WHAT IS NEUROPSYCHOLOGY?
Neuropsychology is a unique discipline within the field of clinical psychology that relies on objective standardized measures of cognition, personality and emotional functioning to evaluate and diagnose neurological and psychiatric disorders. A neuropsychologist relies on information from clinical interview, standardized testing and a review of relevant psychiatric and medical information to provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Because empirically validated testing is used to evaluate cognitive and emotional functioning, diagnoses are based on sound scientific methods. In some cases, such as assessment for educational accommodations and disability for worker's compensation or legal proceedings, this is not only beneficial, but imperative.
WHEN IS A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION APPROPRIATE?
A neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate when an individual, family member or professional (i.e., doctor or attorney) believes that problems with thinking or emotional difficulties are interfering with one's ability to function in daily life. When people are having cognitive difficulties, they commonly report that they are experiencing problems at work, school or in their personal lives. For example, people often report that they have difficulties remembering conversations or to complete important daily tasks. Individuals also commonly experience difficulties meeting professional or academic demands because of difficulties with time management, multi-tasking or solving everyday problems. In their personal lives, they may notice difficulties communicating with others because they struggle to express themselves or find it difficult to keep up with conversations. Neuropsychological evaluations are often used to identify the areas of cognitive weakness that are causing these daily struggles.
what does a NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION entail?
A neuropsychological evaluation consists of a series of structured tests and questionnaires designed to examine all aspects of one’s cognitive functioning, emotional status and personality. Performance and responses on these measures are compared to individuals of similar age, gender, ethnicity and educational attainment. Patterns in performance across measures are used to identify dysfunctional thinking patterns and behaviors that may cause problems in personal, occupational and academic settings. Certain patterns are commonly observed in different types of neurological and psychiatric disorders. As such, the neuropsychologist uses this information to diagnose disorders and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
What is Cognitive Functioning?
Cognitive functioning refers to all aspects of your ability to think and learn. This includes basic abilities such as motor functioning, language and visual perception. It also includes other more complex processes, such as attention, concentration, learning and memory. As you can imagine, cognitive functioning effects everything you do. When people experience weaknesses or impairments in their cognitive functioning, they often have problems with daily living.
What can cause cognitive impairments
Cognitive impairments can be caused by a variety of things including both neurological and psychological illness. Common causes of cognitive impairments include: neurological illness, neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, psychosis, excessive drug and alcohol use, pre-natal toxin exposure.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a Neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a clinical psychologist with specialized training in evaluation and diagnosis of neurological and psychiatric disorders. A psychologist typically relies on a clinical interview and self-report of symptoms to evaluate emotional and learning difficulties. However, advanced training in neuropsychology is required to accurately assess cognition. Accurate assessment of cognitive difficulties is necessary for diagnosing learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders (Intellectual disability, ADHD) and any other psychiatric or neurological illness or condition that impacts cognition.
What is the Difference between a Neurologist and a Neuropsychologist?
Both professionals provide diagnosis of neurological illness but rely on different methods to formulate their opinions. A neurologist relies on a physical exam, review of relevant medical records and diagnostic imaging (i.e., brain MRI and CT scans). While a neuropsychologist may review medical records and imaging to confirm diagnosis, they typically rely self reported symptoms, and objective assessments of cognition, emotions and behavior. This enables the clinician to provide an accurate estimate of current functional limitations and determine effective lifestyle modifications or treatment recommendations to improve daily functioning. Neurologists often refer patients to neuropsychologists to get a better understanding of how neurological illness and emotional difficulties are impacting daily functioning.
Is insurance accepted?
The practice no longer accepts insurance. Payment for services is due at the start of each session. Once payment is made, you will receive a statement to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please contact you insurance company prior to the evaluation in order to determine coverage and estimate out-of-pocket costs. The information that your insurance company will require is provided here.
What is The cost of a Neuropsychological evaluation?
The cost of the evaluation varies depending on the presenting issues and purpose of the evaluation. Prior to scheduling, Dr. Perrin will briefly discuss the nature of your concerns and the primary objective for testing. Following this discussion, we will provide an estimate of the final cost, as well as the relevant procedural codes necessary to apply for insurance reimbursement. There is no charge for the initial consultation.