Services

A Neuropsychological Assessment is an assessment of how one’s brain functions, which indirectly yields information about the structural and functional integrity of your brain. Most clients are referred for a neuropsychological assessment after experiencing known or suspected injury to the brain, such as after a fall, involvement in a motor vehicle accident, anoxia, seizure or if diagnosed or suspected of having a neurodevelopmental or neurocognitive condition (dementia). The neuropsychological evaluation involves an interview and the administration of tests. Neuropsychological tests are standardized, meaning that they are given in the same manner to all patients and scored in a similar manner time after time. An individual’s scores on the tests are interpreted by comparing their score to that of healthy individuals of a similar demographic background (i.e., of similar age, education, gender, and/or ethnic background) and to expected levels of functioning. In this way, a neuropsychologist can determine whether one’s performance on any given task represents a strength or weakness. Although individual scores are important, the neuropsychologist looks at all the data from the evaluation to determine a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses and, in turn, to understand more about how the brain is functioning. Neuropsychological tests evaluate functioning in several areas including: intelligence, executive functions (such as planning, abstraction, conceptualization), attention, memory, language, perception, sensorimotor functions, motivation, mood state and emotion, quality of life, and personality styles. The areas addressed in an individual’s evaluation are determined by the referral question, patient’s complaints and symptoms, and observations made during the interview and test administration. A typical neuropsychological assessment is scheduled for about 8 hours of direct face to face assessment. A comprehensive report, detailing performance on all administered tests, appropriate diagnosis, summary and uniquely tailored treatment recommendations is provided.

Effective treatment always begins with a complete understanding of a presenting problem. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment provides a psychological diagnosis, prognosis and treatment recommendations. An initial psychological evaluation can take several hours and consists of a clinical history, reviewing records, administering questionnaires and other standardized psychological tests. Treatment plans can then be developed depending on the results of the clinical evaluation. Psychologists have a thorough understanding of psychological disorders and are legally empowered to make diagnoses.

A psychoeducational assessment is a detailed assessment of an individual’s unique thinking and learning styles and assists in determining whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for a specific learning disorder. A typical psychoeducational assessment will involve taking a developmental history, review of academic records, administration of standardized cognitive and achievement tests and the development of detailed recommendations consistent with an individual’s learning style. Typical psychoeducational assessments usually involve about 5 hours of direct face to face assessment. A comprehensive report, diagnosis and feedback session is provided to all clients.

An integrative, evidence-based approach to psychological treatment is used, emphasizing the implementation of a variety of theoretical approaches and drawing upon the science behind the psychotherapeutic experience. Drawing heavily upon neuroscience, neuroplasticity, brain based behavioural and psychological experiences, somatic therapies and neurofeedback, client needs and preferences are woven into a collaborative neuropsychotherapeutic treatment approach. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, cognitive processing therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy skills and solution-focused therapy approaches form the core therapeutic approaches used. Individual psychotherapy can help to develop a better understanding of personal difficulties, build resilience, strengthen coping skills and help to regain control of one’s life.

Lawyers, automobile insurers and employers frequently seek independent evaluations to aid in ensuring access to benefits and to determine the presence of psychological impairment from illness or injury. Assessments can also be done as part of a comprehensive pre-employment evaluation for specific first-responder professions. All evaluations conducted are objective, balanced and evidence-based in any conclusions that are made.