Sometimes further clarification of symptoms and diagnosis is needed to aid in developing a patient’s treatment plan. Thus, an evaluation is recommended. The results from an evaluation can:
Our providers recognize that time is an important factor when conducting evaluations. Therefore, they attempt to complete evaluations in one day (not including the initial session); however, some situations require testing to be split over a few days. Further, given that evaluations are time consuming, patients are provided breaks as needed. Approximately one to two weeks after testing is complete, a patient’s provider meets with them to provide feedback and a written report to discuss their results, diagnosis, and recommendations. Patients can generally expect the entire process (including initial session, evaluation, and feedback) to take approximately 3-4 weeks.
A psychological evaluation is an assessment of a patient’s intellectual, emotional, and social functioning. It may also include an assessment of academic achievement given the patient’s age and reason the testing is being conducted. It is typically recommended for patients who have multiple symptoms, emotional instability, and behavioral concerns (i.e., depression, anxiety, anger, low frustration tolerance, memory issues).
Patients need to plan for the evaluation to last 2-4 hours.
A psychoeducational evaluation assists in identifying learning differences or other factors (e.g., emotional concerns, behavioral issues) that may negatively impact a patient's ability to perform well within the school environment. This type of evaluation may also be helpful to determine the possible need for academic accommodations and is typically performed on young children to adults who have trouble learning.
Patients need to plan for the evaluation to last 3-5 hours.
A neuropsychological evaluation is a detailed assessment of a patient’s cognitive skills, executive functioning motor abilities, memory functioning, and verbal skills. It is typically recommended for patients who have difficulty thinking, learning or memory issues, and/or emotional instability. Depending upon the age of the patient and symptoms involved, patients need to plan for the evaluation to last approximately 3-6 hours.
Examples of conditions where neuropsychological testing may be recommended may include, but not be limited to: