A psychologist specializes in assessment, including neuropsychological assessments, I often get questions about neuropsychological evaluations, what they involve, with the offer, and why they cost so much! Here is some information that may help.
What is Neuropsych Testing?
Neuropsych testing isn't a single test, but a comprehensive evaluation that assesses several different areas of brain function. In Los Angeles, these assessments are particularly helpful for:
Diagnosing ADHD: Unraveling attention, focus, and impulsivity issues in children, adolescents, and adults.
Learning Disorders: Identifying specific challenges like dyslexia or dysgraphia that can hinder academic performance.
Memory Concerns: Exploring the nature and severity of memory problems, which could be due to various causes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Evaluating cognitive and social functioning in individuals suspected of ASD.
Impact of Brain Injury: Assessing cognitive changes after a concussion, stroke, or other brain injuries.
Dementia Evaluation: Differentiating between normal age-related memory decline and early signs of dementia.
Because I work only with adults and not children, I most often do neuropsych testing with adults who are curious about an ADHD diagnosis, cognitive concerns related to a stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, or another medical event, or cognitive decline related to dementia. I also do evaluations for people who suspect a diagnosis of autism, though it is important to note here that ASD is often diagnosed (in adults) without a neuropsychological evaluation. The same is true of ADHD. I find that neuropsych assessment is valuable in cases where a clear diagnosis cannot be made simply through a clinical interview, for example, done during a psychotherapy intake with a psychologist who can diagnose. So, although neuropsychological evaluation is not always necessary to receive a diagnosis of autism or ADHD, it can be helpful if there are many complex factors that make the diagnosis unclear.
The Neuropsych Testing Process in Los Angeles
The process typically involves several steps:
Initial Consultation: Discussing your concerns and reasons for seeking testing.
Clinical Interview: An in-depth conversation about your medical history, educational background, and any specific challenges you're facing.
Standardized Testing: Administering a battery of tests that assess memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions.
Feedback Session: Review the results, explain the findings, and discuss potential diagnoses or recommendations.
One important note here is that all of this work requires many hours, both in the evaluation face-to-face with you, and also before and after the evaluation, selecting a tailored test battery, scoring and interpreting tests, writing up a report, and reviewing records, in some cases. People are sometimes surprised at the cost of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, but there are typically between 10 and 20 hours of work put into each assessment, in addition to the expertise gained by many years of education, training, and experience. Hopefully, this helps explain the cost.
Who Conducts Neuropsych Testing in California?
Licensed psychologists with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology and specialized training in brain-behavior relationships, conduct these assessments. Here in California, a psychology license is a general license that covers every specialty, so there is no separate license for neuropsychologists, child psychologists, forensic psychologists, or any other specialty. The most important factor when it comes to finding the right psychologist for your evaluation is the doctor's competence in assessing what you need to be assessed.
For example, as a psychologist with a great deal of neuropsych testing experience in adults with dementia, medical complexity, and disability, I am well-qualified to do neuropsychological evaluations for adults with questions of cognitive function in the context of aging, traumatic brain injuries, medical events, and neurodiversity. Other neuropsychologists specialize in assessing children, so their areas of expertise may be in diagnosing learning disorders and determining accommodations for school settings. So, competence is important, in addition to the fit with what you need.
The Benefits of Neuropsych Testing
Neuropsych testing offers a wealth of benefits:
Accurate Diagnosis: Provides a clear picture of your cognitive strengths and weaknesses, leading to a more accurate diagnosis.
Informed Treatment Plan: Guides the development of personalized interventions and treatment strategies.
Improved Academic Performance: Helps identify learning disabilities and pave the way for appropriate academic support.
Enhanced Self-awareness: Provides valuable insights into how your brain functions, empowering you to manage challenges more effectively.
Finding the Right Neuropsychologist in California
With so many qualified professionals in California, and in Los Angeles, choosing the right psychologist is crucial. Consider factors such as their area of expertise, experience working with your specific concerns, and your comfort level when talking to them. Don't hesitate to ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable with the chosen professional.
Begin Neuropsych testing in Los Angeles, CA
Neuropsych testing is a powerful tool for understanding your brain and optimizing your cognitive health. It empowers you to find answers, make informed decisions, and pave the way for a brighter future. So, if you've been wondering about your cognitive abilities or have questions about a diagnosis, consider scheduling a consultation with a qualified neuropsychologist in California. Dr. Reger is happy to offer support with a variety of assessments through neuropsych testing. Start the testing process by following these simple steps:
Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment
Meet with Dr. Reger for an evaluation
Get a better understanding of neurological issues!
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED BY DR. REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA
Neuropsychological assessments aren’t the only service I offer. I know that you may encounter more than one mental health concern at a time. I offer multiple psychological assessments as well. Other assessments include capacity assessments, cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more helpful support today!