Understanding Neuropsychological Assessments: A Complete Guide

What is a Clinical Neuropsychologist?

A Clinical Neuropsychologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in assessing individuals with cognitive, behavioral, or emotional challenges linked to impaired brain function.

What is a Neuropsychological Assessment?

A neuropsychological assessment is a specialized evaluation conducted by a registered psychologist with advanced training in clinical neuropsychology. These professionals, known as clinical neuropsychologists, have undergone specialized training to provide expert assessment in this area. The assessment focuses on examining cognitive and emotional changes, and understanding the brain-behaviour relationship. It helps identify how your brain is functioning, identify areas of strength and weakness, and assess any changes that may have occurred following an event (e.g., brain injury, concussion, stroke, aging, or other neurological conditions).

Examples of Conditions We Assess:

• Brain Injury and Concussion
• Aging and Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Stroke and related cognitive changes
• Psychiatric Disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, depression)
• Chronic Substance Abuse (e.g., the effects of chronic alcohol use on brain functioning)
• Medical Conditions (e.g., diabetes) or their treatments (e.g., chemotherapy)

What You Can Expect from an Assessment:

1. Virtual Intake Interview 

• You will meet one-on-one with a neuropsychologist for an initial intake interview by phone or secure video.
• This will include a comprehensive discussion and understanding of your presenting concerns, as well as review and discussion of initial referral question.

2. Standardized Testing

• A separate testing session will be scheduled, where you will meet with our psychometrist who completes in person testing with you.
• This testing can include paper-and pencil and computerized tests looking at your thinking abilities such as your attention, learning, and memory.
• Testing can take anywhere from 3 hours for a brief screening, up to 6-8 hours for a more comprehensive assessment.
• You can bring what you need to feel comfortable, and breaks will be provided.
• You will also be asked to complete questionnaires of mood, anxiety, and personality.
• We may ask for your permission to meet with a family member/friend/caregiver to get additional information, and they may be asked to answer some questionnaires.

3. Feedback and Recommendations

• At the end of the assessment, the neuropsychologist will meet with you for a Feedback session. This is where you will discuss the results of the assessment.
• You will be able to ask any questions and discuss what steps you might take going forward.

4. When Will I get My Results?

Depending on how complex the referral question is, a typical time-frame from intake interview to final feedback session is about 2-4 weeks (this may also vary depending on referrals/wait list)

5. How the Test Results Are Used:

• Confirm or clarify a diagnosis
• Provide a detailed profile of strengths and areas for improvement. This can be extremely validating in and of itself. You will have clarity about your brain functioning and emotional health and feel more confident about how to move forward.
• Guide recommendations for rehabilitation, education, vocational training, and cognitive interventions
• Track changes in functioning since previous assessments
• Identify strategies to improve daily functioning
• Support referrals to other specialists, such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, dietitians, and more.

Below is a sampling of some of the questions that may be answered by completing a neuropsychological assessment:

Examples of Common Questions About Diagnosis:

• Am I experiencing early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s?
• Do I have a neurological condition affect my memory or thinking?
• Could I have sustained a brain injury after my accident or fall?
• What are the potential long-term effects of my concussion/brain injury?
• Are my cognitive difficulties related to aging, or is there something else going on?
• Could my memory problems be related to my mental health challenges or another medical condition

Examples of Common Questions about Daily Function:

• Is my elderly parent still able to live independently?
• How can I improve my focus at work/school?
• Am I physically and mentally ready to return to work after my injury?
• What strategies can help me manage my daily tasks more effectively?
• Why am I struggling to keep up daily routines or responsibilities?

Examples of Common Questions About Treatment:

• Would psychotherapy help me cope?
• I feel stuck with my therapist, what can I do?
• Could cognitive rehabilitation improve my memory or attention after a brain injury?
• Should I see a specialist for further medical tests or treatments?

Examples of Common Questions About Emotional Functioning:

• How can I tell if my mood changes are due to depression or a cognitive condition like dementia?
• Why am I feeling emotionally overwhelmed and disconnected after my recent health issues or injury?

What if I Need Treatment After My Assessment?

Following a neuropsychological or cognitive assessment, recommendations may include:

• Developing cognitive compensatory strategies tailored to the individual’s strengths and weaknesses
• Creating memory aids and strategies to address attentional challenges
• Brain injury or concussion management
• Psychological Treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Finding a real-world, hands on, functional approach to managing cognitive concerns in daily life

Assessment Fees and Insurance Coverage:

The fees for the assessment will depend on its complexity and duration. In consultation with the referral source, the cost will be determined in advance and discussed with you before you consent to participate. You will be encouraged to contact your insurance company to verify your coverage and decide whether you wish to proceed with the assessment.

Please note that we are a private practice and are not covered by OHIP. However, most extended health and insurance plans do cover psychological services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to learn more about your coverage. 

How do I Schedule an Assessment?

Please find our contact form on our website: Contact . Please complete in full and submit directly to our office. If you prefer to complete the referral by email, send to: info@mcapsych.ca or by phone please contact our office directly at 226-400-2155.