FAQ’s

• A licensed psychologist has earned a PhD or PsyD and diagnoses and treats mental health disorders. A psychologist DOES NOT prescribe medication in most states at this time.
• A psychiatrist has earned a MD or a DO with a specialization in psychiatry, is a medical physician, and IS ABLE TO PRESCRIBE medication.
• A neuropsychologist has earned a PhD or PsyD in psychology with specialized training in neuropsychology, which is the study of brain function in relation to cognition, emotion, and behavior. Neuropsychologists are experts in the relationship between the brain, learning, and behavior and provide neuropsychological and psychological evaluations to aid in diagnosis and treatment. They DO NOT prescribe medications in most states.

Although many of our referrals are physician-initiated, we would be happy to see you on a self-referral basis as well. Some insurances require a physician referral for neuropsychological evaluation services but most other insurance companies do not require a referral. Our office manager can help you facilitate the insurance process.

The first part of the evaluation process involves a clinical interview with the psychologist to discuss your background and the issues that are concerning you. The information gained during this interview, along with a review of your medical records, will be used to determine which tests to administer that address your specific areas of concern.
The second part of the evaluation process is the actual testing session (described below).
The third part of the evaluation process is a feedback session with the psychologist to discuss the results of the evaluation and the recommendations.
Some adults and their families choose not to have a feedback session and instead have the results directly sent to their treating physician. In this case it is important to note that the treating physician will discuss the evaluation findings along with results of other testing that they may have ordered; however, the discussion is often not a detailed account of the neuropsychological test results.

The testing session involves performing activities that will assist in diagnosis and treatment recommendations. These activities may involve answering questions, performing paper-pencil tasks, looking at pictures, solving problems, remembering information, doing activities on the computer, etc.
The length of the test session varies depending on the number and type of tests administered. Sessions typically are scheduled in the morning (e.g., 7:30/8:00am) or afternoon (e.g., 12:00/12:30pm). The exact length of time depends on the number and types of tests administered, as well as how long it takes an individual to completes the tasks. Breaks are offered throughout the session as needed. If the person being tested begins to fatigue, experiences worsening chronic pain, or has other interruptions to the testing session, an option to complete the testing on another day can be discussed.

You should schedule your evaluation on a day when you have no other time commitments. You should get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a good breakfast/lunch. You should bring a snack and/or a drink with you to the appointment. You should bring your reading glasses and/or hearing aids (if applicable). Dress in layers. If you tend to feel chilled indoors, you may want to bring a sweater or light jacket. Most people do not have to discontinue taking any medications prior to the evaluation session; however, the exception is if you are being tested formally for an attentional disorder. If you are being evaluated for a formal attentional disorder, a discussion of whether you should continue to take any attentional medications prescribed will be discussed during the clinical interview session.

Most people find the activities enjoyable and interesting. Many of the activities will seem like school-type tasks, while others will be like nothing you have experienced before. We will ask you to remember some things, draw some things, and figure some things out, both verbally and nonverbally. There is nothing invasive about the testing. There are no needles involved and you will not have to change into a paper gown or walk around the office.

While an MRI or CT scan shows the structure of the brain, and an EEG shows the electrical activity of the brain, the neuropsychological evaluation shows the functioning of the brain. The domains assessed generally include mental status/mental capacity, intellectual functioning, memory, language, visual spatial abilities, processing, executive functioning (e.g. planning, organizing, reasoning, problem solving, behavioral inhibition), attention and concentration, and sensorimotor functioning. Additionally, emotional and behavioral functioning is assessed, as needed.

• Whether memory loss is due to normal aging, dementia, cognitive effects of depression, or other causes
•Differential diagnosis of type of dementia and level of progression
•Whether memory-enhancing medications may be beneficial in improving quality of life
• The cognitive effects of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, seizures, and other neurological conditions
• Concerns regarding cognitive capacity to make medical, legal, and financial decisions
• Whether an individual is safe for driving or staying home alone.
• Helps an individual better understand the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects of developmental and acquired conditions, including: Traumatic Brain Injury, Seizure Disorder, Brain Tumor, Acute or Chronic Medical Conditions
• Help with diagnosis and treatment of emotional problems, including: Depression, including Major Depression and Persistent Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, Relationship Difficulties, Adjustment Problems in Response to Psychosocial Stressors

Understanding the cause of a person’s cognitive, emotional, or behavioral difficulties is a key factor in planning an effective and efficient intervention, which then allows the person to address the problem and move forward in his or her life. Otherwise, the problem will remain as a stumbling block in the person’s life and cause unnecessary struggles and unhappiness.

The results and recommendations may be discussed one-on-one with the psychologist in a feedback session, during which any questions are answered, and any concerns addressed. The results also are included in a detailed report that is sent to the doctor who referred you and also is available to you.

Yes, we do accept insurance. Please contact the office for the most up-to-date information regarding insurances we accept in the process of understanding your benefits and coverage.

Feel free to contact us by phone (602-675-0335) or email doris@knappneuro.com).