When should a student be considered for a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is generally recommended by a school or initiated by a parent, when there are concerns about possible learning differences/learning disabilities, developmental delays, language or communication difficulties, focus and attention related challenges, or when anxiety, behavioral, and/or emotional factors are impeding learning. Children and adolescents who are struggling in school and on standardized tests are often referred for evaluation. Neuropsychological testing can also follow a concussion or head trauma.
What is involved in neuropsychological testing?
There is an initial parent consultation meeting, in which a full developmental, family, and school history/ background information is obtained.
This is followed by several testing sessions with the student, which generally occurs over a few days, for several hours each day. The following areas are assessed during neuropsychological testing:
- Intelligence/Cognitive Abilities
- Expressive and Receptive Language Skills
- Attention/Concentration/ and Executive Functions
- Memory & Learning
- Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor/Visual Spatial Skills
- Motor Skills
- Academic Skills
- Social Emotional Skills
- Behavior (in the classroom and at home)
Following the evaluation sessions with the child, a parent feedback session is scheduled. In this session, all of the test results are discussed and reviewed in depth. Specific and extensive evidence-based recommendations are made for how to best support your child at home and at school.
A comprehensive written report follows up this meeting. The purpose of the report is to provide a deeper understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, to determine how they learn best, and to identify strategies and resources that will support them as learners in school. Recommendations are made for direct intervention, classroom accommodations, in-class and standardized test accommodations, and for a variety of supports at home and at school to empower your child and optimize academic and interpersonal success. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation provides a road map for your child/adolescent/young adult to support their growth and development academically, socially, and emotionally. Accommodations on standardized tests in elementary, middle, high school, college, and graduate school may also be recommended through a neuropsychological evaluation.
Following the written evaluation, a student feedback session is scheduled. The goal of this session to enable the student to feel more informed and empowered and to understand ‘who they are as learners.’ The tone of this session is upbeat and informative and the student gains insight into their cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses and specific strategies are identified to support them academically, socially, and emotionally.
What is involved in a psychotherapy consultation?
For child and adolescent psychotherapy, an initial parent consultation meeting is arranged to obtain a review of the presenting problem and background information, which includes developmental and medical history, family history, school and learning history, and any family stressors. Parent and child may also fill out behavioral checklists to further clarify the presenting problems and possible diagnostic issues. Following this meeting, several consultation sessions are scheduled for the child/adolescent. Through conversation, drawing, and play, the child is enlisted in an exploration of the presenting concerns. A feedback session is then arranged with the parents to discuss treatment recommendations and a treatment plan, which usually involves individual child/adolescent psychotherapy with regular parent guidance sessions and family intervention.
For adult psychotherapy, an initial consultation session is scheduled to obtain information about presenting difficulties and to review background information, which includes developmental and medical history, family history, school and learning history, work history, and any stressors or traumatic history. Self-report measures may also be utilized during the initial consultation. This consultation generally occurs over two sessions, followed by recommendations for a therapeutic plan and specific treatment goals.
How do you best determine clinical/therapeutic treatment approaches?
I have received extensive training in Psychodynamic Relational methods of psychotherapy and evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral and Compassion Focused Mindfulness. Psychodynamic approaches tend to focus on developing insight and a deep understanding of the relational context in which problems emerge. Cognitive behavioral treatment is short-term, problem focused, and particularly effective to address acute symptoms of anxiety, specific phobias, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. I have also received additional training in the application of aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to individual work with adolescents and adults, to address challenges with emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Treatment approaches are tailored to the presenting problems and therapeutic goals that are established collaboratively.
