Mental health treatment is entering a new era of precision. Instead of guessing which therapy or medication might help, clinicians can now see the brain’s electrical activity directly through Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG), also known as brain mapping.
At Conscious Health in Larchmont, we use qEEG-informed protocols to tailor every patient’s care plan. Whether the goal is to optimize TMS targeting, fine-tune medication management, or personalize therapy approaches, brain mapping gives us a data-driven view of how your brain functions, making treatment not only more scientific but more personal.
What Is qEEG (Quantitative EEG)?
A qEEG is a specialized analysis of a traditional EEG. It records the brain’s electrical activity across multiple regions and converts that information into a color-coded brain map. This map highlights where certain brainwave patterns (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma) are stronger or weaker than normal.
The data is then compared to large normative databases of healthy individuals. The result is a measurable snapshot of how your brain differs from typical activity patterns, which can correlate with:
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Anxiety and hyperarousal (excessive beta activity)
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Depression (reduced alpha coherence)
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ADHD (excess theta or slow-wave dominance)
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PTSD and trauma (high frontal reactivity, reduced regulation)
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Insomnia and rumination (imbalanced alpha-beta rhythms)
How qEEG Informs Therapy
qEEG doesn’t replace therapy—it enhances it. By understanding which brain regions are dysregulated, clinicians can:
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Target cognitive and emotional interventions more effectively (e.g., focusing on emotional regulation if frontal hyperarousal is high).
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Measure progress objectively by repeating scans throughout treatment.
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Integrate with neurofeedback, TMS, and mindfulness training to support real-time neuroplasticity.
When therapy is guided by data, treatment becomes more efficient and individualized.
qEEG in TMS and Neurofeedback
| Modality | How qEEG Adds Value | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) | Identifies which cortical regions show abnormal connectivity or activity for precise coil placement. | Faster symptom reduction and improved response rates. |
| Neurofeedback | Pinpoints dysregulated frequency bands to train more accurately. | Greater self-regulation and sustained change. |
| Medication Management | Reveals whether mood or attention problems are linked to over- or under-activation rather than neurotransmitter imbalance. | Guides more informed prescribing or tapering decisions. |
The Process: What a qEEG Session Looks Like
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Preparation: The patient wears a cap with small sensors that record electrical signals from the scalp.
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Recording: 10–20 minutes of resting-state brain activity is recorded.
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Analysis: The data is cleaned of artifacts (like blinking) and compared to standardized databases.
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Brain Map Review: The provider interprets findings, identifying areas of dysregulation.
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Treatment Planning: These results inform the therapy plan, TMS targeting, or medication management strategy.
It’s completely non-invasive, involves no radiation, and is safe for all ages.
What qEEG Can—and Can’t—Do
What It Can Do:
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Identify brainwave patterns associated with certain emotional or cognitive states.
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Help determine whether symptoms are neurological, emotional, or both.
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Serve as a biomarker for treatment progress.
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Enhance precision for TMS and neurofeedback targeting.
What It Can’t Do:
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Diagnose mental illness on its own.
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Replace therapy, psychiatry, or neuropsychological testing.
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Guarantee treatment response, qEEG is a guide, not a predictor.
Real-World Example: qEEG in Depression and Anxiety
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A patient with chronic depression undergoes qEEG and shows reduced alpha power in the left frontal lobe (a common marker of depressive symptoms).
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TMS is then targeted precisely to stimulate this underactive region.
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Over several weeks, both qEEG readings and clinical mood scores improve, demonstrating how brain data can guide recovery.
This type of personalized tracking helps differentiate between biological dysregulation and purely psychological factors—ensuring that care remains balanced between science and compassion.
Ethical Considerations in qEEG-Guided Treatment
Ethical practice means transparency:
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Patients should understand that qEEG is a supportive assessment, not a stand-alone diagnostic.
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Providers must have proper training in data interpretation.
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All findings should be integrated with clinical judgment and patient input—not used to replace them.
At Conscious Health, our clinicians maintain these standards, combining neuroscience precision with therapeutic empathy.
Conclusion
Personalized brain mapping represents the future of mental healthcare. By translating raw brain data into actionable insights, clinicians can tailor interventions that work faster, last longer, and align with each individual’s biology.
At Conscious Health in Larchmont, qEEG-informed therapy bridges technology and human understanding—helping clients move beyond symptom management to true neurological balance.
FAQs
Is qEEG the same as neurofeedback?
No. qEEG is a diagnostic tool that maps the brain; neurofeedback uses that data to train the brain toward balance.
How often should qEEG be repeated?
Typically every 8–12 weeks during active treatment, or at the start and end of major therapy phases.
Can qEEG help identify trauma patterns?
Yes. Chronic trauma often shows as overactive threat circuits (frontal-limbic hyperconnectivity), which can guide trauma-informed interventions.
Is qEEG covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Some insurance plans reimburse qEEG as part of neurofeedback or neurological assessment. Conscious Health’s team helps verify benefits before testing.
Does TMS require a qEEG first?
Not always, but qEEG-guided TMS can improve targeting accuracy and response rates, especially in treatment-resistant depression.
Sources
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Hammond, D. C. (2010). The role of quantitative EEG in psychological assessment. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 66(5), 546–554. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20676
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Johnstone, S. J., et al. (2022). Quantitative EEG in clinical practice: From data to neurotherapy. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 16, 1009490. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2022.1009490/full
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Thatcher, R. W. (2012). Handbook of quantitative electroencephalography and EEG biofeedback. St. Petersburg, FL: ANI Publishing.
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Surmeli, T., & Ertem, A. (2021). Quantitative EEG-guided neurofeedback in major depressive disorder: A controlled study. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 52(6), 419–429. https://doi.org/10.1177/15500594211027677
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Boutros, N. N., & Arfken, C. L. (2020). Standardization of EEG biomarkers in psychiatry: Moving toward precision medicine. World Journal of Psychiatry, 10(8), 164–176. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v10.i8.164
