A Neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) specializing in the relationship between the brain and behavior. International guidelines are set which include a 2-year full time post-doctoral fellowship and additional training in neurological and neurobiological subject matter. They conduct evaluations, interpret results, and provide recommendations based on their findings. Neuropsychologists often collaborate with physicians, schools, and support services to address and accommodate weaknesses in brain functioning, helping individuals achieve better outcomes.

A neuropsychological evaluation provides insight into how your brain processes information, helping you understand your strengths and weaknesses. If you’ve ever wondered how to work more efficiently or how a brain injury (such as a concussion or motor vehicle accident) or neurological condition might have impacted your brain, a neuropsychologist can help. Through a combination of paper-and-pencil tests, computerized tasks, and interactive activities, we assess how your brain functions, focusing on areas like learning, memory, and cognitive abilities. Advances in brain imaging and neuroscience allow us to pinpoint which brain areas are responsible for everyday functions, providing valuable information to optimize your performance and well-being.

A neuropsychological evaluation assesses a range of cognitive and emotional functions, including attention, memory, problem-solving, language, IQ, visual-spatial abilities, academic skills, and social-emotional well-being.

A neuropsychological evaluation can be helpful for individuals experiencing difficulties such as brain injury from trauma or concussion, learning and memory challenges, attention or language issues, emotional regulation struggles, or inefficiencies in completing tasks. It can also assist in diagnosing cognitive changes related to aging, mood disorders, or neurological conditions. Evaluations are valuable for identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses, establishing baselines before and after medical treatments, and understanding the impact of conditions like concussions. If you or your child are facing persistent challenges in school, work, or daily life, an evaluation can provide clarity and guidance.

Neuropsychologists are trained to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning disorders, motor disorders, mood and personality disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. These evaluations provide an in-depth understanding of how brain functioning affects behavior and cognitive abilities.

A school psychological assessment primarily focuses on determining if a child qualifies for special education services, often concentrating on academic achievement without providing formal diagnoses. In contrast, a neuropsychological evaluation assesses a broader range of cognitive and behavioral skills, offering specific diagnoses and insights into the underlying causes of challenges, as well as tailored recommendations for improvement.

An evaluation typically involves several key steps. First, a consultation takes place where we discuss your concerns and determine how an evaluation can help, followed by creating a tailored assessment plan. The testing phase may span several hours or days, where a variety of interactive tasks are completed, such as solving puzzles, drawing, working with pictures, performing academic tasks, and memorizing information, all designed to provide a thorough understanding of your brain function.

After testing, you'll have a feedback session where we explain the results in detail, offering you valuable insights into how your brain works and how to improve its functioning. Following the session, a written summary or report will be provided for your records, which you can share with your treatment team and other providers.

To prepare for your examination, please bring any previous testing records, along with glasses, contacts, or hearing aids if needed. Have a list of your current medications, or bring them with you. Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast, as the day will be long, and get a good night's sleep to ensure your brain is ready to perform at its best.