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Integrate personalized brain-gut therapy into your practice

Deliver lasting relief for patients with functional gut symptoms – no restrictions or waitlists for them, no extra work for you.

Refer a patientRequest clinician access or resources
Helping 15,000+ clinicians from leading institutions practice at the top of their license

Clinical effectiveness

Nerva’s efficacy and safety has been demonstrated across 5 published clinical studies, including a large peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial¹, showing that Nerva:

Reduced abdominal pain severity in 71% of participants in the GDH group, compared to 35% for control.
Was clinically effective with pain, diarrhea and constipation in all sub-types.
Improved quality of life and mental well-being, including reduced anxiety for participants using Nerva.
Explore more research
The latest clinical guidelines recommend brain-gut behavioral therapy as first-line

How Nerva works

Nerva helps you provide integrated care by delivering brain-gut behavioral therapy virtually – supporting patients with IBS by retraining how the brain and gut communicate.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH)
Uses guided relaxation and visualization to help the brain reduce false alarm signals from the gut.
Cognitive-behavioral strategies (CBT)
Helps patients identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and reactions that can worsen symptoms.
Diaphragmatic breathing
Promotes slow, deep breathing to activate the body’s calming system and support healthy digestion.
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Experiences from clinicians integrating Nerva – and patients seeing results
“The program is a life saver! Long time IBS sufferer who has done the low FODMAP thing and tried so so many supplements and probiotics, with mixed success. I was skeptical that 6 weeks was going to make a difference, but oh my goodness, I was feeling so much better at week 4 and am still feeling great.”

– Alyssa
“Literally life changing! I have struggled with IBS for over 15 years. I have tried multiple restrictive diets, had countless doctors appointments, and eventually just completely gave up trying to fix it. Within two weeks of daily hypnosis sessions I was seeing noticeable improvement.”


– Derek
“Nerva changed my life. I struggled with severe digestive symptoms for a long time. I was unable to digest, I lost weight dangerously, and everything I ate hurt me. This was a dark season with very little hope. An ER doctor recommended Nerva to help issues between my brain and gut (vagus nerve), and after trying it, my life is changed.”


– Rebekah
“I was very skeptical when I was referred by my Gastro but I was desperate and willing to give it a fair shot. No meds or diet changes were helping consistently, constant cycles of urgent diarrhea followed by days of constipation for years.... 5 weeks into the program, I feel the best I have in months.”

– Vincent
“Nerva makes gut directed hypnotherapy accessible. 3 weeks in and I’m noticing an improvement in symptoms even though my gut issues aren’t only due to IBS. The app makes it so easy to keep up with and the hypnotherapy audios are so calming and lovely. As a dietitian, I recommend this app to my clients too!”


– Lindsay
“I’m 65 years old and have struggled with IBS and anxiety my whole life. I am a dietitian and have tried every dietary modification I could find with modest results. Nerva gave me the missing piece I’ve been looking for – teaching my brain how to effectively communicate with my gut.”


– dkp
“The program is a life saver! Long time IBS sufferer who has done the low FODMAP thing and tried so so many supplements and probiotics, with mixed success. I was skeptical that 6 weeks was going to make a difference, but oh my goodness, I was feeling so much better at week 4 and am still feeling great.”

– Alyssa
“Literally life changing! I have struggled with IBS for over 15 years. I have tried multiple restrictive diets, had countless doctors appointments, and eventually just completely gave up trying to fix it. Within two weeks of daily hypnosis sessions I was seeing noticeable improvement.”


– Derek
“Nerva changed my life. I struggled with severe digestive symptoms for a long time. I was unable to digest, I lost weight dangerously, and everything I ate hurt me. This was a dark season with very little hope. An ER doctor recommended Nerva to help issues between my brain and gut (vagus nerve), and after trying it, my life is changed.”


– Rebekah
“I was very skeptical when I was referred by my Gastro but I was desperate and willing to give it a fair shot. No meds or diet changes were helping consistently, constant cycles of urgent diarrhea followed by days of constipation for years.... 5 weeks into the program, I feel the best I have in months.”

– Vincent
“Nerva makes gut directed hypnotherapy accessible. 3 weeks in and I’m noticing an improvement in symptoms even though my gut issues aren’t only due to IBS. The app makes it so easy to keep up with and the hypnotherapy audios are so calming and lovely. As a dietitian, I recommend this app to my clients too!”


– Lindsay
“I’m 65 years old and have struggled with IBS and anxiety my whole life. I am a dietitian and have tried every dietary modification I could find with modest results. Nerva gave me the missing piece I’ve been looking for – teaching my brain how to effectively communicate with my gut.”


– dkp

Patient eligibility

Nerva has demonstrated efficacy across all IBS subtypes and a broad range of patient profiles. It may be particularly appropriate for individuals who:

Are 14 years or older
Have a clinical diagnosis of IBS or another DGBI
Are receptive to a gut-brain approach for symptom management
Would benefit from integrating evidence-based behavioral strategies
Chart showing the clinical validation of Nerva

Nerva supports accessibility by reducing financial barriers to care. All patients referred through Nerva’s HIPAA-compliant referral form automatically receive a 25% referral adjustment, reducing the annual subscription cost to $149.25 USD. If cost remains a concern, patients may be eligible for additional support through Nerva’s Patient Assistance Program.

Nerva's scientific advisory board

Dr. Michael Yapko
Clinical psychologist recognized for therapeutic applications of hypnosis.
Dr. Gary Elkins
Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University.
Dr. Irving Kirsch
Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University.

The referral process

1
Refer a patient

Share patient info in seconds to Nerva via our HIPAA-compliant webform. Practitioner referred patients receive 25% off Nerva.
2
We onboard

Our team contacts your patient within 24 hours to guide them through intake and offer support as they get started with Nerva.
3
You receive updates

Patient progress reports, including IBS-SSS and PHQ-4 symptom tracking, are shared with you via our HIPAA-compliant reporting system.
1
2
3
Refer a patient

Share patient info in seconds to Nerva via our HIPAA-compliant webform. Practitioner referred patients receive 25% off Nerva.
We onboard

Our team contacts your patient within 24 hours to guide them through intake and offer support as they get started with Nerva.
You receive updates

Patient progress reports, including IBS-SSS and PHQ-4 symptom tracking, are shared with you via our HIPAA-compliant reporting system.
Refer a patient

Clinical resources to support your consult

Enhance your next IBS consult with complimentary physical resources developed by Nerva’s clinical specialists.

Request physical resourcesSee all downloadable resources

Nerva's Advisory Board

Dr. Simone Peters
Psychophysiologist and Adjunct Research Fellow, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University and Alfred Health
Dr. Brooks D. Cash, MD, FACG
Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Dr. Lin Chang, MD, FACG
Vice Chief,  Division of Digestive Diseases at UCLA; Program Director GI Fellowship, and Co-Director, Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience
Dr. William D. Chey, MD, FACG
Professor of Gastroenterology and Nutrition Sciences at Michigan Medicine; Chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and president elect (2026) of the American College of Gastroenterology
Dr. Megan Riehl, PsyD, AGAF
Clinical Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, Health Psychologist and Clinical Director of the GI Behavioral Health Program at Michigan Medicine
Dr. Kyle Staller, MD, MPH
Director, GI Motility Laboratory at Mass General Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Dr. Leila Neshatian
GI Program Director, Neuro-Gastroenterology Fellowship, Stanford; Director, Neurogastroenterology and Motility and GI Director, Pelvic Health Center
Prof. Peter Gibson
Professor of Gastroenterology at Monash University, widely known for co-developing the low-FODMAP diet and leading luminal GI research in Australia
Nancee Jaffe MS, RDN
Founder, UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases GI Nutrition Program
Dr. Justin Brandler
Neurogastroenterologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Amy Stewart, NP
Lead APP at Capital Digestive Care specializing in IBD & IBS
Prof. Spenser Dorn, MD, MPH, MHA
Professor of Medicine & Vice Chair, Care Innovation at UNC, expert in how artificial intelligence is redesigning speciality care
Assoc. Prof. Emma Halmos
Associate Professor of gastroenterology research and senior research dietitian at Monash University, Alfred Health
Dr. Mark Salvatore, MD, MS
Founder and Clinical Director, Pediatric Mind-Body Medicine Program at Mass General Brigham for Children. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School. Associate in Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition
Prof. Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS
Director of Health Services Research for Cedars-Sinai, Director of the Cedars-Sinai Master's Degree Program in Health Delivery Science, and the George and Dorothy Gourrich Chair in Digital Health Ethics
Dr. Simone Peters
Psychophysiologist and Adjunct Research Fellow, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University and Alfred Health
Dr. Brooks D. Cash, MD, FACG
Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Dr. Lin Chang, MD, FACG
Vice Chief,  Division of Digestive Diseases at UCLA; Program Director GI Fellowship, and Co-Director, Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience
Dr. William D. Chey, MD, FACG
Professor of Gastroenterology and Nutrition Sciences at Michigan Medicine; Chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and president elect (2026) of the American College of Gastroenterology
Dr. Megan Riehl, PsyD, AGAF
Clinical Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, Health Psychologist and Clinical Director of the GI Behavioral Health Program at Michigan Medicine
Dr. Kyle Staller, MD, MPH
Director, GI Motility Laboratory at Mass General Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Dr. Leila Neshatian
GI Program Director, Neuro-Gastroenterology Fellowship, Stanford; Director, Neurogastroenterology and Motility and GI Director, Pelvic Health Center
Prof. Peter Gibson
Professor of Gastroenterology at Monash University, widely known for co-developing the low-FODMAP diet and leading luminal GI research in Australia
Dr. Justin Brandler
Neurogastroenterologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Amy Stewart, NP
Lead APP at Capital Digestive Care specializing in IBD & IBS
Prof. Spenser Dorn, MD, MPH, MHA
Professor of Medicine & Vice Chair, Care Innovation at UNC, expert in how artificial intelligence is redesigning speciality care
Assoc. Prof. Emma Halmos
Associate Professor of gastroenterology research and senior research dietitian at Monash University, Alfred Health
Dr. Mark Salvatore, MD, MS
Founder and Clinical Director, Pediatric Mind-Body Medicine Program at Mass General Brigham for Children. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School. Associate in Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition
Prof. Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS
Director of Health Services Research for Cedars-Sinai, Director of the Cedars-Sinai Master's Degree Program in Health Delivery Science, and the George and Dorothy Gourrich Chair in Digital Health Ethics

Get in touch with a clinical specialist

Send an inquiry or book a brief call with our clinical team to discuss Nerva, referral options, EMR integration, or to organise a lunch and learn for your clinic.

Emily Mahadeo
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) &
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Share your details to connect with our team
*By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by Nerva’s clinical specialists regarding your request. Read our Privacy Policy.
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Common questions

What is the cost of the program?

The Nerva program costs $199 USD, $249 AUD, €229 EUR or £149 GBP for 12 months of access. However, patients referred by their healthcare practitioner receive a 25% discount.

Patients begin with a 7-day free trial to explore the program risk-free. For added peace of mind, we also offer a 42-day money-back guarantee.

Who is suitable for Nerva?

Nerva is designed for patients with IBS, including those with constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), or mixed (IBS-M) subtypes. It is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing stress and/or anxiety, those seeking non-pharmacological or non-dietary interventions, and refractory patients who have not responded to other treatments.

Contraindications: Nerva is not recommended for individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, unresolved psychological trauma, or cognitive impairments.

For an in-depth guide, see our decision tool.

What is gut-directed hypnotherapy?

Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is a psychological therapy that helps regulate the gut-brain connection. It guides individuals into a state of focused attention, where individuals become more receptive to therapeutic suggestions. This heightened state of awareness helps regulate the gut-brain connection, easing IBS symptoms by shifting the body out of a stress response and into a state of calm.

During hypnosis, we can observe physiological changes in brain activity related to absorption, executive control, and awareness.

With self-hypnosis, patients can access these benefits anytime, anywhere – without the need for an in-person hypnotherapist – while remaining in complete control.

Can I access patient results?

Yes, patients can choose to add your details, allowing you to receive progress updates and reports, including IBS-SSS and PHQ-4 symptom tracking. These insights are securely delivered through our HIPAA-compliant and Australian Privacy Principles-compliant reporting system.

Does Nerva work for other DGBIs?

Nerva is specifically designed for diagnosed IBS, targeting the gut-brain connection through gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH). While research supports the effectiveness of GDH for IBS, some patients with other disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), such as functional dyspepsia, may still benefit. However, as Nerva is not tailored for these conditions, we recommend patients consult their healthcare provider to determine the best approach for their needs.

Can I test the app as a practitioner?

Yes, we offer free clinician access, allowing you to explore the full Nerva program firsthand. This gives you insight into the structure, content, and experience your patients will have.

Gain free access here.

How long is the program?

Nerva follows a clinically-based 6-week program designed to improve IBS symptom management through gut-directed hypnotherapy.

To support long-term symptom management, patients receive a 12-month subscription – which includes ongoing access to our flare-up toolkit for maintenance and support whenever they need it.

Do you have a smart phrase template I can add to my EMR?

Here is a smart phrase template that's worked well for other practices when adding Nerva to discharge instructions:


I’m referring you to Nerva, a clinically validated gut-directed hypnotherapy program designed to help you manage IBS symptoms. Most patients see results within 6 weeks.

Visit: www.nervahealth.com

References

1. Chey, W. D., Keefer, L., Whelan, K., & Gibson, P. R. (2020). Behavioral and Diet Therapies in Integrated Care for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology, 160(1). https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.06.099

2. Anderson, Ellen J. BNutSci, MDiet1,2; Peters, Simone L. BSc (Psychophysiology) (Hons), PhD1; Gibson, Peter R. MBBS(Hons), MD1,2; Halmos, Emma P. BNutDiet, PGradDipBSc, PhD1,2. Comparison of Digitally Delivered Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Program With an Active Control for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The American Journal of Gastroenterology 120(2):p 440-448, February 2025. | DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002921

3. Peters, S. L., Yao, C. K., Philpott, H., Yelland, G. W., Muir, J. G., & Gibson, P. R. (2016). Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut-directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 44(5), 447–459. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13706

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