AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Neuropsychological Testing NYC
At Williamsburg Therapy Group, we are proud to provide neuropsychological evaluations to Brooklyn residents 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. Continue reading to learn more about Neuropsychological Testing NYC.
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 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 test are individualized and depend on the reason the patient was referred. This also includes any 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
- Visual-spatial functioning
- 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. Each evaluation's duration depends on the complexity of the concerns being addressed and the patient's status during the assessment (e.g., fatigue, confusion).
In order to gather accurate information, the neuropsychologist works to maintain a calm, neutral environment. There the patient can demonstrate their best achievable performance on the measures that are administered.
Are there different types of neurological tests?
A neuropsychological test typically seeks to explain any difficulties or issues an individual is experiencing in their life. Because issues and problems vary with each person, assessments will be tailored around the patient's situation.
Different types of neuropsychological assessments include:
- Brief screenings usually take under an hour and include questions about mental state, orientation and simple memory, and attention items
- Other evaluations take about 3-4 hours and include multiple measures of several important cognitive domains
- Another type of testing could take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours and include measures of IQ, cognitive abilities, educational performance, and personality
Who needs a neuropsychological evaluation?
Our expert neuropsychological tests 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 a diagnosis and assess the patient's strengths and weaknesses. This helps to provide recommendations for addressing 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 methods 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 evaluation and recommendations can inform and increase the effectiveness of a patient's work with our psychologists or psychiatrists. From there, they can choose to pursue therapy or medication management.
How do I get a neuropsychological evaluation?
If you are a patient looking for neuropsychological testing in NYC, don't hesitate to contact us. Please schedule an appointment at one of our Brooklyn offices today. 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.