Testing & Evaluations
Neuropsychological testing and psychological evaluations help people gain a deeper understanding of their cognition, thoughts, emotions and behavior. With this clarity, you can seek effective treatment and make changes that allow for a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Neuropsychological Testing
Neuropsychological testing is a comprehensive evaluation of your thinking abilities. Your provider may refer you for testing if you or a caregiver notice changes in your cognition, emotions or behavior. Many medical conditions can cause cognitive challenges.
Common reasons for referral include concerns related to:
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dementia or memory issues
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multiple sclerosis (MS)
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Parkinson’s disease
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brain tumor
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epilepsy
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cancer
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stroke
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traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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concussion
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ADHD or autism spectrum disorders
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changes in mood, such as depression
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changes in behavior, such as anger
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developmental or learning disabilities
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other medical conditions
Neuropsychological testing can help pinpoint the causes of cognitive challenges and the results can be helpful in many ways. They can inform or provide a diagnosis. They can tell you about your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. And the results can help guide treatment planning and inform strategies to overcome your challenges. You can learn more about my approach here.
Learning Disability Evaluation
A learning disability evaluation is a detailed look at how you learn and apply your knowledge in coordination with your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This type of evaluation also tests your cognition and academic abilities, such as reading and math.
Though many of my clients are preparing for or enrolled in college, this evaluation can be helpful at any point in your life if you have concerns about your ability to learn, retain and apply information.
The results of testing can support you in modifying your learning or work environment to better meet your needs. The results can also help you receive school or work-based accommodations that enable you to achieve your goals with greater ease, efficiency and comfort.
Psychological Evaluations
A psychological evaluation assesses your emotions, behavior and overall mental health. For example, depression, anxiety, mania, trauma, behavior and personality all affect mental health.
A psychological evaluation may be helpful if you have felt distressed or overwhelmed for a while but do not know why. It can help you better understand your mental health, provide a diagnosis and guide your next steps in treatment. The overarching goal of an evaluation is to learn valuable information about yourself that can help you live your life to the fullest.
Fitness for Duty
At times, a current or future employer will request a fitness for duty or occupationally mandated evaluation. This is a narrowly tailored psychological evaluation meant to determine whether a person is mentally and emotionally capable of safely performing their job duties.
The fitness for duty evaluations I perform are scientifically rigorous, unbiased third-party assessments of a person’s mental and behavioral health.
My Approach
I provide comprehensive evaluations for adults, aged 18 and over. I currently provide evaluations in person at my office in SW Portland. Some portions may take place online.
Interview
After I receive all referring paperwork and background documentation, your appointment will begin with a 60 to 90-minute interview with you and your family member(s) or caregiver(s), if applicable. During the interview, we’ll discuss your goals for the assessment, your current concerns and how those concerns impact your daily life. We'll also discuss your medical, mental health, educational and other related history.
Testing
Following the interview, we will complete one-to-one testing that involves pencil/paper and question/answer tasks. When indicated, I will also use computer-based testing.
I tailor each evaluation to my client's unique needs and concerns. The process requires an average of three to four hours of face-to-face time (in-person or via telehealth), though an evaluation may take more or less time, depending on your unique needs. You can take breaks or schedule testing over two appointments if needed.
Report
Once the interview and testing are complete, I will write a report to interpret and summarize the findings of the evaluation, provide a diagnosis and offer recommendations. I typically need three to five hours to complete the report.
Feedback
Approximately two weeks after your evaluation, we will meet again for a one-hour feedback session to review the outcomes of your testing and the details of your report. This will be an opportunity for us to discuss your diagnosis and important next steps in your treatment.
You will receive a copy of your report, and I will share the report with your requesting provider(s), with your permission.