Curious about what is really going on inside your mind?
You are not alone. Across Singapore, more people are choosing brain mapping as a clear, science- and evidence-backed way to understand their focus, mood, sleep, and overall mental wellbeing, rather than relying on guesswork. This article covers everything you need to know: what a brain mapping assessment typically costs (usually in the region of SGD 900 to SGD 1,000 at New Leaf), what the process involves step by step, and who stands to benefit most.
What Is a Brain Map (qEEG) Assessment?
A brain mapping assessment, more formally known as qEEG (quantitative electroencephalography), is a simple way to see how your brain is working. It begins by measuring the electrical activity your brain naturally produces, using small sensors placed on your scalp; these readings represent your brainwaves, which reflect the constant communication between your neurons. A computer then analyses this information using advanced algorithms and turns it into an easy-to-read, colour-coded map of your brain activity.
What makes it a qEEG, rather than a standard recording, is the comparison step. Your results are compared with a normative database that contains the brainwave patterns of a large group of healthy individuals. These databases are age-matched, so your brain activity is measured against what is typical for your age group. This comparison highlights areas that may be overactive, underactive, or dysregulated, giving you and your practitioner a clear, objective picture to work from.
Distinguish from structural imaging (MRI/CT) — function vs. shape
It is important to understand that a qEEG looks at how your brain functions, rather than its physical structure. This is what sets it apart from structural scans such as an MRI or CT. An EEG records the brain’s electrical activity, whereas an MRI shows the brain’s structure; each answers a different but complementary question about the brain. In practice, an MRI or CT might be used to rule out something like a tumour or bleeding, while an EEG clarifies how the brain is functioning electrically. In other words, one shows the brain’s shape, and the other shows how it is actually working, which is why a normal MRI or CT does not necessarily mean the brain is functioning optimally.
qEEG Brain Mapping is non-invasive and drug-free
Reassuringly, the whole process is gentle and low risk. Brain mapping is non-invasive and painless; much like an ECG measures the heart’s electrical activity without affecting it, a qEEG simply records your brain’s activity without doing anything to the brain itself. It is non-invasive, painless, drug-free, and safe to use for people of all ages.
How Much Does Brain Mapping Cost at New Leaf?
At New Leaf Clinic, a brain mapping assessment costs approximately SGD 900 to SGD 1,000, which falls within the typical market range while offering a thorough and personal service.
Here is what your fee includes:
- Two detailed sets of brain maps, capturing your brain activity under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, for a fuller and more accurate picture of how your brain is functioning.
- A one-to-one consultation and dedicated time with Santiago on the day of your assessment, so your results are explained to you clearly and personally.
- A follow-up online consultation with Santiago about a week later. This gives you time to sit with your results, jot down any questions, and then talk everything through, from what the findings mean to the best way forward.
- Rather than leaving you to make sense of a report on your own, this combination of two recordings, personal expert interpretation, and a considered follow-up is designed to give you real clarity and reassurance.
You can explore our pricing in more detail on our qEEG brain mapping assessment pricing section, where you can also explore pricing for our other services.
What Happens During the Assessment? (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Cap or helmet fitted with sensors
- Step 2: Eyes-open recording (alert, active state)
- Step 3: Eyes-closed recording (calm, resting state)
- Step 4: Data processed and compared against normative benchmarks
- Step 5: Results reviewed personally with Santiago Brand
What Does Your Report Actually Show You?
- Overall brain functioning and processing efficiency
- Region-by-region activity (over/under-active areas)
- Communication between brain regions
- Sleep-related patterns (delta/theta activity)
- Stress and emotional regulation patterns
- Your “brain age” vs. biological age
- Dementia risk indicators (for clients 50+)
When to consider postponing your qEEG brain mapping assessment
Exclusions and precautions for qEEG brain mapping are generally limited. Assessment may need to be deferred where there are open wounds, significant skin irritation, or active infection at the scalp sites where electrodes are to be applied. Factors such as acute intoxication, significant sleep deprivation, or an acute medical or psychiatric state may affect the reliability or interpretability of the recording and may therefore warrant postponement. These considerations are generally temporary and are assessed on an individual basis.
Is It Safe? What to Check Before Booking
Yes, brain mapping is completely safe. It is a gentle, non-invasive, and painless process; the sensors simply record the electrical activity your brain is already producing, with no radiation, no injections, and no medication involved. Most people find the experience calm and relaxing.
That said, it is worth knowing that brain mapping gives your mind a good workout, a little like taking your brain to the gym. Because of this, some people notice slight tiredness or fatigue afterwards, which is completely normal and nothing to worry about. We simply recommend staying well hydrated, taking things gently for the rest of the day, and allowing yourself a little rest if you need it.
Once you have booked, New Leaf Clinic will send you a set of comprehensive intake questions, along with clear guidance on what to take note of beforehand, what to avoid, and a simple list of do’s and don’ts. This means you will know exactly how to prepare, helping us capture the most accurate picture of your brain activity on the day.
Who Performs and Interprets Your Assessment?
Your assessment is carried out by a trained technician, so you are in capable and caring hands throughout. The results are then interpreted by Santiago Brand, a specialist in brain mapping, photobiomodulation (PBM) and neurofeedback. This means your brain map is not only recorded accurately but also reviewed by someone with the expertise to translate the findings into insights that are meaningful and useful to you.
Is Brain Mapping Right for You?
Brain mapping is suitable for almost anyone who would like a clearer understanding of how their brain is functioning. What a qEEG brain map does is give you objective insights into your brainwave activity, highlighting areas that may be overactive or underactive. These insights can shed light on things such as focus and attention, stress and mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being. Rather than relying on guesswork, you and your practitioner can use this information to build a clearer picture of what is going on and shape a plan tailored to you.
Book Your Brain Mapping Assessment
Ready to take the first step? Simply WhatsApp or call us on +65 9651 2323 to book your brain mapping assessment. We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have and to help you find a time that suits you.
This information was reviewed in August 2026 by Santiago Brand, Neurofeedback and Brain Mapping Specialist at New Leaf Counselling & Integrative Health.
The information and guidance contained herein have been reviewed and verified in accordance with the applicable assessment protocols and clinical practice considerations.
