AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Neuropsychological Assessment/Testing
At Williamsburg Therapy Group, we are proud to provide neuropsychological evaluations to residents of Brooklyn and the broader area of New York City. Neuropsychological evaluations examine the relationships between the brain, behavior, and emotions, including changes in functioning due to a wide range of conditions.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation consists of observations, an interview with the patient, and neuropsychological testing. The testing portion includes answering questionnaires and performing tasks that are designed to assess cognitive skills. This information is used to examine the individual’s strengths and weaknesses, which allows the neuropsychologist to assess the patient’s brain functioning and structure. The specific areas assessed during a neuropsychological evaluation are individualized and depend on the reason the patient was referred, as well as their specific complaints and symptoms. Based on the patient’s unique struggles, the neuropsychologist determines which areas of functioning are relevant to assess. These can include intelligence, attention, executive functions (e.g., planning, organization, abstraction, and conceptualization), language, memory, visual perception, sensory motor functions, motivation, mood and emotion, quality of life, and personality styles.
Because each patient is different, neuropsychological evaluations range in the amount of time they take to be completed, but often last between two and five hours. The duration of each evaluation depends on the complexity of the concerns being addressed, as well as the patient’s status during the evaluation (e.g., fatigue, confusion). In order to gather accurate information, the neuropsychologist works to maintain a calm, neutral environment where the patient can demonstrate their best achievable performance on the measures that are administered.
Who needs a neuropsychological evaluation?
Our expert neuropsychological evaluations help patients understand and navigate the effects of conditions that include (but are not limited to):
- Cognitive impairments , including those related to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and strokes
- Educational and occupational difficulties , including differences in learning, work performance, and motor skills
- Structural and other issues related to the brain , including brain cancer, spinal cord injury, encephalitis, Moyamoya
- Nervous system disorders , including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and seizures
- Other medical conditions , including lupus, insomnia, and diabetes
How does a neuropsychological evaluation improve quality of life?
After neuropsychological testing, the neuropsychologist can help clarify diagnosis and assess the patient’s strengths and weaknesses, which helps to provide recommendations for how to best address the patient’s difficulties and concerns. These recommendations are a thoughtfully composed range of approaches, including psychological support, best brain health practices, and behavioral coping strategies. Neuropsychologists can also help the patient learn about and implement new ways of addressing their condition, including behavioral strategies and ways to effectively manage ongoing conditions. Results can also provide information about different skills and practices that can improve brain growth and adaptation. As a mental health collective, the neuropsychological evaluation and resulting recommendations can be used to inform and increase the effectiveness of a patient’s work with our psychologists or psychiatrists, should they choose to pursue therapy or medication management.
How do I get a neuropsychological evaluation?
If you are a patient in New York City who is interested in scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation at our Brooklyn offices, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah England. You can also bring any relevant documents related to your condition, including medical, school, or occupational records, so that she can better tailor the evaluation to meet your needs.