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What is a neuropsychologist?
What is a neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with advanced specialization in understanding the structure and function of the brain in relation to specific psychological and cognitive processes and behaviors. Neuropsychologists complete coursework that emphasizes this along with extended training in a two-year postdoctoral fellowship.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
Assessments vary in their complexity and are determined based on clinical concerns. Not everyone needs a full neuropsychological evaluation. Evaluations can range comprehensive assessments to targeted assessments for a specific problem. There are also instances where neuropsychological evaluation is necessary to establish baseline functioning and track progress, such as with certain medical conditions (e.g., traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, chemotherapy, genetic disorders). Evaluation needs will be determined after the intake to ensure that all clinical concerns are being addressed.
More information about types of evaluations is provided on the Services page.
How do I know if I need an evaluation?
How do I know if I need an evaluation?
If a problem is persistent or causes significant difficulties in day-to-day activities, an evaluation can be helpful in determining underlying challenges that may be contributing to the clinical presentation. Clearly identifying the root of the problem can help with treatment planning and determining supports that are needed. Sometimes another provider or school may recommend an evaluation to clarify diagnosis and provide treatment recommendations.
If you are unsure, if you need an evaluation, you can book a free 15-minute consultation by emailing wgeller@calpedneuro.com
Is a neuropsychological evaluation different from a psychoeducational evaluation?
Is a neuropsychological evaluation different from a psychoeducational evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation typically includes the intellectual and academic assessments that would be needed/requested by a school for a psychoeducational plus more comprehensive assessment of cognitive domains. Private psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations have the ability to provide diagnoses, but psychoeducational evaluations done through the school, are not typically able to provide a diagnosis.
What is the evaluation process?
What is the evaluation process?
Intake. The evaluation begins with a comprehensive intake interview with the patient, or the patient’s guardians if they are a minor. Based on this interview, an evaluation plan will be created and discussed. As California Pediatric Neuropsychology only offers “concierge” services, discussion will include location that the in-person portion of evaluation is to take place (e.g., home, school, rented therapy office).
Testing. In-person testing will be conducted with the patient at the agreed upon location. Testing is usually at least several hours long, so it is recommended to bring a snack and some water. Sometimes previous records may be requested as part of the evaluation and may be sent electronically or physical copies may be given to the examiner during in-person testing.
Feedback. Following completion of the evaluation, feedback will be provided to the patient and/or their guardians as appropriate. Feedback is an opportunity to discuss findings from the evaluation and recommendations for next steps.
Report. A written report that explains results from the evaluation, diagnostic considerations, and recommendations will be provided following the feedback session. This report can be distributed to other sources as needed, such as schools and other providers.
What are concierge services?
What are concierge services?
California Pediatric Neuropsychology does not have a physical location of business. Concierge means that services are rendered on-site at a designated location. The intake and feedback sessions are typically done via telehealth while the testing is conducted in-person at an agreed upon location such as home, school, or a rented therapy office.
Does California Pediatric Neuropsychology do evaluations for adults?
Does California Pediatric Neuropsychology do evaluations for adults?
Yes. California Pediatric Neuropsychology does not have an age cutoff for services. Dr. Geller has experience across the lifespan with individuals from ages 3 through 98.
Can I do telehealth sessions out of state?
Can I do telehealth sessions out of state?
No. California state law for psychology licensure requires that anyone who is attending a telehealth session must physically be in the state of California.
Will the evaluation ever need to be repeated at a later time?
Will the evaluation ever need to be repeated at a later time?
Whether or not reevaluation is needed depends of the reason for referral and outcome of the evaluation. For example, an evaluation may be done to establish a diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, autism, learning disorder), and repeat evaluation would only be needed if new concerns arise. Other conditions may require serial assessment to track recovery progress or monitor for further decline (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders).
What if an evaluation was already completed with the school or other provider?
What if an evaluation was already completed with the school or other provider?
If an evaluation was already completed with the school or other provider, repeat evaluation may or may not be needed. Repeat evaluation may be warranted when individuals or families are seeking a second opinion or have been recommended for further evalation. Repeat evaluations are typically done at least a year after the former evaluation to prevent practice effects on measures.
Does California Pediatric Neuropsychology conduct forensic evaluations?
Does California Pediatric Neuropsychology conduct forensic evaluations?
No. California Pediatric Neuropsychology does not conduct forensic evaluation. Information from evaluations are intended for clinical purposes only.
Do you take insurance?
Do you take insurance?
California Pediatric Neuropsychology is not a contracted provider with any insurance company or managed care organization. If you intend to submit costs of the evaluation to your health insurance for reimbursement, inform the provider in advance. California Pediatric Neuropsychology will cooperate to provide documentation and information to an insurance company as requested but is not responsible for assuring insurance eligibility for services provided. The patient or guardian is responsible for verifying and understanding the limits of their coverage and obtaining insurance reimbursement.
What forms of payment do you accept?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Zelle. This can be completed through your bank for free. Payments can be sent to "calpedneuro" using Zelle.
ACH Transfer. This is typically free through your bank. Information can be provided upon request.
Cash/Check. This needs to be provided prior to rendering of services. If a check is provided, sufficient time must be allowed for the funds to clear prior to providing any services.
PayPal. Please note that PayPal adds a 3.5% transaction fee to each payment which will be reflected on your invoice.
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