What to Expect

Neuropsychological and psychological assessments usually involve at least two appointments:

One to gather the information and complete the assessment
One to provide feedback and recommendations to you.
Sometimes, there may be additional appointments; for example, if a person tires easily, the assessment appointment could be done in two sessions instead of one.

Before Your Appointment

You will be asked to complete some paperwork. Completing this paperwork in advance helps the appointment go more quickly and smoothly.

On the Day of Your Appointment

You will probably be asked to bring a trusted family member or friend who knows you well.
This helps in two ways:

Your trusted friend/family member can provide another perspective on how you’re functioning in daily life and any changes they’ve noticed
During the feedback session, you may be given a lot of information, which can be overwhelming; a family member or friend can help you remember information and ask questions.

Please know that we respect your privacy and confidentiality, and will always ask for written permission before speaking with even a trusted family member or friend.

During Your First Appointment

You will be asked some open-ended questions so that we can understand your background.
You will then be given cognitive or psychological tests, or both.
Cognitive tests are often designed to get harder and harder until everyone—no matter how good they are at something—begins to have difficulty.
So, these tests are usually challenging.
They are created this way to capture the full range of people’s skills and abilities.
If you are coming for neuropsychological assessment, you will be given tests that assess a range of different cognitive skills, including verbal, visual, memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning.
Psychological tests will typically ask you questions about yourself.
Both types of tests can take time so that we can get all the information we need.
It is common for these assessment appointments to last between 2-6 hours.

After Your First Appointment

Your test results will be scored, compiled, and integrated with all other available information to produce as comprehensive a conceptualization as possible.
A report detailing the assessment information, conceptualization, and recommendations will be created.
This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
If you have signed a release of information to provide this report to another professional (e.g., primary care doctor, neurologist, therapist, etc.), the report will be provided securely to them and telephone consultation will be offered.

During Your Second Appointment

You will be given feedback and recommendations.
Feedback will be tailored to the reason that you are seeking neuropsychological and psychological assessment.
This is a good time for you to ask questions.
You will also be provided a summary of your results and recommendations in writing.

Follow-up Appointments

Sometimes people find it helpful to repeat neuropsychological or psychological assessment to see if a problem is getting better, worse, or staying the same.
These follow-up appointments often occur 1-5 years after the initial assessment, depending on your need, but could also occur as soon as a few months after your assessment.