Neuropsychological evaluation
- Neuropsychological evaluation assesses brain-behavior relationships and thinking abilities, often with the goal(s) of differential diagnosis, identifying cognitive risk factors, identifying treatment options, establishing a baseline, and/or monitoring of cognitive functioning over time.
- Neuropsychological evaluation includes a thorough clinical interview to obtain history and an overview of goals, concerns, and levels of functioning. Cognitive tests measure different areas of thinking and abilities, such as memory, attention, language, problem solving, intellectual and functional abilities, and mental health.
- Some reasons for neuropsychological evaluation:
- Assess cognitive functioning when there are concerns about decline and/or longstanding difficulties
- Differential diagnosis of cognitive changes when there is concern for possible Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia
- Monitor cognitive functioning in the context of certain neurologic conditions (such as stroke and multiple sclerosis)
- Evaluate intellectual and cognitive abilities, adaptive functioning, and support needs to help with connecting to resources
- Get recommendations related to brain health, cognitive strategies, treatment options, and resources
Psychological evaluation
- Psychological evaluation assesses mental health symptoms, behavioral patterns, and personality traits to clarify mental health diagnoses and to provide recommendations for behavioral health and therapeutic supports. Common referral questions include assessment for ADHD, Autism, and mood disorders.
- Psychological assessment includes a thorough clinical interview to obtain history and an overview of goals, concerns, and levels of functioning. Psychological tests may include mental health symptom questionnaires, personality tests, structured/semi- structured interviews, and assessment of functional abilities.
- Some reasons for psychological evaluation:
- Improve understanding of causes, contributing factors, and risk factors that impact mental health
- Obtain an objective assessment of recent onset or longstanding mental health symptoms to assist with differential diagnosis and treatment planning
- Get a second opinion when there has been a lack of response to treatments for a previously diagnosed condition
- Evaluate adaptive functioning and support needs to help with connecting to resources
- Get recommendations related to addressing mental health needs and guiding treatment options