Evaluation Services - Clinical & Forensic Neuropsychology Services of MS

General Information

The purpose of a clinical evaluation is to identify your current psychological and/or neuropsychological functioning as the data provides the psychologist with information that can then be used to assist with diagnosis and treatment planning.
Some evaluations are sometimes required before you undergo certain medical procedures such as brain, weight loss (i.e., bariatric), or spinal cord stimulator implant surgeries.
Evaluations are comprehensive and typically consist of a clinical interview, consultation with your treatment providers, review of your records, and either psychological or neuropsychological testing (e.g., completing self-report inventories, surveys, and/or specific tasks).
Evaluations are individualized and based on the referral questions or concerns.

Psychological Evaluation

Psychological evaluations are helpful for clarifying concerns related to emotional, adaptive, and personality functioning as well as in measuring intellectual and academic functioning. Psychological evaluations typically include a 1 hour interview, 1-4 hours of assessment and testing, and a feedback session lasting up to 1 hour. The feedback session is scheduled at a later date to allow the psychologist time to review all records and findings as well as to write the report.

Neuropsychological Evaluation

Neuropsychological evaluations focus on brain-behavior relationships and are helpful in clarifying any cognitive, emotional, and psychological concerns that are often associated with some type of medical or neurological condition. This type of evaluation is also used to develop and guide further treatment and can assist family members with managing patient care, such as in the early detection of a major neurocognitive disorder (i.e., “dementia”). Neuropsychological evaluations are complex and typically include a 1 hour interview, 3-7 hours of testing, and a feedback session lasting up to 1 hour. The feedback session is scheduled at a later date to allow the psychologist time to review all records and findings as well as to write the report.

Presurgical Evaluation

Presurgical psychological evaluations are now a required component of some presurgical medical evaluations as research has shown that psychological and social factors have a role in managing chronic pain and medical conditions, preparing for surgery, coping during recovery, adapting to changes during and following rehabilitation, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Presurgical psychological evaluations typically include a 1 hour interview and 1-4 hours of testing. A feedback session may be scheduled at a later date to allow the psychologist time to review all records and findings as well as to write the report.