Neuropsychological Evaluation
We provide comprehensive and individualized neuropsychological evaluations for adults. A neuropsychological evaluation helps identify how a patient thinks, learns, and manages everyday tasks so we can provide personalized recommendations to support cognitive and emotional well-being.The evaluation consists of an interview, testing, a detailed report including recommendations, and feedback appointment to review findings.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological Evaluations use comprehensive testing batteries to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a person. Our neuropsychologists make diagnoses (when applicable), describe your cognitive and behavioral strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations that can be implemented by families, and treatment provides (e.g., primary care physicians, neurologists, and counselors). In the same way an MRI or CT scan allows us to look at the structure of the brain, neuropsychological testing helps us understand how the brain is presently functioning in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
Neuropsychologists have unique expertise in how the brain develops, as well as how various neurological and medical conditions affect the brain and learning. Our neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists who have doctoral degrees in clinical psychology with specialized training in neuropsychology and are experienced in the administration and interpretation of neuropsychological tests.
What is assessed during a neuropsychological evaluation?
Each evaluation is tailored to the individual patient and will depend upon the patient’s age and the presenting concerns. The following is a list of abilities or skills that may be assessed:
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General intelligence or problem-solving skills
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Language and verbal skills
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Various aspects of attention
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Executive functions (e.g., working memory, processing speed, and planning skills)
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Memory and learning skills
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Visual and motor skills (e.g., hand-eye coordination and writing)
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Social skills
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Emotional and personality functioning
What happens during an evaluation?
Your appointment begins with a conversation between you, your neuropsychologist, and family members if you wish. This helps us understand your concerns, background, and the questions you want answered. Based on this information, a personalized testing plan will be created. You will then complete testing one-on-one with the neuropsychologist and/or a trained technician or doctoral trainee.
These assessments may include:
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Hands-on tasks (e.g., drawing or building)
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Problem-solving tasks (e.g., puzzles and patterns)
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Listening and language tasks (e.g., answering questions)
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Learning and memory tasks (e.g., recalling pictures or stories)
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Emotional and behavioral questionnaires
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Academic tasks (e.g., reading, writing, or math)
Testing typically includes both paper-and-pencil and computer-based activities or questionnaires.
There is a scheduled lunch break at noon. After the break, the provider will let you know how much time remains, which is typically an additional 1–3 hours. A separate feedback appointment is usually scheduled within two weeks to review results and recommendations.
Why am I referred for a neuropsychological evaluation?
Individuals are referred for a neuropsychological evaluation when they are experiencing difficulties with attention, learning, memory, language, or behavior. These challenges may be related to a medical condition affecting brain function (such as epilepsy, concussion, traumatic brain injury, dementia, or genetic and metabolic conditions), or a developmental concern like ADHD.
A neuropsychological evaluation provides a clearer understanding of cognitive strengths and challenges and helps guide practical recommendations to support success at home, school, work, and in the community.
Common concerns that may warrant assessment:
ADHD
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Concussion
Depression
Dementia
Multiple Sclerosis
Movement Disorders
PTSD
Stroke
Seizures/Epilepsy
Traumatic Brain Injury
To prepare for testing day:
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Try to get a good night's sleep the night before the appointment. Try to avoid staying up very late, having caffeine the night before, or deviating from the normal routine.
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Try to eat a good breakfast.
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Medications should be taken as usual on the testing day, unless otherwise discussed with your clinician. Please contact us if you have any questions about this.