What to Expect at Your Neuropsych Evaluation

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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The cost of a neuropsych evaluation will vary based on your location in the US, as well as the quality of the practitioner. Each practice determines its own pricing. Depending on where your doctor's practice is located, you can expect a range anywhere from $2,000-$5,000, or higher, especially in metropolitan areas. Not all practitioners accept insurance, so be sure to ask all of these questions during your initial inquiry.

 

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It depends on the neuropsych’s specialty areas, but commonly they diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, other learning disorders) and any psychosocial problems complicating functioning (mood, anxiety, problems with social awareness.)

 

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Yes. Neuropsychological testing can be a valuable tool in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults. This process involves a comprehensive evaluation by a neuropsychologist who assesses various cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of an individual's functioning. Through a series of standardized tests and assessments, neuropsychologists can identify patterns of behavior and cognitive functioning that are consistent with ASD. This approach is beneficial for adults who have experienced lifelong challenges that might be attributed to undiagnosed ASD, including those who are successful in their professional lives. It's not uncommon for adults, even those in their later years, to seek a diagnosis to understand the difficulties they've faced throughout their lives.

 

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No, neuropsychological testing cannot diagnose bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessments conducted by a therapist and psychiatrist. These professionals consider a patient's mental health history, behavior patterns over time, and any episodes that strongly suggest bipolar disorder, such as manic episodes. However, neuropsychological evaluations can identify co-occurring conditions or cognitive aspects related to bipolar disorder, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

 

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It depends on age, ability level, and presenting problem(s). I typically relay that we’ll play some brain games to figure out how your brain works and learns. For older kids, parents and teachers have often already described the need for testing due to learning problems, ADHD, etc.

 

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It depends on the age, ability level, and presenting problem(s), but it typically takes 4 to 4.5 hours, which includes the initial interview, testing, and the brief interview after testing.

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A psychologist who has completed at least one formal neuropsych fellowship.

 

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Neuropsychiatry and neuropsychology are both fields that deal with the relationship between brain function and behavior, but they differ significantly in their focus and approach. 

 

Neuropsychiatry is a medical specialty practiced by physicians (MDs) who can prescribe medication and often treat psychiatric disorders through a biological and medical lens. Neuropsychiatrists may work in clinical settings treating patients or focus on research to advance understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions.

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Neuropsychology, on the other hand, is a field typically practiced by professionals with a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) who specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating cognitive and behavioral issues based on an understanding of brain function.

 

Neuropsychologists conduct evaluations to understand cognitive strengths and weaknesses and do not prescribe medication. Their work can be both clinical, involving direct patient care, and research-oriented, contributing to the broader knowledge base of how brain function affects behavior.