Neuropsychological Testing

1. A neuropsychological assessment can help determine the presence, nature, and severity of a cognitive dysfunction. It helps to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses and/or provide a baseline of functioning.
2. A neuropsychological assessment is used for differential diagnosis, to confirm, exclude, or clarify a diagnosis.
3. A neuropsychological evaluation will result in treatment recommendations as well as recommendations for accommodations/modifications.
4. A neuropsychological assessment can also be used to assess functional abilities of a person and provide options for things to improve or assist with functioning.

While neuropsychological evaluations can provide a wealth of information, they are just one part of a comprehensive neurological or psychiatric evaluation. They should be used in combination with other diagnostic tools, including medical examinations, psychiatric evaluations, and neuroimaging techniques.

During your neuropsychological assessment, we will test various mental functions, including but not limited to memory, language, attention, problem-solving abilities, emotional status, academic skills, and if relevant, sensory-motor skills.

The testing can take a number of hours to complete and typically involves question-and-answer sessions, paper and pencil tasks, computer-based tasks, and sometimes brain imaging procedures. Each test is designed to examine a particular area of cognitive function. Here is a quick overview of the process:

1. The assessment will include review of records and clinical interviews with a client and possibly their family or close friends, to understand the client’s history and how the cognitive and emotional changes have impacted their life and daily functioning.
2. The next appointment (or multiple appointments, if you prefer) will be the neuropsychological testing. This occurs with either the neuropsychologist and/or a trained psychometrist. This is completed in a quiet room and friends/family are typically asked to wait in the waiting room. The client is also welcome to bring snacks/drinks and comfort items.
3. Once the testing is complete, the neuropsychologist will interpret the results and write a report.
4. A feedback session is typically scheduled to review the testing results and recommendations. Once the feedback session is complete, the client is provided a copy of the report.

Testing is a non-invasive process using a variety of written and verbal tasks. These can be paper-and-pencil and/or computerized. Some of the computerized tests can be emailed, to be completed outside of the testing appointments.

A neuropsychologist is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in understanding the structure and function of the brain in relation to specific psychological and cognitive processes and behaviors. They hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and have completed two years of post-doctoral training in neuropsychology. Our clinical director, Emily Inman, PsyD, is also a board certified neuropsychologist, which includes a rigorous and lengthy certification process that requires a credential review, passing a written exam, submitting work sample reports for review and acceptance by experts, and passing a detailed oral exam.

A psychometrist is an individual with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree who has advanced training in administering and scoring a wide range of standardized psychological and/or neuropsychological tests, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist.

1. Get a good night’s sleep.
2. Try to eat a good breakfast.
3. Take your medications as usual, unless you are directed otherwise.
4. If you wear glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, make sure you bring them.
5. If you have participated in previous neuropsychological, psychological, or academic testing, bring these records with you. Similarly, if you have utilized a 504 plan or an individual education plan (IEP) in school, bring these records with you.

Because the tests are non invasive, physical side effects are minimal but can include feeling fatigued and mentally tired for a time. For some, the evaluation might confirm fears about a neurological condition or cognitive decline. This can trigger feelings of sadness, anxiety, or fear about the future. It’s important to have emotional support throughout the process and to discuss your feelings with someone you trust, including your psychotherapist.