NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
What is the purpose of a Neuropsychological Assessment?
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The purpose of a neuropsychological assessment is to identify and describe individuals’ cognitive functioning within the context of medical, mental health, and situational factors, and to provide recommendations that might help to manage or overcome their difficulties. This may include the provision of a formal mental health diagnosis, when appropriate.
Who is a Neuropsychological Assessment helpful for?
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A neuropsychological assessment can be helpful for anyone who would like to understand more about their cognitive functioning (e.g., memory, attention, etc.); however, this service will be most helpful for individuals who are seeking clarification of their cognitive and mental health status for the purposes of treatment planning, determining potential work accommodations, complementing psychiatric medication consultation, and/or for insurance purposes (e.g., VAC, WSIB). Often, neuropsychological assessments are sought when people have incurred a brain injury (e.g., concussion), experienced a medical event or developed a medical condition that might impact their thinking and functioning, or when they have concerns about specific cognitive challenges and wish to know more about what the potential clinical cause may be.
If you are uncertain whether a neuropsychological assessment may be right for you, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss which service(s) may be the best fit for your needs.
How does a Neuropsychological Assessment work?
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A neuropsychological assessment typically takes place over several meetings. While some elements of a neuropsychological assessment can be conducted virtually, neurocognitive testing is conducted in person at our offices.
A neuropsychological assessment uses multiple sources of information to understand an individual’s challenges within the larger context of their life and current circumstances.
A neuropsychological assessment typically includes the following:
Clinical interview(s) related to relevant history, current symptoms, and functioning;
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Neurocognitive testing;
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Comprehensive self-report questionnaires;
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Review of previous relevant medical of psychological reports (if available)*;
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Consultation with previous care providers (optional, as authorized)*;
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Collateral interview with close others (optional, as authorized)*;
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Feedback meeting to review results and recommendations;
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A consultation note and/or comprehensive report.
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* Comprehensive Report (see below).
What types of Neuropsychological Assessment reports are available?
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The scope of a report may differ, based upon an individual’s needs and preferences. The following types of reports are available:
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Brief Report/Letter (1-2 Pages): A Brief Report or letter is focused primarily on presenting an individual’s diagnosis/diagnoses, and treatment recommendations. A letter outlining work-related accommodations can be provided that excludes personal health information.
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Consultation Report (3-5 Pages): A Consult Report summarizes the findings of neurocognitive tests and psychological measures, provides a more elaborate conceptualization of an individual’s diagnosis/diagnoses and causes, and provides additional resources for recommendation follow-up.
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Comprehensive Report (variable length): A Comprehensive Report presents a document review and review of collateral interviews as relevant, provides an in-depth summary of neurocognitive test performances and the findings of psychological measures, provides a more elaborate conceptualization of an individual’s diagnosis/diagnoses and causes, and provides additional resources for recommendation follow-up.
If you would like to learn more about the types of neuropsychological assessment report available, or would like to request a specific format of report different from the options above, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss options with you.
How much does a Neuropsychological assessment cost?
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The cost of a neuropsychological assessment varies depending on the complexity of the assessment and report needed. The cost of a neuropsychological assessment increases based on length of report required, level of recommendations/accommodations described, and whether document review, consultation with your previous health care providers, or collateral interviews are included.
If you are interested in a neuropsychological assessment please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your needs and provide a quote for the cost of your service.
Is a Neuropsychological assessment covered by extended health insurance?
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The cost of a neuropsychological assessment may be covered by your/your partner’s/your parent’s extended health insurance or other funding bodies, including WSIB and Veterans Affairs Canada. It is recommended that you speak with your health care coverage providers to determine whether and what proportion of services they may cover.