Neuropsychological Evaluations
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
"Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialy profession that focuses on brain functioning. A clinical neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. In clinical neuropsychology, brain function is evlauted by objectively testing memory and thinking skills" (Division 40: Neuropsychology of the American Psychological Association)
Our practice offers services to individuals across the lifespan who are looking for a neuropsychological consultation or full assessment due to cognitive difficulties or changes impacting their daily life. Neuropsychological testing can identify strenghts and weaknesses in cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, executive functioning skills, language, and visuospatial skills. Testing can also serve as a "baseline" for tracking cognitive changes. Our main goal of neuropsychological evaluation is to provide helpful reccomendations and recources to address the specific cognitive and psychological difficulties identified by the neuropsychologists and brought forth by the patient. Our aim is to provide an accurate diagnosis and/or treatment plan in an effort to help each individual we see live life to their fullest potential.
Pediatric Neuropsych Testing
Our practice specializes in a wide variety of pediatric cognitive issues. Some common behaviors associated with reasons for being referred for neuropsychological testing include difficulties with learning and memory, challenges with attention and concentration, issues related to social functioning, organization and planning skills, educational difficulties (such as resisting reading or math), head injuries resulting in cognitive changes, chronic medical conditionss such as epilepsy, and developmental delays.
Adult Neuropsych Testing
Our practice offers adult neuropsychological evlautions, which can provide more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for a wide variety of cognitive issues. Common concerns for our adult patients include traumatic brain injury, executive dysfunction causing issues at work or school, memory concerns, and chronic medical conditions (such as epilepsy) affecting cognition. Every evaluation includes reccomendations, resources, and a treatment plan to address every individual cognitive profile of strenths and weaknesses.
Timeline of the Evaluation
Once our offices are contacted, you will recieve a call back to consult about your request for services. If a neuropsychological evlaution is appropriate, you will be scheduled an initial intake interview over the phone. Prior to your intake, you will be sent a comprehensive intake packet that will be required to be filled out and returned prior to testing. This information will provide pertinent data needed to gain a hollistic and comprehensive understaning of your background and history as it pertains to your cognitive concerns.
Once the initial intake has been completed, you will be scheduled for neuropsychological testing. Typically testing occurs over 1-2 days, at 2-4 hours per appointment. A hybrid model of in-person and video testing is also offered, which some tests being able to be administered over video appointment. In person testing will be conducted at your home, and the neuropsychologist will travel to you and bring all neccessary testing equipment.
*Due to COVID-19 precautions, in-person testing will be done outside on a table provided by the neuropsychologist. COVID-19 appropriate screening takes place prior to any in person testing appointment, and appropriate PPE must be worn by the patient and the neuropsychologist throughout the evaluation*
Once all testing is completed, the neuropsychologist will score and prepare your evaluation, with the final report being avalible 30 days from the last testing day. A telephone/video feedback session will be scheduled and the report will be sent to you directly.
As part of our comprehensive pediatric neuropsychological evaluation, we offer updated testing appointments if neccessary at no additional future charge. These updated neuropsychological evlautions are briefer than a full neuropsychological evaluation and are aimed at helping to track progress and conintue to provide support to our patients while they are developing and progressing through school. If possible, we offer our presence (virtual) at IEP meetings and provide letters to academic services. Our goal is to build a sustainable plan for your child, and provide updated reecomendations, resources, and support when needed throughout childhood.