grant that pays for the public safety therapist; if the city would receive any additional money for the equipment besides the grant; and if the city would receive any continuous funds after the grant is finished. Scott said that the therapist position is paid for through a different grant. “The grant given for the equipment will cover the entire cost of the equipment, training and software and they have been told there will not be any additional cost for the equipment.” 

“With all that is happening in regards to police officers in the United States right now, our officers need all of our support, especially when it comes to their wellbeing,” Councilmember John Adams said. The City Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the equipment. λ