Neuropsychology FAQs
Do I need a neuropsychology evaluation?
Neuropsychology tests measure cognitive processes (e.g. analysis, memory, planning, organization, attention) that are important for everyday functioning.
Although cognitive processes change normally with age they sometimes change faster as a consequence of brain changes, such as those related to Alzheimer disease or a traumatic brain injury. Additionally, some people may have longstanding difficulties that are related to underlying neurodevelopmental issues for which they were able to compensate previously.
Neuropsychological assessments can be valuable in diagnosing and determining the impact of:
- Memory loss (mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer disease)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Learning disorders
- Mood disorders
- Acquired brain injury (e.g. traumatic brain injury)
- Substance abuse
Understanding the nature, extent, and cause of your cognitive processing weaknesses is important for intervention approaches. Detailing your cognitive strengths in addition permits you and your treatment team to develop strategies to improve your functioning in everyday life.
How long do neuropsychology assessments take?
You should plan for an entire day to complete the assessment. You will be offered breaks throughout the evaluation.
What should I expect during the evaluation?
In-person interview (approximately 1 hour)
- We will meet to discuss your symptom complaints and their current impact on your functioning. You are welcome to bring a significant other to the interview though this is not required.
- You also will be asked about anything that cannot be discerned from the available medical information and/or notes from other relevant sources.
- It may be helpful to collect information from others who know you well, such as family members, teachers, and/or employers. These people will be contacted only with your permission
- You will be asked to complete questionnaires related to your emotional well-being and psychological status.
Neuropsychology tests (4-6 hours)
- You will be asked to complete a series of tasks such as providing word definitions, naming objects, and figuring out solutions to problems. Some of the tests are easier than others. This is normal as we all have different strengths and weaknesses.
- All of the tests are well-established and widely used measures of cognitive functioning. The length and content of the test battery varies depending on the presenting symptom complaints.
Feedback session (1 hour)
- We will review the results of testing, and discuss their functional implications and treatment recommendations.
When will I receive my results?
A feedback session is scheduled 2 weeks from the time of the evaluation.
Information collected from the review of your medical records, in-person interview, questionnaires, and neuropsychological test data, are incorporated into your final report.
Please note that if you are seen at the request of a third party, you may not be able to access the results of your examination without due consent from the third party.
How much do evaluations cost?
- Independent medical evaluations start at $3500
- Memory disorder evaluations start at $2500
- Learning disorder evaluations start at $5000
Private insurance will often cover some or all of these fees.
Do you perform paediatric neuropsychological evaluations?
At this time, we are pleased to offer neuropsychology services to adults and late teens. We happily can refer you to child neuropsychologists. In addition, feel free to consult the Ontario Psychological Association {http://www.psych.on.ca}
Do I have to be a member of ExecHealth?
No. We gladly accept outside referrals. You may refer yourself, or have your health provider make a referral on your behalf.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. When you initiate an evaluation, your interview information, test data, and report are kept confidential until you authorize their release.
It is important to underscore that when the assessment is requested by a third party (such as an insurance company), they may have the legal right to access your results and your report.
Neuropsychologists are bound by the same ethical duty to protect your privacy as are clinical psychologists. There are the same exceptions to privacy that include: when a third party has legal rights to your records, when a psychologist is ordered by law to release records, and/or when you or another person is at risk for harm. Outside of these circumstances, your information can only be shared with express consent from you or your legal representative.