Daniel Amen’s net worth is estimated at $50 million in 2026, making him one of the wealthiest psychiatrists in the United States. The double board-certified psychiatrist built an empire around SPECT brain imaging, 20 bestselling books, 19 PBS specials, and 11 clinic locations that process over 4,000 patient visits monthly. The Washington Post called him “America’s most popular psychiatrist.” However, scientists have called his use of SPECT scans “spectacularly meaningless.” Moreover, his clinics have generated an estimated $170 million in scan revenue alone. He is simultaneously the most commercially successful and most scientifically criticized psychiatrist of his generation.
Daniel Amen Net Worth: The Clinic Empire
Amen Clinics operates 11 locations nationwide. The clinics process over 4,000 patient visits per month. Furthermore, they claim to house the world’s largest database of functional brain scans for neuropsychiatry. As of 2026, nearly 300,000 SPECT scans have been performed on patients from 155 countries.
The economics are significant. An initial evaluation with SPECT scanning costs approximately $3,500-4,000. Most medical insurance does not cover the procedure. Consequently, the revenue is predominantly out-of-pocket. By 2009, Amen reported having scanned 50,000 people at an estimated cumulative cost to patients of $170 million. That number has grown substantially since then.
Additionally, Amen founded BrainMD, a supplement company that markets vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and branded dietary supplements. He also created Amen University and the Change Your Brain Foundation. These ventures diversify revenue beyond clinical practice. Furthermore, his annual gross revenue was reported at $20 million in one recent year.
The Publishing Machine: 20 Bestsellers
Amen is a 12-time New York Times bestselling author as of 2023. His debut book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” was released in 1999 and sold over one million copies. Furthermore, his books have been translated into 50 languages. He has authored or co-authored over 30 books total.
His biggest co-authorship was “The Daniel Plan,” written with Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman. It reached number one on the New York Times bestseller list. The program to improve health through brain science has been implemented in thousands of churches worldwide. Additionally, his newest book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain” was scheduled for December 2025.
He has also published over 95 scientific papers. Furthermore, he has hosted 19 national public television specials on brain health. One of them aired 1,300 times on PBS affiliates in 2008 during fundraising drives. That PBS presence exposed his work to millions of viewers. Consequently, it became a primary patient acquisition channel.
The SPECT Scan Controversy
The scientific community’s criticism of Amen’s SPECT use is extensive and sustained. The American Psychiatric Association found that neuroimaging studies have yet to significantly impact individual patient diagnosis or treatment. Furthermore, the APA concluded that evidence does not support brain imaging for psychiatric diagnosis in children and adolescents.
Neuroscience researcher Martha Farah called Amen’s SPECT practice “profitable but unproven.” She noted that tens of thousands of individuals, many of them children, have been exposed to radiation and paid thousands out of pocket against expert advice. Additionally, Tufts professor Daniel Carlat visited the clinics and called Amen’s scan interpretations “spectacularly meaningless.”
The Society of Nuclear Medicine proposed a test of Amen’s methods by asking him to interpret blinded SPECT scans. However, Amen disputed that the society formally approached him. Furthermore, John Seibyl of the Society stated it is settled that SPECT holds no value for diagnosing psychological disorders. Nevertheless, Amen’s clinics continue operating profitably. Insurance companies’ refusal to cover the scans has not deterred patients.
The NFL and Concussion Work
Amen has studied brain injuries affecting professional athletes. Specifically, he made the initial diagnosis of brain damage in NFL kicker Tom Dempsey. During examinations, Amen found multiple areas of damage in Dempsey’s brain. Furthermore, he advised hockey player Paul Kariya to retire based on concussion-related findings. Kariya followed the advice.
Amen was also a consultant for the movie “Concussion” starring Will Smith. Additionally, Discover Magazine recognized his PTSD and traumatic brain injury research as one of the top 100 science stories of 2015. This work on brain injuries represents the area where his imaging approach receives the least criticism from the scientific establishment.
Personal Wealth and Lifestyle
Amen was born on July 19, 1954, in Encino, California, to Lebanese immigrant parents. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Furthermore, he holds medical licenses in California, Washington, Virginia, Arizona, New York, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas. He reportedly owns a $4.8 million mansion overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Where Amen Fits in the Longevity Economy
Among longevity era figures, Amen represents the clinical-commercial hybrid. He is far more commercially successful than academic researchers like David Sinclair. Furthermore, his media machine surpasses journalist-influencers like Max Lugavere. He proves that controversy and profitability can coexist indefinitely when patient demand outstrips scientific consensus.
For related profiles, see Mark Hyman’s functional medicine approach and Deepak Chopra’s wellness empire.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Daniel Amen’s net worth in 2026?
Daniel Amen’s net worth is estimated at approximately $50 million. His income comes from 11 clinic locations, book royalties on 30+ titles, BrainMD supplement sales, PBS specials, and speaking engagements. Furthermore, his clinics generate substantial revenue from SPECT brain scans that cost $3,500-4,000 each.
How much does an Amen Clinic brain scan cost?
A full initial evaluation with two SPECT scans costs approximately $3,500-4,000. Most medical insurance does not cover the procedure. Consequently, patients pay out of pocket. An initial consultation alone costs about $400. The clinics have performed nearly 300,000 scans on patients from 155 countries.
Why is Daniel Amen controversial?
The American Psychiatric Association found insufficient evidence for SPECT-based psychiatric diagnosis. Neuroscience researchers call his practice “profitable but unproven.” Furthermore, critics note patients are exposed to radiation with no proven clinical benefit. However, Amen argues his database of nearly 300,000 scans supports his approach.
How many books has Daniel Amen written?
Amen has authored or co-authored over 30 books. He is a 12-time New York Times bestselling author. “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” sold over one million copies. Furthermore, his books have been translated into 50 languages. “The Daniel Plan” with Rick Warren reached number one on the NYT list.
Where are Amen Clinics located?
Amen Clinics operates 11 locations across the United States. Cities include Newport Beach and San Francisco in California, Bellevue in Washington, Reston in Virginia, Atlanta, and New York City. Furthermore, the clinics process over 4,000 patient visits monthly. They claim the world’s largest database of functional brain scans.