FAQ

WHAT IS NEUROPSYCHOLOGY?

Clinical Neuropsychology is an advanced specialty of psychology that focuses on brain function. A neuropsychological evaluation consists of the administration of specific tests to assess functioning in different areas of the brain. One goal of an evaluation is to uncover underlying conditions that may contribute to problems processing information and functioning optimally. Another goal is to devise interventions to enhance treatment planning, improve symptom management, and optimize overall quality of life.

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who has completed two full years of post-doctoral training in neuropsychology with formal educational and clinical activities focused on basic neurosciences, functional neuroanatomy, neuropathology, clinical neurology, assessment, and psychological intervention.

WHAT ARE SOME GOALS OF A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?

Evaluate: A neuropsychological evaluation uses specialized tools and comprehensive data collection to quantify thinking skills (e.g., memory, attention, processing speed), mood features, and personality traits to identify patterns that explain why one may experience challenges in certain aspects of life.

Diagnose: Through analysis of brain and behavior relationships, a neuropsychological evaluation provides insights into a diagnosis or diagnoses that may lead to concerns in school, the workplace, or in relationships. Accurate diagnosis is integral for interventions that will help you optimize functioning across settings.

Inform Treatment and Intervention: With unique and comprehensive insights into the underlying causes of behaviors, a neuropsychologist is well-equipped to provide individual treatment goals and compensatory strategies guidelines for school or workplace accommodations, and/or modifications to create a safer home environment.

Establish a Baseline: In some cases a neuropsychological evaluation can provide important information to assess for change in functioning over time. A baseline evaluation may serve a basis for comparison in the event of future decline or to assess for improvement following injury (e.g., TBI or stroke).

Evaluate Capacity: A neuropsychological evaluation can provide key insights into decision-making capacity, and specifically whether one has the capacity to make important financial, legal, or medical decisions.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?

Neuropsychological evaluations are highly comprehensive evaluations. A psychological evaluation typically includes a clinical interview, mood or personality measures, and occasionally intelligence tests. A neuropsychological evaluation expands upon information gathered in a psychological evaluation, and includes measures to assess brain function. Acquired information is synthesized to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning. The result is targeted interventions that address the root of concerning social, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral patterns.

WHAT CONDITIONS MAY BENEFIT FROM A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Alzheimer’s disease
Anxiety
Autism
Concussion
“Chemo brain”
Depression
Epilepsy
Giftedness combined with difficulties in other learning areas
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Hormonal Imbalance
Hydrocephalus
Intellectual Developmental Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia)
Mild Neurocognitive Disorder
Movement Disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, Lewy-Body disease, Huntington’s disease)
Multiple Sclerosis
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms after COVID-19
Sleep Disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea)
Specific Learning Disorders
Stroke
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

WHAT ASPECTS OF FUNCTIONING DO TESTS MEASURE?

Academic Functioning

Attention and Concentration

Executive Control

Language abilities

Learning and Memory

Mood and Personality

Processing Speed

Social Cognition

Visuospatial abilities

WHAT DOES THE EVALUATION PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Each evaluation consists of three main components:

1. Review of History

In-depth social history form
Intake/Clinical Interview

This phase helps clarify the referral question, informs early impressions, and provides important information to tailor the specific assessment battery for each individual.

2. Data Collection

Testing/Cognitive Assessment
Completion of Self/Observer-Report Questionnaire forms assessing cognitive, social, and emotional functioning in different settings.
Collaborative Consultation (e.g., teachers, other mental health care providers, or family members)

During this phase, individuals participate in the cognitive assessment component across one or more test sessions depending on the referral question, client preferences, and clinic availability. Questionnaires are completed on one’s own time in between testing sessions. Dr. Bradley makes efforts to consult with other valuable informants in each client’s life to develop a comprehensive picture of functioning in various settings.

3. Feedback

Report Review
Discussion of next steps/Recommendations

In the final phase, Dr. Bradley will review the findings of your evaluation in detail. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions to broaden your understanding of results, and ensure you feel confident in the next steps of your treatment plan.

WHY DOES DR. BRADLEY PREFER REMOTE EVALUATIONS/TELENEUROPSYCHOLOGY?

Remote neuropsychological evaluations utilize the same standardized neuropsychological test measures that are available for in-person use, optimized for administration in a digital format.

Benefits Include:

Increased Comfort. Individuals often experience increased comfort when participating in an evaluation from home when compared to attending in-person appointments. Individuals can manage the climate/thermostat, and access snacks, beverages, and other amenities in their own home. Increased physical comfort can enhance attention and energy for the evaluation process.

Convenience. Neuropsychological evaluations require an investment in time and energy. Telehealth avoids travel to and from the testing site. Telehealth also affords Dr. Bradley and her team increased flexibility for scheduling appointments to meet client needs.

Enhanced Privacy. Participation in one’s home provides an additional layer of discretion. To enhance security, meetings are conducted using HIPAA compliant software.

Optimized for increased family/partner involvement. Family members in different places can participate in the same intake interview or feedback appointment without traveling to the same physical location.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EVALUATION?

There is no way to study for a neuropsychological evaluation. The best things you can do to prepare for your appointment include getting a good night’s rest, eating a nutritious meal, and preparing your home environment to optimize comfort and minimize distraction. Dr. Bradley and her team will walk you through specifics to your own case upon scheduling.