Neuropsychological Assessment

A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive assessment process designed to understand how the brain functions in areas such as memory, attention, reasoning, learning, emotional regulation, and problem solving. It is often used when there are concerns about developmental, cognitive, or psychological functioning that affect daily life, school performance, or work functioning.

At Ascent Psychological Services, this type of evaluation is used to provide clear, strengths based insight into how an individual processes information and where they may need additional support.

Neuropsychological Evaluation at Ascent Psychological Services

At Ascent Psychological Services in Cincinnati, OH, our neuropsychological evaluations provide a structured and insightful assessment process designed to enhance individuals’ and families’ understanding of cognitive and emotional functioning.

Our evaluations may include assessments of learning disabilities, intellectual capabilities, executive functioning, attention, memory, and related psychological areas. We believe in the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach, which involves clinical interviews, standardized testing, and detailed analysis of results. This methodology enables our clinicians to highlight both strengths and challenges, offering valuable insights in a way that is both meaningful and practical.

What the Assessment Process Looks Like

Our neuropsychological assessment follows a structured process divided into four steps: Interview, testing, feedback, and report

  1. Every assessment begins with an initial diagnostic interview. During this session the clinician will ask about the concerns, developmental history, academic or occupational challenges, and behavioral patterns along with anything more the clinician decides is necessary. This helps the clinician understand the background and reason for assessment.

  2. Next is the testing phase. Unlike a Psychological Assessment, a Neuropsychological Assessment requires two testing sessions, as a more in depth understanding of your strengths and challenges is necessary. These sessions may involve standardized assessments measuring attention, memory, problem solving, language skills, visual spatial abilities, and emotional functioning, along with the assessment measures necessary to diagnose any psychological conditions. These tools are designed to capture a detailed picture of how your brain processes and maintains information.

  3. Two to three weeks after the final testing appointment is your final session: the feedback session. At this time the clinician provides an in-depth conclusion of your interview and tests. This feedback session is designed to support clarity, reduce confusion, and help individuals move forward with practical next steps in therapy, education, or daily functioning.

  4. About two to three weeks following the feedback, you will be provided a comprehensive written report that outlines what the clinician discussed in the feedback. This report can be shared with schools, healthcare providers, or other professionals involved in care.

What is Assessed in Neuropsychological Assessments?

At Ascent Psychological Services, our neuropsychological evaluations are a preferred choice when clients face multifaceted concerns that exceed the scope of a standard psychological diagnosis. Think of this evaluation as a Psychological Assessment + specific testing for learning and intellectual disabilities, strengths and challenges, learning profiles, and more.

This in-depth assessment is particularly valuable when symptoms are intricate or when previous diagnoses haven't fully captured the difficulties a person is facing. It offers a thorough understanding of how cognitive and emotional systems interplay and helps identify the underlying causes not just the surface level symptoms.

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Benefits of Neuropsychological Evaluation

Those who pursue a neuropsychological evaluation often achieve a deeper understanding of their cognitive and emotional functioning. This newfound clarity sheds light on longstanding challenges that may have previously felt isolating or perplexing. One of the key advantages of this clarity is that it opens the door to personalized accommodations, enhancing academic, occupational, and personal success. Additionally, the evaluation highlights unique learning profiles, which can be instrumental in guiding accommodations and targeted interventions. Ultimately, this process empowers individuals to make informed decisions and develop effective, long-term support plans, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment process designed to understand how the brain functions in areas such as memory, attention, reasoning, learning, emotional regulation, and problem solving.

  • At Ascent Psychological Services, Dr. Lauren Elder, Ph.D., ABPP, and our team of Practicum students, who are directly supervise by Dr. Elder, provide these assessments.

  • It assesses for psychological conditions. (ADHD, Autism, OCD, etc.) and learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, strengths and challenges, learning profiles, and more.

  • A neuropsychological assessment typically takes 4 session. However, if deemed necessary another session may be added.

  • Depending on the provider you choose for you assessment will vary the cost. For Dr. Lauren Elder the complete total is $2,750. For a practicum student the total is $1,875. Regardless of your choice the payments will be divided into three parts. A $250 is due once the assessment sessions have been scheduled. The remaining total is divided into two parts. The first half is charged on the day of the first session and the second half is charged 30 days following the first half.

Moving Toward Clarity and Understanding

At Ascent Psychological Services, our neuropsychological evaluations offer a thorough and detailed exploration of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. These evaluations empower individuals and families to gain insight into persistent challenges, enabling the identification of the most effective support strategies.

Our comprehensive assessments, coupled with personalized recommendations, empower individuals to progress with increased confidence, clearer direction, and a more tailored support plan.