What to Expect at Your Neuropsych Evaluation
How long does a neuropsych evaluation take?
The initial 15-20 minutes of your appointment is reserved for an interview with Dr. Richie (only with adults for pediatric patients) to learn more about the presenting problem(s) and its impact on daily functioning. This allows for a more tailored assessment, specific to the patient's needs and areas of concern. This is a time to review your completed history forms (downloaded from this website) and other pertinent documents (e.g., previous evaluations, notes from SLP or OT, school records, medical reports). Please make copies of records prior to your visit.
After the initial interview is completed, Dr. Richie will perform the neuropsychological evaluation (same day). The time required for interview and formal evaluation usually ranges from 3.75 hours to 4 hours, depending on the referral question(s) and the patient's age/skill level. Some evaluations require less time, while others require more.
What happens after the evaluation?
After the evaluation, Dr. Richie scores all measures and creates a lengthy report that includes pertinent information about the patient, such as history of the presenting problem, behavioral observations, test scores, and interpretation (with essential qualitative review beyond the “numbers”), a comprehensive summary of findings from a brain-based perspective, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations.
Dr. Richie will provide rating scales to be completed by the patient’s providers, such as classroom teachers, social workers, and therapists. Please note that all rating scales must be returned to Dr. Richie. The report cannot be finalized until all rating scales are received. This information is critical in reviewing the patient's presentation beyond the clinical setting.
If needed, a test results session can be scheduled to discuss the report. This session is 40 minutes and conducted over Zoom. Children are not included in test results sessions.
What does a neuropsych evaluation tell you?
It depends on age, ability level, and presenting problem(s). A neuropsych evaluation can tell you strengths and weaknesses in brain functioning across multiple domains, including intellectual ability, academic skills, memory, language/auditory comprehension, motor/visuomotor integration, attention regulation, and executive functioning, and psychosocial functioning.
What does a neuropsych evaluation consist of?
The neuropsychologist evaluation includes a variety of tasks such as paper and pencil, blocks, computers, hands-on, and verbal to assess domains of neurocognitive functioning, plus rating scales to assess various aspects of psychosocial functioning.
