Neuropsychological Assessments
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of a person’s cognitive, psychological, and behavioral functioning. It involves a battery of standardized tests that measure different areas of brain function, such as learning, memory, attention, executive functioning, language, mood, and personality. Testing batteries are flexible and tailored to address presenting concerns. Neuropsych evaluations are used to determine diagnoses, identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and inform interventions.
Because each evaluation is individualized, there is no set battery of tests. Typically, neuropsych evaluations assess the following domains:
• Cognitive functioning
• Language skills
• Attention and concentration
• Working memory
• Processing speed
• Executive functioning
• Academic achievement
• Visual-spatial and perceptual skills
• Abstract reasoning and problem solving
• Emotional and psychological functioning
While not exhaustive, neuropsychological evaluations are often used to assess the following conditions:
• Learning disorders
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Mood disorders (i.e., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder)
• Trauma/PTSD
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders
A neuropsych evaluation involves a series of standardized tests, including behavioral and cognitive tasks, self-report measures, and structured clinical interviews. Batteries are individualized but typically take between 4-6 hours, depending on the referral question and areas of concern. Once all parts of the evaluation have been completed, time is needed for scoring, interpretation, and report writing. A comprehensive report that includes diagnostic impressions and specific recommendations are provided and discussed during a follow-up feedback session.
Psychodiagnostic Evaluations
A Psychodiagnostic Evaluation provides diagnostic impressions that help a person make sense of their difficulties. Based on presenting concerns, the process includes a structured clinical interview, cultural and developmental assessment, rating scales, and self-report measures. Depending on the nature of the concerns, psychodiagnostic evaluations typically take between 2-3 hours. Following the evaluation, a brief report is provided with diagnoses and specific treatment recommendations.
Psychodiagnostic Evaluations formally and comprehensively assess a person’s psychological functioning. They can be used to assess the following:
• Mood disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder)
• Trauma/PTSD
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Other disorders outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th
A Psychodiagnostic Evaluation provides diagnostic impressions that help a person make sense of their difficulties. Based on presenting concerns, the process includes a structured clinical interview, cultural and developmental assessment, rating scales, and self-report measures. Depending on the nature of the concerns, psychodiagnostic evaluations typically take between 2-3 hours. Following the evaluation, a brief report is provided with diagnoses and specific treatment recommendations.
20 West Park Street #307
Lebanon, NH 03766
mkoakley@uppervallypsych.com
Phone: 1.203.679.9445
Fax: 1.203.303.9097