Specialty Services:

Neuropsychological Evaluations:

Neuropsychological evaluations are performed in order to assess how one's brain functions, which indirectly yields information about the structural and functional integrity of your brain and  associated cognitive abilities. The neuropsychological evaluation involves an interview and the administration of tests. The tests are typically pencil and paper type tests.  They provide a baseline of information that can help in monitoring and treating neurocognitive difficulties.

Psychological Testing

Psychological testing refers to the administration of tests to aid in the assessment of one's personality, behavior and intellectual functioning.  A psychological test is "an objective and standardized measure of an individual's functioning.The assessment tools that are employed measure and observe behavior in order to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment.

Weight Reduction Surgery Evaluations

The pre-surgical psychological evaluation is performed in order to determine your appropriateness for the procedure that is being planned for you.  It can help to  identify your strengths and weaknesses and your ability to withstand the rigors associated with the procedure  both pre and post surgery.  This includes your ability to follow through on the requests being made of you by your physicians in order to maintain a durable weight loss. It can also help identify areas in which you might need support after surgery. 

Evaluations for Implantation of a Spinal Cord Stimulator

In treating chronic pain with neuromodulation devices, such as spinal cord stimulators (SCS), it is important to identify aspects of your personality functioning that will enable you to achieve the best possible outcome from surgery. Many factors have to be considered that could  influence the outcome of surgery. Psychosocial influences are recognized as potentially important determinants of response to SCS treatment. This, in part, has led to the widespread use of pre-surgical psychological evaluations. Moreover, many insurance companies mandate psychological screening prior to surgery. Understanding the impact of psychiatric illnesses is particularly important, given that a number of chronic pain patients concurrently suffer from psychiatric illness. The growing role of neuromodulation treatment for pain has led researchers to attempt to better understand how psychiatric illnesses relate to SCS efficacy.  Prescreening of one's difficulties can help your doctor decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Evaluations for Deep Brain Stimulators in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Neuropsychological assessment has two primary roles in the DBS (Deep Brain Stimulators) process. First, assessment of cognitive and emotional functioning ensures that appropriate candidates undergo this surgical procedure. Patients with dementia, cognitive performance suggestive of an additional neuropathological process, or significant psychiatric impairments are not good candidates for DBS. Second, neuropsychological assessment is used to help predict possible cognitive and emotional outcomes that may follow surgery. Based on the growing understanding of the risk factors and potential side effects to DBS, neuropsychological assessment is necessary in order to ensure that patients selected to undergo this surgical intervention will likely have positive cognitive and emotional outcome, in addition to the expected benefits in motor functioning.

Evaluations for Psychoeducational Testing

Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. Psychoeducational testing refers to the psychological tests used to analyze the mental processes underlying your child’s educational performance. As part of the psychological assessment, your child will undergo psychoeducational testing. Numerous tests are used in order to determine the nature and severity of any underlying disorders that may exist.  In addition, testing can help identify any potential psychological difficulties that need to be addressed to aid in your child's future success.

Pre and Post Organ Transplantation Evaluations.

Patients undergoing Organ Transplantation usually require a psychological and psychosocial assessment prior to being accepted on the list for organ transplant. A thorough and routine evaluation usually involves the patient and can include his or her family. This broad participation enables clinicians to corroborate information through multiple sources and to assess the patient’s support system and motivation for surgery. The evaluation is designed to identify assets and liabilities of the individual seeking a transplant and the potential barriers to success.  We work with a patient as a unique individual, each with their own special circumstances and expectations.  We  will also provide interventions  to help change behaviors that need to be resolved before surgery can be initiated.