For Providers · Decision guide
When does qEEG-guided care add value?
A clinical decision guide for the presentations where our work most often complements primary medical and psychological care — and the presentations where it doesn't.
High-yield referrals
Patients who tend to benefit most.
- ✓Anxiety presentations alongside CBT. qEEG can clarify the cortical and autonomic patterns underneath chronic over-arousal. Neurofeedback and HRV biofeedback are the highest-yield modalities here.
- ✓ADHD where the patient wants a non-pharmacological adjunct. Particularly useful for patients on suboptimal medication response, or those declining stimulant trials.
- ✓Post-concussion symptoms that haven't resolved. qEEG can map persistent dysregulation; vestibular and ocular-motor work has strong RCT evidence.
- ✓Trauma-related presentations alongside trauma-focused therapy. Strictly as autonomic-regulation adjunct, never as a substitute for psychological work.
- ✓Treatment-resistant depression. When primary care has plateaued, qEEG can clarify the cortical signature and inform a non-invasive adjunct.
- ✓Burnout and chronic stress. HRV biofeedback in particular has strong RCT support.
- ✓Performance optimisation in athletes, performers, executives. Non-clinical referrals welcome — these go through the Performance & Optimisation hub rather than the clinical pathway.
Not for us
When to refer elsewhere.
- —Acute psychiatric emergencies. Direct to local CATT, ED, or your patient's psychiatrist.
- —Active suicidal ideation or self-harm. Lifeline 13 11 14 / Suicide Call Back Service / 000 / treating clinician.
- —Patients without a primary care relationship. We strongly prefer patients to have a GP and (where indicated) psychologist or psychiatrist in place before our work begins.
- —Standalone diagnostic work-up. qEEG is not a diagnostic test. For diagnostic clarity, refer to a registered psychologist with assessment endorsement, paediatrician, or psychiatrist.
- —Dyslexia & APD as primary concerns. Refer first to AUSPELD, an APS educational/developmental psychologist, audiology and speech pathology. Our work can sit alongside but should not lead.
- —Patients seeking a "cure". If a patient or family is looking for definitive resolution rather than measurable, incremental clinical work, we're not the right fit and we'll say so honestly.
Ready to refer?
Send us your patient.
The online form takes about 4 minutes. We respond within one business day.
Scope of practice. Dr Ash Connell (Chiropractor, AHPRA registered) does not diagnose mental-health conditions, prescribe medication, or provide psychological therapy. Clinical services are delivered under additional certifications in qEEG, neurofeedback, biofeedback, and functional neurological exercises.