FAQ

Testing typically begins around 9:00 a.m. It ends in the mid-afternoon. We will take a longer break at lunch. Your child should expect to complete tasks that are similar to what they do at school with paper and pencil, as well as on a computer and an iPad. I will also talk with your child about any concerns they have. Parents are expected to stay at the appointment during the duration of the evaluation. I have a large waiting room with plenty of space for parents to work or relax while their child is completing testing. Because I only evaluate 1 child per day, you will have a private waiting room to yourself.

[Video] What to expect.

I am an out-of-network provider for insurance companies. My desire is to give you a thorough evaluation, customized to your child based on the concerns that you have at your intake interview appointment. Insurance companies often dictate the amount of time we can spend doing an evaluation, as well as what are appropriate concerns that qualify for a neuropsychological evaluation. Because of these constraints, I choose not to be paneled with insurance companies. I can provide a bill, called a super bill, for you to submit to your insurance after the evaluation is complete. Full payment is required upfront on the day of the evaluation. It is the parent’s responsibility to work with their insurance company to collect reimbursement.

My report is completed within 2 weeks and we will schedule a 1-hour feedback session to go over results from the evaluation. During this time, we will finalize details of the report together and you will receive a comprehensive evaluation report within 24 hours of the feedback session.

[Video] When to expect testing results.

I recommend parents tell their children that they will be coming to my office to work on some different tasks that are similar to school. Our goal is to see what things are super easy for them and what things might be harder for them in order to help them at school and at home.

I recommend kids get a good night’s sleep the night before the evaluation and eat breakfast in the morning. They should also take all of their medications as prescribed.

The goal of the neuropsychological evaluation is to represent a typical day in the classroom, which is why testing takes place over several hours. Kids should be encouraged that they cannot study for these types of tasks, and that it’s not like a test at school where they are expected to know what content they learned. All we would like your child to do is try their best. Sometimes, it can be helpful for parents to treat their child to a special activity treat or small reward for putting forth their best effort during the evaluation.

[Video] What to tell my child.

A neuropsychologist is a clinical psychologist who is specially trained in understanding how our brain impacts thinking, learning, and behavior.

A person who has achieved a doctorate in clinical psychology, focusing on coursework in neuroanatomy, assessment, development, statistics, and many other psychology courses.

Additionally, a neuropsychologist is licensed psychologist who has completed a two-year fellowship, typically in a hospital setting, where they have conducted neuropsychological evaluations with a diversity of clients from many different specialties such as neurology, oncology, physical medicine and rehab, neurosurgery, and pediatrics.

A pediatric neuropsychologist is someone who has completed advanced training working with children, adolescents, and young adults.

A neuropsychological evaluation is generally more comprehensive than a school or psychoeducational evaluation. We look at many areas of cognitive functioning, whereas a school evaluation focuses on how a child is performing academically. School psychologists in general are not able to diagnose disorders such as ADHD or Dyslexia. Rather, a school evaluation can identify if a child is struggling, but may not be able to explain why that child is struggling.

[Video] The difference between neuropsychological and school evaluation.

I completed two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree from APA accredited institutions.

I am a licensed psychologist with over 8 years of experience working in multiple settings including hospitals, private practices, schools, and rehabilitation hospitals.

I completed a 2-year fellowship focused on pediatric neuropsychology, which is the most advanced training you can complete.

[Video] Qualifications to diagnose your child.

As a parent, I know it can be really difficult to identify what is going on. Often times, parents and adolescents know there is something going on that is affecting their performance in school, how they feel about themselves, or their behavior at home. It’s my job to figure out the cause of these concerns. I take a very thorough approach to my evaluations, but also demonstrate warmth and compassion. I know it takes a lot to ask for help; I’d love to be able to help figure out what may be going on and how we can improve your child’s everyday life.

[Video] Knowing if your child needs me.

I administer standardized tests that assess overall intelligence, language skills, visual skills, learning and memory, attention, and executive functioning skills (these include problem solving, thinking creatively, processing information quickly, and multitasking). I also assess academic skills including reading, writing, and math.

Additionally, I administer measures that look at behavior and emotional functioning.

[Video] Tests I give.

Yes, absolutely. My goal is to provide information regarding what the diagnosis means, what types of supports they might need, and what you can do to help. This may look like attending counseling or therapy, getting a tutor for reading or math, or simply learning how to communicate more effectively with your child.

[Video] Options for parent and child to work at home.

For school – accommodation and special education plans, modifications to the classroom like distraction free testing

For doctors – medication consultation, counseling, referral to other specialists like neurologists, PT/OT/ST

For families – how to help children succeed during homework time, how to manage big emotions, etc.

[Video] Recommendations I make.

I can provide suggestions for local therapists to pursue counseling or other therapies.

I provide executive functioning coaching if you are interested.

I am available to speak with you again if you have further questions regarding how to help your child.

[Video] Support after diagnosis.

Cash, check, credit card, and HSA/FSA accounts.