Welcome to the Brain Wellness Center, where we blend cutting-edge technology with compassionate, personalized care. Our approach is centered on unlocking the full potential of the human mind and nurturing wellness from the inside out, without the use of medications.
Our Legacy and Mission With over 35 years of groundbreaking work, we have been at the forefront of functional EEG imaging and targeted non-medication-based treatments. Our mission is to make comprehensive brain health accessible to all, providing integrative solutions that delve deep into the root causes of neurological and psychological conditions. We are committed to fostering long-term wellness and empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.
Expertise and Innovation Our team comprises seasoned professionals in neurology, psychiatry, and holistic care, each bringing extensive experience and a commitment to innovative treatment. We specialize in functional EEG brain mapping, a cornerstone of our scientifically backed assessments and treatments.
Tailored q-MERT TMS Approach We have a unique approach to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), utilizing qEEG-functional brain imaging to customize and deliver targeted Magnetic Resonance Therapy, or q-MERT. This precision allows us to effectively address the individual neurological patterns of each patient.
Patient-Centered Care At the Brain Wellness Center, every patient is valued and treated as an individual with unique needs. Our treatment plans are meticulously tailored, combining advanced technology with personalized care to meet each patient’s specific requirements.
Comprehensive Services We offer a range of services for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disorders, autism spectrum disorders, OCD, and more. Our treatments are grounded in the latest scientific research and best practices, ensuring the highest quality of care.
Non-Medication Treatment Advocacy As pioneers in non-medication-based treatments, we recognize the limitations and side effects associated with psychiatric medications. We advocate for sustainable, long-term solutions to mental health challenges, focusing on treatments that provide more than just temporary relief.
Journey Towards Better Mental Health We invite you to explore our services and discover how the Brain Wellness Center can significantly impact your life or the life of a loved one. Join us on a path to better mental health and overall well-being.
Welcome to the Brain Wellness Center, where pioneering spirit and care converge for a new era in brain health and wellness.
Ali Hashemian, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Ali Hashemian has been an active practitioner of qEEG brain map driven in brain stimulation and neuromodulation for 30 years. He co-founded and serves as the CEO of Brain Science International and the Center Director of Brain Wellness Centers ( previously known as the Attention and Achievement Center). Brain Science International has taught EEG and qEEG Certification training programs to clinicians throughout the world for many years and continues to provide them with qEEG processing, interpretation, and treatment recommendations including medication guidelines. Dr. Hashemian received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Western Graduate School of Psychology. He was trained at Harvard Medical School in their mini-fellowship program (subsequently called certification) in Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation in 2003. He has completed the Professional Program in Neuropsychological Assessment from the University of California at Berkeley in addition to several hundred hours of continuing education and training in child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. He is a Certified Berard Practitioner, as well as a Certified Solisten (by Tomatis) System provider and an Associate of the International Association of Registered Certified Tomatis Consultants. He has served as a board member and the President of the California Biofeedback Society as well as serving on the board of directors of the ISNR Foundation (The International Society for Neuroregulation & Research). He has served as Chairman of SABA (Society for Advancement of Brain Analysis). He is an active participant in the TMS practice and has served on the various committees of the Clinical TMS Society.
Andrew Krompier, M.D.
Chief Psychiatrist
[verified by Psychology Today] Dr. Krompier is Board Certified in Psychiatry/Neurology. He completed his MD degree at Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY in 1971. He trained in psychiatry at UCSF/Fresno Mental Health, finishing as chief resident in 1980. Dr. Krompier served as Chief of Psychiatry at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Livermore until 1984 at which time he began private practice in San Ramon. He brings to psychiatry an extensive medical/surgical training at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and has served as an emergency room physician. In addition to being an expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Krompier has had extensive psychoanalytic training at the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Krompier has always promoted the latest advances in psychiatric treatment and he’s very enthusiastic about what TMS has to offer at the Brain Wellness Center.
Vera Grin-Yatsenko, M.D.
Vera Grin-Yatsenko M.D. is a research scientist at the Institute of the Human Brain of the Russian Academy of Sciences and has over 20 years of experience as a neurophysiologist. She received her medical degree from St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy (Russia) and trained in Functional diagnostics in Neurology at St. Petersburg V.M. Bekhterev Psychoneurological Research Institute, Russian Polenov’s Neurosurgical Institute and St. Petersburg Medical Academy of Postgraduate Studies. She has conducted clinical research and development in EEG, quantitative EEG, neurophysiological mechanisms of EEG-based biofeedback, event-related potentials (ERPs), objective diagnosis of ADHD. Dr. Grin-Yatsenko incorporated neurofeedback into her clinical practice in 1998. She received her Ph.D. (2001) in the Kirov Military Medical Academy. Her postgraduate work focused on ERPs correlates of EEG relative beta training in ADHD children. She conducted EEG/qEEG research in depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, attention disorders. Dr. Grin-Yatsenko’s experience includes the use of neurofeedback in ADHD, depression, PTSD, anxiety and autistic spectrum disorders, and the results of her studies are published in a number of journal articles, book chapters, abstracts, and papers.
Gregory Alter, Ph.D., ABPP, BCN, BCB (PSY7422)
Gregory Alter, Ph.D. is a California-licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist. He is board-certified in clinical health psychology and in general biofeedback and neurofeedback. He has over 30 years of experience in the use of biofeedback to enhance attention and performance, as well as integrating diverse approaches from both biofeedback and the psychology of health and well-being. In addition, Dr. Alter offers educational assessments and psychotherapy. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Register of Healthcare Providers in Psychology, and the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Alter is also a managing director of NeuroAdvantage, LLC, founded in 2004 and specializing in the clinical integration of light and sound neuromodulation, neurofeedback, and biofeedback. He has also worked with the Attention & Achievement Center for over 10 years, providing clinical supervision and training in psychophysiology. He is an interpretative diagnostician for BSI.
Jay Gunkelman, QEEGD
Jay Gunkelman, QEEG Diplomate, is recognized as one of the top leaders in the field of EEG and QEEG, and has processed over 500,000 EEGs since 1972. He has served as president of The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research, as well as a board member and treasurer of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and is a past-president of the Biofeedback Society of California. Jay was the first EEG technologist to be certified in QEEG (1996) and was granted Diplomate status in 2002. He has conducted, published or participated in hundreds of research papers, articles, books and meetings internationally. He continues to lecture on EEG/QEEG at neuroscience meetings worldwide. He has co-authored the textbook on EEG artifacting (2001). Jay remains busy with current projects and publications related to his seminal paper on EEG endophenotypes (2005, Clinical Electroencephalography). He is co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Brain Science International and is a popular lecturer worldwide on the topic of QEEG and phenotype identification of neurological disorders.
Dr. Michael Vengrow, M.D., Neurology
Dr. Vengrow is a highly accomplished medical professional with extensive qualifications and expertise in the field of neurology. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He further pursued his studies at the United States Naval War College, where he earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies with a specialization in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response.
As a board-certified physician, Dr. Vengrow has achieved certifications in Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and Pain Management. He possesses medical licenses in over 30 states, allowing him to provide telemedicine services to numerous companies across the United States. His vast experience includes an honorable retirement from the US Navy Medical Corps with the rank of Captain in 2013. During his tenure, he served as the Chief Resident at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Currently, Dr. Vengrow holds the position of Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. In this role, he contributes to the education and training of future medical professionals. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to the field through the publication of numerous scientific research articles. Dr. Vengrow’s professional focus and research endeavors center around the intricate field of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its profound implications, especially in relation to military personnel.
With his comprehensive background, achievements, and dedication to advancing medical knowledge, Dr. Michael Vengrow stands as a respected figure in the field of neurology. His expertise and research have brought valuable insights to the understanding and treatment of neurological conditions, particularly those related to brain injury.
BOARD CERTIFICATION:
- National Board of Medical Examiners, Diplomate
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Diplomate
- American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology, Diplomate
- American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Diplomate
- American Academy of Pain Management, Diplomate
- Fellow, American Academy of Neurology
- Fellow, American Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
- Fellow, American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
Dr. Rolf Palmer, M.D.
Dr. Rolf Palmer, M.D., is a dedicated psychiatrist with a rich background in various clinical settings. His expertise in psychopharmacology and innovative treatments like TMS, combined with his commitment to patient-centered care, make him a valuable asset to the field of psychiatry and the Brain Wellness Center clients.
He graduated from Brussels Free University in Belgium in 1979. He then completed his Psychiatric Residency training at the University of California, Davis, and the Martinez Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 1987.
Dr. Palmer’s clinical experience spans various settings, including private practice, inpatient units, and correctional facilities. He opened his private practice in Modesto, CA, where he has been providing psychiatric care to his patients.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Palmer served as the Medical Director for two inpatient units: Crossroads at Memorial Hospital and Doctors Behavioral Health Center, a 67-bed hospital. In these roles, he oversaw the treatment of patients with severe mental health conditions, ensuring they received comprehensive care.
For 20 years, Dr. Palmer has been a Staff Psychiatrist with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, working at facilities in Jamestown and Vacaville, CA. His work in correctional facilities highlights his ability to manage complex cases and provide mental health care in challenging environments.
He is committed to exploring innovative treatment modalities and staying at the forefront of psychiatric care. His involvement in TMS and other advanced treatments demonstrates his dedication to improving the lives of his patients through evidence-based therapies.