qEEG Neurofeedback & Brain Mapping in Los Angeles: Your Complete Guide
Comprehensive Answers About Quantitative EEG Assessment, Analysis, and qEEG-Guided Neurofeedback Therapy from a Specialist with 12+ Years of Clinical Experience
What is qEEG Neurofeedback?
A qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) is a non-invasive brain mapping technique that records and analyzes your brain’s electrical activity, comparing it against normative databases to identify areas of dysregulation. When paired with neurofeedback therapy, clinicians use qEEG data to create personalized treatment protocols that train the brain toward healthier patterns — without medication. At MYNeuroBalance in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, we use advanced brainwave assessment to guide individualized LENS neurofeedback sessions for conditions including anxiety, ADHD, depression, and post-concussion syndrome.
📋 Table of Contents (Click to Expand)
🧠 About qEEG & Brain Mapping
What is a qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram)?
A qEEG — short for Quantitative Electroencephalogram — is a sophisticated method of recording and mathematically analyzing the brain’s electrical activity. Think of it as a detailed weather map, but for your brainwaves. While a standard EEG provides a visual trace of brain signals, a qEEG takes that data further by applying power spectral analysis, comparing your unique brain patterns against age-matched normative databases to pinpoint exactly where your brain may be underperforming, overactive, or struggling with connectivity between regions.
“In over 12 years of clinical practice, I’ve seen how a qEEG reveals things that behavioral observation alone can miss,” says Jon S. Haupers, LENS Neurofeedback Specialist at MYNeuroBalance. “A client might describe feeling ‘foggy’ or ‘wired but tired,’ and the brain map shows us precisely why — whether it’s excess theta activity in the frontal lobe, elevated beta in the temporal regions, or disrupted coherence patterns that explain their symptoms.”
qEEG vs. Standard EEG: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Standard EEG | qEEG (Quantitative EEG) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Detect epileptic activity, seizures, structural abnormalities | Measure brainwave patterns, power, coherence, and functional connectivity |
| Analysis Method | Visual interpretation by neurologist | Mathematical processing using Fourier transform and power spectral analysis |
| Output | Raw waveform traces | Color-coded brain maps, statistical comparisons, Z-scores |
| Database Comparison | No | Yes — compared against age-matched normative databases |
| Reliability | 9-29% inter-rater reliability | 90%+ reliability and validity (Thatcher, 2010) |
| Clinical Use | Epilepsy diagnosis, sleep disorders | Neurofeedback protocol design, treatment tracking, functional assessment |
How Does qEEG Work?
The qEEG process involves placing a cap with 19 electrodes (sensors) on the scalp in standardized positions according to the International 10-20 system. These electrodes detect the tiny electrical signals your brain produces — they don’t emit anything into your brain. The recording is completely non-invasive and painless.
During the assessment, your brain’s electrical activity is recorded during both eyes-open and eyes-closed resting states, and sometimes during cognitive tasks. The raw EEG data is then cleaned of artifacts (muscle movement, eye blinks, electrical interference) and processed through mathematical algorithms. This produces quantitative measurements of absolute and relative power across different frequency bands — delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (12-30 Hz), and gamma (30+ Hz) — as well as coherence and phase relationships between brain regions.
What is qEEG Brain Mapping?
Brain mapping is the visual representation of your qEEG data. The processed electrical activity is converted into color-coded topographic maps that display how different areas of your brain are functioning relative to typical patterns for your age group. Areas shown in cool colors (blues, greens) may indicate underactivity, while warm colors (reds, oranges) can signal overactivity or elevated power in specific frequency bands.
At MYNeuroBalance, brain mapping serves as the foundation for understanding each client’s unique neurological profile. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the brain map guides us toward a treatment protocol specifically calibrated to address your brain’s individual patterns. This is particularly valuable for conditions like ADHD, where research has identified multiple distinct neuroendophenotypes — meaning two people with the same behavioral diagnosis can have very different underlying brainwave patterns requiring different therapeutic approaches.
📊 qEEG Assessment & Analysis
The qEEG Assessment Process
A thorough qEEG assessment at our Mar Vista clinic typically follows these steps:
Preparation & Clinical Interview
Before the recording begins, we review your health history, symptoms, medications, and treatment goals. You’ll be asked to arrive well-rested, avoid caffeine for at least two hours prior, and come with clean, dry hair free of styling products. The entire visit typically takes 60-75 minutes.
Electrode Cap Placement
A comfortable cap with 19 sensors is placed on your scalp. Conductive gel is applied at each electrode site to ensure clear signal quality. The cap doesn’t hurt — most clients describe it as feeling like wearing a snug swim cap.
Brain Activity Recording
You’ll sit comfortably while your brain activity is recorded for approximately 5-10 minutes with eyes open, followed by 5-10 minutes with eyes closed. Some assessments include a cognitive task condition. The electrodes only record — they never send any signal into your brain.
Data Processing & Analysis
The raw EEG data is cleaned of artifacts and processed through FDA-registered normative databases. Mathematical analysis generates topographic brain maps, power spectral data, coherence measurements, and Z-score comparisons that reveal where your brain function deviates from age-matched norms.
Results Review & Treatment Planning
We review the brain map findings with you in detail, explaining what the patterns mean in relation to your symptoms and goals. Based on these objective findings, we develop a personalized LENS neurofeedback treatment protocol designed specifically for your brain’s needs.
Understanding qEEG Analysis
qEEG analysis examines several key dimensions of brain function:
Absolute and Relative Power: Measures the strength of activity in each frequency band (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma) at each electrode location. For example, elevated theta power in frontal regions is commonly associated with attention difficulties and has been extensively studied in ADHD populations.
Coherence: Evaluates how well different brain regions communicate with each other. Too much coherence can indicate rigid, inflexible processing, while too little may reflect disconnection between regions that need to work together — a pattern often observed in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Phase Relationships: Assesses the timing of neural communication between brain areas. Disrupted phase relationships can contribute to processing speed difficulties and cognitive inefficiency.
Z-Scores: Statistical measurements showing how far your brain activity deviates from age-matched norms. Z-scores between -1 and +1 are considered within normal limits, while values beyond ±2 typically warrant clinical attention and may guide treatment focus areas.
Normative Databases
The accuracy of qEEG analysis depends heavily on the quality of the normative database used for comparison. Leading FDA-registered databases include NeuroGuide (Applied Neuroscience), which contains eyes-open and eyes-closed data with extensive age ranges, and the Brain Resource International Database. These databases represent thousands of neurologically healthy individuals across different age groups, providing the baseline against which your brain activity is measured.
Who Should Consider a qEEG Assessment?
A qEEG assessment can provide valuable clinical insights for individuals experiencing:
- Persistent attention difficulties, distractibility, or concentration problems (ADHD)
- Chronic anxiety, worry, or emotional dysregulation
- Depression that hasn’t responded fully to medication
- Sleep disorders including insomnia or disrupted sleep architecture
- Post-concussion symptoms or traumatic brain injury recovery
- PTSD or trauma-related symptoms
- Memory and cognitive processing concerns
- Peak performance optimization for executives, athletes, or performers
⚡ qEEG-Guided Neurofeedback Therapy
How qEEG Guides Neurofeedback Treatment
The real clinical power of qEEG emerges when its data is used to design targeted neurofeedback protocols. Rather than using generic, standardized treatment approaches, qEEG-guided neurofeedback tailors every aspect of therapy to your brain’s specific needs — which frequencies to train, which electrode sites to target, and what thresholds to set for optimal learning.
Research published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback has demonstrated that qEEG-guided neurofeedback protocols can produce significantly better outcomes than standardized approaches. Walker (2010) found that qEEG-guided protocols for epilepsy showed enhanced effectiveness compared to non-guided methods, and similar advantages have been documented for migraine treatment (Walker, 2011, Clinical EEG and Neuroscience).
“Think of a qEEG as the diagnostic roadmap and neurofeedback as the vehicle for change,” explains Jon S. Haupers. “Without that map, you’re essentially guessing which frequencies and brain regions to target. With it, we know exactly where to focus treatment for each individual client — and we can track measurable progress by comparing follow-up brain maps.”
LENS Neurofeedback & qEEG at MYNeuroBalance
At MYNeuroBalance, we specialize in LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) — a unique form of neurofeedback developed by Dr. Len Ochs that differs from traditional approaches in several important ways. LENS delivers an imperceptibly weak electromagnetic signal back to the brain while the client sits quietly, requiring no conscious effort or focused attention. This makes it particularly effective for clients who struggle with the active engagement required by conventional neurofeedback, including young children, individuals with severe ADHD, and those recovering from brain injuries.
The qEEG assessment provides the critical data we need to determine LENS treatment parameters — identifying which sites show the greatest dysregulation and mapping the optimal sequence for treatment sessions. Jon S. Haupers was trained directly by Dr. Len Ochs, the creator of LENS technology, bringing both deep expertise in the methodology and over 12 years of hands-on clinical experience to every treatment plan.
Conditions Treated with qEEG-Guided Neurofeedback
🧠 Neurological
- ADHD / ADD
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Migraines & Chronic Headaches
- Memory & Cognitive Decline
💚 Mental Health
- Anxiety & Panic
- Depression
- PTSD & Trauma
- Sleep Disorders
- Stress & Emotional Dysregulation
Treatment Timeline: What to Expect
Most clients at MYNeuroBalance begin noticing changes within the first 3-5 LENS sessions, though the nature and timing of improvements varies by condition and individual. Typical treatment courses range from 10-20 sessions for milder presentations to 20-40+ sessions for complex or long-standing conditions. Each session lasts approximately 30-45 minutes, and we typically recommend 1-2 sessions per week.
Follow-up qEEG assessments can be performed at intervals throughout treatment to objectively track how brainwave patterns are changing — giving both the clinician and the client measurable evidence of neurological improvement beyond subjective symptom reports alone.
🔬 qEEG & Neurofeedback Research
The scientific evidence supporting qEEG as a clinical assessment tool and neurofeedback as a therapeutic intervention continues to grow. Here’s what peer-reviewed research tells us:
Key Research Findings
qEEG for ADHD Biomarkers: A 2025 narrative review in Brain and Behavior confirmed that qEEG is capable of detecting state-dependent neural dysregulation that frequently evades detection by structural imaging, making it particularly valuable for identifying ADHD subtypes and guiding individualized neurofeedback protocols (PMC, 2025).
qEEG-Based Neurofeedback for Anxiety: Research published in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience found that qEEG-based neurofeedback therapy significantly reduced anxiety and depression while improving emotion regulation in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, with effects maintained at follow-up (PMC, 2021).
Clinical Applications: A comprehensive review in Journal of Clinical Medicine concluded that qEEG’s clinical applications span neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and mental health conditions, providing objective information for precise diagnosis and treatment response evaluation (PMC, 2020).
Neurofeedback Efficacy: A 2025 systematic review synthesizing 65 studies in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Reports positioned neurofeedback as a rapidly evolving field with significant therapeutic and translational potential, particularly when personalized through qEEG-guided protocols (Wiley, 2025).
Important Context: As with any therapeutic approach, research results vary across studies. A 2025 JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials found that while overall group-level neurofeedback results for ADHD were modest, established standard protocols showed statistically significant improvements — highlighting the importance of protocol selection and individualization through tools like qEEG (Westwood et al., 2025). This underscores why qEEG-guided, personalized treatment plans, rather than one-size-fits-all approaches, represent the clinical standard of care.
At MYNeuroBalance, we stay current with the evolving evidence base and are transparent with clients about both the strengths and limitations of available research. Our approach combines the best available scientific evidence with 12+ years of clinical observation to deliver outcomes-focused care.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About qEEG Neurofeedback
qEEG Basics
No. A qEEG is completely non-invasive and painless. The electrodes on the cap only record your brain’s naturally occurring electrical signals — they don’t send anything into your brain. There is no radiation, no contrast dye, and no needles involved. The experience is similar to wearing a snug cap while sitting comfortably for about 20-30 minutes. It’s safe for all ages, including children and pregnant women.
The total visit is approximately 60-75 minutes. This includes the clinical interview, cap placement, and the actual recording (about 20 minutes of data collection in both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions). Data processing and analysis occurs after the session, and results are typically reviewed in a follow-up appointment within 1-2 weeks.
A qEEG is not a standalone diagnostic tool. It doesn’t diagnose conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or depression the way a blood test diagnoses diabetes. Instead, it provides objective, quantitative data about your brain’s functioning that complements clinical observation, behavioral assessment, and your medical history. The brain map shows how your brain is functioning — which regions are over- or under-active, where connectivity patterns are disrupted — and this information helps guide more effective, targeted treatment.
MRI and CT scans show brain structure — the physical anatomy of the brain. A qEEG shows brain function — how the brain’s electrical activity is performing in real time. You could have a perfectly normal-looking brain on an MRI while your qEEG reveals significant functional dysregulation. This is especially common in conditions like ADHD, anxiety, post-concussion syndrome, and depression, where the brain’s issue isn’t structural damage but rather patterns of electrical activity that have become inefficient or dysregulated.
For the most accurate results: wash your hair the morning of your appointment and avoid conditioner, gels, sprays, or other styling products. Avoid caffeine for at least 2 hours before the assessment. Get a good night’s sleep the night before. Continue taking any prescribed medications unless your clinician advises otherwise. Eat a normal meal — don’t come hungry, as low blood sugar can affect your brainwave patterns.
qEEG-Guided Neurofeedback Treatment
Standard neurofeedback protocols use the same frequency training for everyone with a given symptom, regardless of their unique brain patterns. qEEG-guided neurofeedback first identifies your specific areas of dysregulation, then creates a treatment protocol tailored exactly to your brain’s needs. Research by Walker (2010) demonstrated enhanced effectiveness with qEEG-guided protocols compared to standardized approaches. This personalized approach is particularly important because conditions like ADHD have multiple neurophysiological subtypes — the same behavioral symptoms can stem from very different brainwave patterns.
The number of sessions varies based on the condition being treated, its severity, how long it’s been present, and individual response. With LENS neurofeedback, many clients notice initial changes within 3-5 sessions. Typical treatment courses range from 10-20 sessions for milder concerns to 20-40+ sessions for complex or chronic conditions. We recommend 1-2 sessions per week for optimal results. Your treatment plan is discussed during the initial consultation and adjusted based on your progress.
Neurofeedback is effective for both children and adults. The brain retains neuroplasticity — the ability to form new neural connections and modify existing patterns — throughout life. Many of our adult clients at MYNeuroBalance are professionals seeking relief from anxiety, executives addressing focus and performance, or adults managing lifelong ADHD who want alternatives to medication. qEEG assessment and LENS neurofeedback can be performed on clients of all ages.
Yes. Neurofeedback can be used alongside medication, and many clients begin treatment while on their current prescriptions. As neurofeedback helps the brain self-regulate more effectively, some clients work with their prescribing physician to gradually reduce medication dosages over time. We never advise clients to change their medications — that decision is always made in coordination with their prescribing doctor.
Neurofeedback promotes lasting changes through neuroplasticity — the brain’s natural ability to restructure neural pathways. Many clients maintain their improvements long after completing treatment, similar to how learning to ride a bicycle creates permanent neural pathways. Some clients choose periodic “tune-up” sessions, particularly during stressful periods, but ongoing treatment is typically not required once the initial course is completed.
Cost, Insurance & Logistics
qEEG assessment fees vary by provider and the complexity of the evaluation. We encourage you to contact our office at (424) 625-5445 for current pricing information. Many clients find that the objective data provided by a qEEG saves money in the long run by eliminating trial-and-error approaches to treatment and ensuring that neurofeedback protocols are precisely targeted from the start.
Insurance coverage for qEEG and neurofeedback varies by provider and plan. Some health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) may be used toward these services. We can provide you with documentation for out-of-network reimbursement purposes. Contact our office to discuss your specific insurance situation and available payment options.
No physician referral is required to schedule a qEEG assessment or neurofeedback treatment at MYNeuroBalance. However, we encourage coordination with your healthcare providers and are happy to share assessment findings with your physician, therapist, or psychiatrist to support collaborative care.
📍 qEEG Neurofeedback Serving Los Angeles Communities
MYNeuroBalance is located at 4029 Alla Road in Mar Vista, centrally positioned to serve communities throughout West Los Angeles and the greater LA area. Our Mar Vista office provides convenient access to qEEG brain mapping and LENS neurofeedback therapy for residents across the Westside and beyond.
MYNeuroBalance — Mar Vista, Los Angeles
Address: 4029 Alla Road, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Phone: (424) 625-5445
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🗺️ Get Directions →
Neighborhoods & Communities We Serve
| Community | Approximate Distance | Typical Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mar Vista | Our home neighborhood | Under 5 minutes |
| Venice | ~2 miles | 5-10 minutes |
| Marina del Rey | ~2.5 miles | 7-12 minutes |
| Santa Monica | ~4 miles | 10-15 minutes |
| Culver City | ~3 miles | 8-12 minutes |
| Westwood / UCLA Area | ~5 miles | 12-18 minutes |
| Brentwood | ~6 miles | 15-20 minutes |
| Pacific Palisades | ~8 miles | 18-25 minutes |
| Playa del Rey / Playa Vista | ~3 miles | 8-12 minutes |
| West Los Angeles | ~3 miles | 8-12 minutes |
| Beverly Hills | ~8 miles | 18-25 minutes |
| Century City | ~6 miles | 14-20 minutes |
| El Segundo | ~5 miles | 12-15 minutes |
| Inglewood | ~7 miles | 15-20 minutes |
| Hawthorne | ~8 miles | 15-22 minutes |
| Torrance | ~12 miles | 20-30 minutes |
| Manhattan Beach | ~8 miles | 15-22 minutes |
| Hermosa Beach | ~10 miles | 18-25 minutes |
| Redondo Beach | ~11 miles | 20-28 minutes |
| Hollywood / West Hollywood | ~12 miles | 20-35 minutes |
Local Landmarks Near Our Office
Our Mar Vista office is conveniently located near the intersection of Alla Road and Washington Boulevard, just minutes from the Venice Whole Foods, Mar Vista Farmers’ Market (Sunday mornings), and the 90 Freeway. Clients coming from Santa Monica can take Lincoln Boulevard south; those from Culver City can head west on Washington Boulevard. Free street parking is available on Alla Road and surrounding streets.
Why Los Angeles Residents Choose MYNeuroBalance for qEEG & Neurofeedback
Los Angeles has no shortage of wellness providers, but MYNeuroBalance stands apart for several reasons. Jon S. Haupers was trained directly by Dr. Len Ochs, the creator of LENS neurofeedback technology — a distinction held by very few practitioners in the greater Los Angeles area. With over 12 years of dedicated clinical experience and a practice rooted in evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, MYNeuroBalance offers the depth of expertise that informed LA residents expect when seeking brain-based therapies.
Our location in Mar Vista puts us at the geographic heart of the Westside, making us accessible to the diverse communities stretching from Malibu to the South Bay, and from the beach cities to Mid-City. Whether you’re a Santa Monica professional dealing with burnout-related anxiety, a Venice creative seeking sharper focus, a Culver City parent exploring non-medication options for your child’s ADHD, or a Brentwood executive wanting to optimize cognitive performance — our door is open.
🚀 Ready to See Your Brain Map?
Take the First Step Toward Understanding Your Brain
A qEEG brain map provides the objective data you need to move beyond guesswork and generic treatments. At MYNeuroBalance, Jon S. Haupers brings over 12 years of specialized experience to every assessment, helping Los Angeles-area clients understand their brain’s unique patterns and develop targeted, personalized treatment plans.
Your next step is simple: Contact us for a consultation to discuss whether a qEEG assessment is right for you.
MYNeuroBalance · 4029 Alla Road, Los Angeles, CA 90066 · Serving Mar Vista, Venice, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Culver City, Westwood, Brentwood, and all of West Los Angeles
Medical Disclaimer
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. qEEG assessment and LENS neurofeedback are supportive therapies — not cures. Individual results vary. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers regarding any medical conditions or treatment decisions. The research cited reflects current published literature and does not guarantee specific outcomes.