What Type Of Doctor Does Neuropsychological Evaluations?

A neuropsychologist performs neuropsychological evaluations. These specialized healthcare professionals are not medical doctors but hold doctoral degrees in psychology with advanced training in brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists conduct comprehensive cognitive assessments to evaluate how brain injuries, neurological conditions, or mental health disorders affect your thinking, memory, attention, and daily functioning. Unlike neurologists who treat brain diseases medically, neuropsychologists focus specifically on testing and measuring cognitive abilities through standardized tasks and exercises. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to adults, to diagnose conditions like concussions, stroke effects, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, and learning disabilities. The evaluation process typically takes 4-8 hours across multiple appointments and involves memory tests, problem-solving tasks, attention assessments, and language evaluations. Most insurance plans cover these evaluations when medically necessary and doctor-referred, making them accessible for patients needing cognitive assessment and treatment planning. FC Psych Experts specializes in providing these comprehensive evaluations.

Understanding What a Neuropsychologist Does

A neuropsychologist is a medical professional who performs neuropsychological evaluations that influence your behavior and mental abilities. They focus on evaluating how effectively you use your brain for daily tasks. This evaluation covers several key areas including:

• Your overall intelligence level.
• How well you focus and maintain attention.
• How quickly you process information.
• Your ability to communicate and understand language.
• How you learn new things and remember information.
• Your skills in logical thinking and solving problems.
• Your ability to understand visual and spatial relationships.
• Your emotional state and personality traits.

In some cases, these assessments may reveal the need for additional support such as forensic evaluations or personal injury evaluations.

Neuropsychologists work in two primary areas

• Research-focused neuropsychologists: These specialists conduct studies that advance our understanding of brain function. They help develop new testing methods and treatment approaches through scientific research, often publishing their findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Patient-care neuropsychologists: These professionals work directly with patients and medical teams. They perform comprehensive tests to measure brain function and collaborate with doctors to develop treatment plans. Many of these specialists focus on specific age groups, particularly children and adolescents who may benefit from psychoeducational testing.

The field of neuropsychology studies how our thoughts and perceptions connect to brain structures and biological functions. This specialty falls under psychology rather than neurology, combining mental health expertise with brain science knowledge.

When Should You See a Neuropsychologist?

You should visit a neuropsychologist when your doctor refers you for neuropsychological evaluations. Your primary care doctor or brain specialist might suggest this evaluation when you notice changes in your thinking abilities. These changes could include new problems with memory, concentration, language skills, or personality shifts. Such changes may result from medical, brain-related, psychological, or genetic factors.

Neuropsychologists conduct specialized testing for people across all age groups. They work with infants, children, teenagers, and adults to assess brain function through targeted tasks and exercises.

Neuropsychologists commonly evaluate several brain-related conditions including:

• Head injuries and concussions that affect brain function, often working with organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America.
• Epilepsy and seizure disorders.
• Brain tumors and cancer affecting mental abilities.
• Stroke and its impact on cognitive skills.
• Progressive brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Remember that treating these conditions typically requires a team of different medical specialists working together. For comprehensive care, you might also need clinical psychological evaluations alongside neuropsychological testing. In family situations, family therapy or co-parenting counseling might also be beneficial. For immigration-related assessments, specialized immigration evaluations may be required. The National Institute of Mental Health provides valuable resources about brain health and mental wellness.

How Neuropsychological Evaluations Help You

Clinical neuropsychologists conduct detailed neuropsychological evaluations to help you and your medical team understand how your brain functions. These evaluations reveal how different brain areas and systems are performing in your daily life.

The testing process involves multiple task-based exercises that measure specific mental abilities. You might need to remember word lists, copy drawings, or complete puzzles during these assessments. These standardized procedures follow guidelines established by the American Psychological Association.

Clinical neuropsychologists evaluate people with sudden brain injuries like concussions or strokes. They also assess individuals with ongoing brain conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. These professionals help diagnose certain conditions or track how existing conditions are progressing over time.

Steps a Clinical Neuropsychologist Follows During a Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation

1. Collects important background information including your medical history, psychological background, and symptom timeline.
2. Interviews family members and close friends to understand their observations about changes in your thinking abilities.
3. Administers various tests and tasks to measure your cognitive abilities. These may include spoken questions, written exams, computer-based tests, hands-on activities with blocks, puzzle-solving, and other specialized tasks.
4. Creates a comprehensive report that explains how different aspects of your thinking are functioning. This report gets shared with you and your entire healthcare team.
5. Discusses test results with you and explains how your cognitive strengths and challenges might impact your everyday activities.

Neuropsychologists collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals as part of your complete care team. Their detailed assessment reports help other doctors fully understand how your brain injury or condition affects you. This information guides your medical team in making informed treatment decisions for your specific needs. For specialized support, you might also consider therapy services to address emotional aspects of cognitive changes. In cases involving parent-child relationships, attachment and bonding assessments or reunification counseling may be recommended. The American Board of Professional Psychology maintains certification standards for neuropsychologists.

Research-Focused Neuropsychologists

Research-focused neuropsychologists primarily concentrate on scientific studies and advancing brain science knowledge. They conduct detailed research projects to expand our understanding of how the brain works and create improved testing methods. Unlike patient-care neuropsychologists, these specialists typically don’t work directly with people seeking medical treatment or evaluation services. Their work contributes to resources like Google Scholar databases that inform clinical practice.

Key Differences Between Neuropsychologists and Psychologists

The primary difference between neuropsychologists and psychologists lies in their approach to understanding human behavior and mental processes.

Psychologists focus on how your life experiences, relationships, and environment influence your mental health and behavior patterns. They specialize in understanding emotional responses, behavioral changes, and psychological conditions that stem from personal experiences and social factors. Many offer cognitive behavioral therapy to address these concerns.

Neuropsychologists concentrate on how biological factors and brain function impact your behavior and thinking abilities. They examine the connection between brain structure, brain injuries, neurological conditions, and how these physical changes affect your cognitive performance and daily functioning. Both professions follow ethical guidelines established by the APA Ethics Code.

How Neuropsychologists Differ from Neurologists

A neurologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and manages disorders affecting your nervous system. This includes your brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves throughout your body. Neurologists are medical experts who understand the anatomy, function, and diseases that impact your entire nervous system.

A neuropsychologist focuses specifically on how brain problems affect your behavior and thinking skills. Unlike neurologists, neuropsychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications or provide medical treatment. Instead, they specialize in neuropsychological evaluations of how brain conditions influence your daily mental abilities. For children with learning difficulties, they may recommend psychoeducational assessments or connect families with resources like the Learning Disabilities Association of America.

The distinction between these professionals is important for understanding when to seek different types of care. If you’re experiencing attention problems, organizations like CHADD provide valuable resources for ADHD support, while neuropsychologists can provide comprehensive testing to understand the underlying cognitive patterns.

Conclusion

Understanding neuropsychological services empowers you to make informed decisions about your brain health and cognitive wellness. If you’re experiencing changes in memory, concentration, or thinking abilities, don’t wait to seek professional help. Talk to your primary care doctor about whether neuropsychological evaluations might benefit your specific situation. These specialized evaluations provide valuable insights that guide effective treatment plans and improve your quality of life. Remember that neuropsychologists work as part of your healthcare team to address brain-related concerns comprehensively. Early evaluation and intervention often lead to better outcomes for cognitive conditions and brain injuries. Take the first step today by discussing your concerns with your healthcare provider. Your brain health deserves the same attention and care as your physical health.

For comprehensive mental health support, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness provide additional resources and advocacy. If you’re seeking professional evaluation services, consider contacting our team to learn more about how we can help with your specific needs. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing thorough, compassionate care for all your psychological and neuropsychological assessment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How Do You Become a Neuropsychologist?

Becoming a clinical neuropsychologist requires extensive education and training. The path includes:

• Complete undergraduate education to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field.
• Attend graduate school to earn a doctoral degree (PhD in psychology or PsyD).
• Complete a one-year, full-time internship during graduate school focusing on neuropsychology.
• Finish a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology for specialized experience.
• Pass national licensing exams and additional state-specific exams.

Licensed neuropsychologists must complete ongoing education annually including conferences, research, and specialized classes.

Do Neuropsychologists Attend Medical School?

No, neuropsychologists do not attend medical school. You do not need a medical doctoral degree (MD or DO) to become licensed. They complete psychology doctoral programs focusing on brain function and behavior.

How Long Does Training Take to Become a Neuropsychologist?

It typically takes 10 to 13 years to become fully licensed. The timeline depends on completing bachelor’s and doctoral degrees, plus a one-year internship and two-year fellowship.

How Long Does a Neuropsychological Evaluation Take?

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation typically takes 4 to 8 hours. Testing is usually spread across multiple appointments over several days or weeks. Duration depends on your condition, required tests, and participation ability.

Does Insurance Cover Neuropsychological Testing?

Most health insurance plans cover evaluations when medically necessary and doctor-ordered. However, coverage varies by provider and policy terms. Contact your insurance company before scheduling to verify coverage and understand potential costs.