What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive battery of objective and standardized tests. As a neuropsychologist, I am trained to choose from an array of tests based on your individual referral question or problem. Because each battery is flexible based on individual needs, the evaluation can last anywhere from 3 to 10 hours, depending on the complexity of the problem/s being evaluated.
What is the outcome of your neuropsychological evaluation?
At the completion of this evaluation, you will better understand your own cognitive strengths and weakness and how they impact your functioning. I will be able to identify specific cognitive deficits and make diagnostic decisions and recommendations based on your individual intellectual and cognitive profile that will help guide you, your other doctors, your school and/or family members when making treatment decisions.
When should I get a neuropsychological evaluation?
Any time that a cognitive (e.g. memory, attention, learning) or psychological (e.g. stress, depression, anxiety) issue is interfering with your (your child or your family member’s) functioning (e.g. problems with personal, social, academic, or work domains).
Why choose a Neuropsychologist?
And, what is the difference between a Neuropsychologist, a Psychologist, a Social Worker, a Psychiatrist, and a Neurologist?
A neuropsychologist has a Psy.D. or Ph.D. degree and has completed graduate training in psychology, holds a state license and has received post-doctoral training specializing in neuropsychology. He or she can evaluate brain-behavior relationships and assess one’s cognitive functioning in the context of psychological, developmental or medical illness using standardized tests. This information is integrated with the patient's clinical background, history and applicable school and medical records into a comprehensive report. This report is used to help guide treatment decisions and specific recommendations are made based on the patient’s specific strengths and weaknesses. A neuropsychologist can also treat patients using psychotherapy and/or cognitive rehabilitation.
A psychologist has a Psy.D. or Ph.D. degree and has completed an internship in a clinical setting and holds a state license. His or her training often focuses on psychotherapy. A psychologist is trained to administer some psychological tests (intelligence tests, projective tests) but does not have advanced training in comprehensive neuropsychological and cognitive testing. They have not been specifically trained in brain-behavior relationships and they are not qualified to evaluate complex and often subtle cognitive deficits.
A licensed social worker, or LCSW, has a degree in social work and is also trained and licensed to treat psychological problems. A licensed marriage and family counselor is another type of individual who is trained to provide therapy. His or her background and training varies. A social worker is not qualified to administer psychological or neuropsychological evaluations.
A psychiatrist is a trained physician who has completed medical school. He or she then continues special training in the field of psychiatry much like other physicians receive specialized training in pediatrics or cardiology. Because of this training, he or she is licensed to both prescribe medication and practice psychotherapy. Psychiatrists have not received specialized training in administration and interpretation of neuropsychological evaluations.
A neurologist is a trained physician who has completed medical school. He or she then continues special training in the field of neurology much like other physicians receive specialized training in pediatrics or cardiology. Because of this training, he or she is licensed to evaluate neurological disorders and prescribe medication. Neurologists have not received specialized training in administration and interpretation of neuropsychological evaluations.
