Neuropsychological & Psychological Assessment

A wide range of conditions may impact cognition and a person’s ability to function in daily life. Neuropsychological assessment may be helpful in the following circumstances:

•  Unexplained changes in memory or thinking, personality, or behavior
• Head injury, stroke, or other form of neurotrauma (e.g., hypoxic/anoxic injury)
•  Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative conditions
•  Cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions affecting brain health
•  Neurological conditions (e.g., seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis)
•  Academic challenges and learning disorders
•  Attention related concerns (e.g., ADHD)
•  Autism spectrum disorder
•  Mood and anxiety disorders, or other psychiatric conditions (e.g., PTSD, schizophrenia spectrum disorder)
•  Effects of chronic substance abuse

Neuropsychology is a specialty area of clinical psychology. To be considered a neuropsychologist, a clinical psychologist must meet the training standards created by the professional bodies in neuropsychology and the Houston Conference Guidelines. These guidelines call for specific coursework in and knowledge of neuropsychological syndromes, neuroanatomy, and brain-behavior relationships; completion of an APA-approved internship in neuropsychology; and completion of a two-year specialty post-doctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology.

Neuropsychological evaluation and testing can take several hours to complete but it is an interesting and engaging process. Time can vary widely depending on what information is being sought and each evaluation is tailored to the needs of the individual client. There are no invasive procedures, no pain, no needles, or electrodes. You will participate in a clinical interview, where you will review your relevant history, including medical, psychological, developmental, educational, and social history. You will be asked to do a number of different paper-and-pencil or computerized tasks that might feel like puzzles and games, and you and your family and/or loved ones may fill out questionnaires. Specialized training allows the neuropsychologist to select, administer, and interpret the particular tests and procedures that will yield the most comprehensive understanding of an individual’s neuropsychological functioning in the following domains:

● Learning & Memory
● Language & Communication
● Attention & Concentration
● Information Processing Speed
● Planning & Organizing
● Problem-solving
● Visual Perception
● Motor Speed and Coordination
● Academic achievement
● Emotional, Behavioral, and Personality Functioning

For every hour the doctor spends completing direct testing, they spend approximately one hour scoring and interpreting the results and preparing a report. Generally, the doctor will offer you a 50-minute feedback session to review the results 2-4 weeks after the completion of the testing. After reviewing the results with you, you will receive a report that can be sent to a physician, school, or other professional at your request. Additional consultation may be requested.

Use of neuropsychological assessment results depends on the reason for the evaluation. Generally, results may:

• Confirm or clarify a diagnosis
• Provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses and characterize the person’s learning style to guide intervention, rehabilitation, education, vocational, or other services
• Document changes in functioning in the period since prior examinations, including effects of intervening treatment
• Clarify what compensatory strategies may help optimize daily functioning
• Indicate referrals to other specialists may be beneficial, such as referral to psychiatrist, psychologist, neurologist, social worker, occupational and/or speech therapist, vocational counselors, and/or academic accommodations