FAQs

A neuropsychologist is a professional with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and specialized training in brain/behavior relationships via coursework, internships, and postdoctoral experience. The American Board of Professional Psychology, through the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, offers Board Certification via a Diplomate in Clinical Neuropsychology to professionals who are licensed, meet postdoctoral residency training requirements, and who pass peer reviewed work sample submission, as well as written and oral examinations. A pediatric neuropsychologist has specialized experience and training in developmental issues related to brain/behavior relationships that are particularly relevant in children and adolescents.

A neuropsychological evaluation involves the use of standardized written, oral and computerized tools used to determine levels of functioning in several areas, including general intellectual functioning, ability to focus and pay attention to tasks, learning and memory skills, academic abilities, language and executive functions, as well as general behavioral and emotional functioning. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is typically used to assess patterns of strengths and weaknesses to determine the causes of any difficulties present and, ultimately, to develop targeted treatment and intervention strategies.

Yes. A neurological evaluation generally assesses an individual's basic mental, motor and sensory functions to determine if there are any abnormalities, including gross deficits in cognitive functioning. A psychological evaluation provides an in depth analysis of an individual's social-emotional and personality functioning for diagnostic clarification and to inform treatment. A psychoeducational evaluation is generally an assessment of cognitive and educational skills focused on measuring ability and achievement discrepancies to diagnose specific learning deficits requiring academic remediation (such as special education services) and/or academic accommodations.

Unlike these evaluations, a neuropsychological assessment provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of an individual's neurocognitive and emotional functioning using in-depth, standardized tests. Results are not only compared to normative guidelines of a client's age group, but also to his/her own performance in other areas to determine relative strengths and weaknesses for diagnostic and treatment planning/remediation purposes. A neuropsychological evaluation uses information from neuroscience research on brain/behavior relationships to answer questions about the processes underlying your or your child's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to provide targeted interventions and treatment, which may not always be school-based.

There are age appropriate tests for children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. The timing of your or your child's evaluation will depend on the issues to be addressed in the assessment.

Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations take approximately 5 to 6 hours and are typically scheduled over two or three days, depending on the age of the client, their needs, and their functional level. An optimal schedule will be discussed with you during a phone intake. Neuropsychologists vary in the number of hours they schedule for a comprehensive evaluation. Although there are some core tests that most clinicians administer, there is some variability, depending on a clinician's style and training, in the chosen battery and portions of a battery that are administered. It is also important to remember that it is frequently not the number of tests or hours that make an evaluation comprehensive, but use of the specific tests that are most sensitive in identifying and diagnosing problems in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning you or your child are experiencing.

In general, you should provide a brief and age appropriate reason for the assessment. It often helps to explain to children that we want to see how they learn so we can make school easier for them or to have them struggle less with homework, for example. It is important to remind them that they are not expected to 'pass' any tests but, rather, will be asked to do their best so that we can have a better understanding of how they learn. The tasks your child will be asked to participate in will include drawing, puzzle-like tasks, answering questions, completing school related activities (e.g., reading, math problems), and filling out questionnaires (for older children). Most children find the majority of the tasks interesting and challenging, although a few may be boring or difficult. You may reassure your child that he/she will be given breaks when they request or need them to make them feel comfortable.

Please bring all of the completed forms that have been mailed home to you with your confirmation letter packet. Also bring with you any relevant records that may be helpful in the evaluation. These may include previous testing reports, educational records (including progress reports and report cards), and any relevant medical records. Also, please make sure that you or your child are dressed comfortably. You may also bring some snacks (especially for younger children) and please do not forget reading glasses, if needed.

Check with your clinician prior to the testing session to determine whether medications should be taken, as this will depend on the specific circumstances related to your case and to the referral questions you present with.

We will arrange for a feedback meeting approximately one week following the completion of the evaluation to go over all of your or your child’s testing results with you. If your child is old enough (generally age 8 or older), a separate meeting to review the results in a positive and brief manner with them will also be arranged.

We are dedicated to protecting your privacy and take great care in protecting sensitive information. We will release reports to other parties (such as your child's school or other clinician) only after obtaining your permission. Please note an exception to our privacy efforts in the rare cases where we feel that you or your child are in danger. Psychologists are mandated by law to report to appropriate agencies if they suspect that a child or vulnerable adult shows evidence of abuse, is in danger of imminent physical injury to himself or to others, or in response to subpoenas, court order, or other legal proceedings or statutes requiring disclosure.

We do not have a billing department. Therefore, we do not bill your insurance directly. However, at your request, we will provide you with a superbill that contains all of the information necessary (including diagnosis, dates of service and type of service rendered) for you to submit to your health insurance provider to seek reimbursement for any payments made. It is your responsibility to check with your carrier to see if there are specific guidelines or necessary authorization prior to the evaluation.

In general, your or your child's neuropsychological evaluation results will be helpful for several years. As long as necessary and when relevant, an updated evaluation approximately once every three years is recommended, although a comprehensive evaluation may not be necessary. Brief evaluations may also be recommended sooner to assess the effects of recommended interventions.