FAQs

+ 1. What is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a professional with a doctoral degree in psychology. They have specialized training in brain/behavior relationships via coursework, internships, and postdoctoral experience.

A pediatric neuropsychologist has specialized experience and training in developmental issues related to brain/behavior relationships that are particularly relevant in children and adolescents.

+ 2. What is a psychoeducational evaluation?

A psychoeducational evaluation usually includes an assessment of a client’s social history, intellectual abilities and basic academic skills, as well as a psychological screening. A psychoeducational evaluation will typically include about 4 hours of formal testing. The results usually provide enough information to identify specific learning disabilities/differences as well as to pick up on clear psychological distress that is affecting someone’s functioning.

This evaluation does not provide the clinical or psychometric data required to reliably capture cognitive difficulties associated with attention or executive functioning issues like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder or more subtle psychological and social difficulties. This type of evaluation provides recommendations for general learning and counseling support.

+ 3. What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation includes a detailed investigation of an individual’s developmental, medical, social and psychological history. An extensive testing battery examines a child’s intellectual, academic, attention, executive functioning, language, visuospatial, visuoconstructional, memory and fine motor skills. A detailed investigation of a child’s psychological/social functioning includes a clinical interview and a series of standardized parent, teacher and self-report measures.

This type of evaluation typically takes anywhere from 6-10 hours of testing. For many children, a direct classroom observation period is also ideal and may be provided. The results are intended to identify not merely any intellectual or learning differences, but any cognitive or psychological difficulty that may be contributing to a child’s profile. Data obtained will provide the information needed to generate a very comprehensive description of the child’s learning and support needs. This description should be used to identify the specific learning/therapeutic interventions that will work best to support the child.

+ 4. What is the assessment process?

A comprehensive evaluation begins with an initial meeting where we go over your detailed history and concerns. Subsequent testing appointments are scheduled over 1-3 days, ranging from 2-8 hours per day depending on the age of the individual and their needs. An optimal schedule will be discussed with you during the intake.

+ 5. What happens after the evaluation is complete?

We will arrange for a feedback meeting approximately 2-3 weeks following the completion of the evaluation to go over testing results with you. If your child is old enough (generally age 8 or older), a separate meeting to review the results in a positive and brief manner with them will also be arranged. You can expect to receive the report one week following the last testing session.

+ 6. What should I tell my child about the evaluation and what should they expect?

In general, provide a brief and age-appropriate reason for the assessment. It often helps to explain to children that we want to see how they learn so we can make school easier for them or to have them struggle less with homework, for example. It’s important to remind them they are not expected to 'pass' any tests, but will be asked to do their best so that we can have a better understanding of how they learn.

The tasks your child will be asked to participate in will include drawing, puzzle-like tasks, answering questions, completing school-related activities like reading or math problems, and (for older children) filling out questionnaires. Most children find the majority of the tasks interesting and challenging, although a few may be boring or difficult. You may reassure your child that they will be given breaks as requested or if need be to make them feel comfortable

+ 7. What are your hours and location?

Our office is open on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact us for home-based and teletherapy availability. We are conveniently located at 436 Court Street, Brooklyn NY 11231.

+ 8. What will be done to protect my privacy or my child’s privacy?

We are dedicated to protecting your privacy and sensitive information. We will release reports to other parties, such as your child's school or other clinician only after obtaining permission. Please note, an exception to our privacy efforts in the rare cases where we feel that you or your child are in danger. Psychologists are mandated by law to report to appropriate agencies if they suspect that a child or vulnerable adult shows evidence of abuse, is in danger of imminent physical injury to himself or to others, or in response to subpoenas, court orders, other legal proceedings or statutes that require disclosure.

+ 9. How can I make an appointment?

Click here to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation call.

+ 10. Do you take insurance?

We will provide a statement that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients are able to obtain reimbursement for a portion of their treatment from their insurance company. Each client’s eligibility for reimbursement and amount one can expect to receive depends on the details of your plan.