A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with advanced training in the study of how brain functioning affects thinking, learning, emotions, and behaviors. All psychologists complete a doctoral degree, which usually takes at least four years. To become a neuropsychologist then requires an additional, highly specialized, two-year fellowship in clinical neuropsychology. These fellowships often are either adult-focused or pediatric-focused.

Neuropsychologists have extensive, specialized knowledge of brain structure and functions. Thus, a neuropsychological evaluation can provide a more sophisticated understanding of cognitive, academic, behavioral, and emotional functioning than a regular psychological evaluation might be able to provide. However, neuropsychologists also conduct psychological, psychoeducational, and other such types of evaluations when clinically indicated.

A pediatric neuropsychologist has particularly extensive knowledge about how the brain develops and changes across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood -- and how those changes affect thinking, learning, emotions, and behaviors. Having trained and then worked in a medical setting for over a decade before going into private practice, Dr. Holland also has a highly advanced understanding of how medical conditions can affect brain development and neuropsychological functioning.

Many providers advertise “neuropsychological evaluations” but are not neuropsychologists. Working with a board-certified neuropsychologist ensures that your provider has this advanced training and expertise.

A neuropsychological evaluation can offer helpful guidance regarding the following:

- Difficulty learning

- Decline in grades

- Gifted/talented assessment

- Academic placement

- Career/occupational decisions

- Social difficulties

- Behavior problems

- Attention problems

- Depression symptoms

- Anxiety symptoms

This is not a comprehensive list. There are many other instances in which a neuropsychological evaluation may be useful. For example, obtaining a baseline evaluation can ensure that any changes in brain functioning after some future event (anticipated or not) may be more objectively determined. Children who have a history of developmental issues (e.g., speech delays, genetic conditions) or a medical condition affecting the brain (e.g., epilepsy, concussion, brain tumor) may benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation.

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation involves assessment of three broad domains: cognitive functioning, academic skill development, and psychological functioning. Within those domains, testing may address:

• Cognitive Functioning:

  • General intelligence

  • Memory and learning

  • Attention

  • Executive functioning

  • Language

  • Visual-spatial skills

  • Sensorimotor skills

• Academic Skill Development:

  • Basic word reading

  • Phonetics

  • Reading comprehension

  • Spelling

  • Written expression

  • Basic math calculation

  • Math word problem solving

  • Academic fluency (speed/accuracy)

• Psychological Functioning:

  • Emotional adjustment

  • Behavioral regulation

  • Social skills

  • Sensory issues

  • Effort/motivation

Other types of evaluations (psychological, psychoeducational, etc.) may involve assessment of some but not all of these domains, as clinically indicated.

The evaluation consists of an initial consultation, testing session(s), and a feedback conference to discuss the results and recommendations.

Testing is customized to address your specific concerns and answer the questions you may have. Testing may involve paper-and-pencil tasks, hands-on activities, verbal questions, and/or computerized tasks as indicated based on information collected from the initial consultation and any prior documentation that has been provided. The exact duration of testing can vary drastically depending on many things, including how quickly the patient works. In some cases, abbreviated testing sessions distributed over multiple days may be indicated. However, most patients prefer to complete testing in a single day. Breaks are provided as often as necessary, and you may request a break at any time.

Once all testing been completed, I will meet with you to discuss the findings and recommendations. Generally, after feedback conference has been completed, you will receive a comprehensive written report of the evaluation within 3-4 weeks. Expedited reports are available if needed.

Neuropsychological evaluations can be conducted only by neuropsychologists. In contrast, “developmental” and psychoeducational evaluations may be conducted by psychologists with no specialized training in neuropsychology. In fact, psychologists may conduct developmental and psychoeducational evaluations even if they have very minimal training in assessment.

Psychoeducational evaluations typically focus only on testing broad intelligence and academic skills. Psychoeducational evaluations are more limited in scope than neuropsychological evaluations and do not include formal assessments of specific domains of cognitive functioning (e.g., attention, memory, executive functioning). Psychoeducational evaluations focus on identifying difficulties (what is happening) rather than examining the underlying brain origins and neurocognitive processes causing those difficulties (why it's happening).

Neuropsychological evaluations can provide answers to both the “what” and the “why” questions, to determine how best to maximize the patient's capabilities. This is because a neuropsychological evaluation addresses all areas of concern related to brain functioning. Such testing may encompass cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and adaptive functioning. This detailed assessment of specific brain functions ensures accuracy in diagnosis and optimized planning for your child's success in life.

For example, neurocognitive diagnoses that can mimic symptoms of ADHD (such as anxiety, autism, and auditory processing disorders) often are mistakenly diagnosed as ADHD based on a more limited “ADHD evaluation” or psychoeducational evaluation. When a provider approaches a case from just one perspective (e.g., “ADHD evaluation”), other possibilities can be easily overlooked, especially if that provider does not have specialized training in assessment, neuroanatomy, and neurological disorders. Working with a board-certified neuropsychologist ensures that your evaluator has the advanced training, knowledge, and experience necessary to interpret results within the larger framework of a detailed assessment of neurocognitive functioning.

Yes. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Holland can determine if accommodations on standardized tests such as the ISEE, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and USMLE may be indicated. If this is one of your primary reasons for pursuing an evaluation, please let Dr. Holland know at the start of the evaluation process, so that she can be sure to provide documentation according to the guidelines required for the particular test(s) in question.

Parents (ISEE, SAT, ACT): Please be aware that evaluation for standardized testing accommodations does not guarantee that your child will be determined to qualify for such accommodations. Whether or not your child qualifies for testing accommodations, the evaluation process still should help you learn more about your child's neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses. Based on these strengths and weaknesses, Dr. Holland can discuss with you individualized strategies for how best to support your child in school and in life.

Adult patients (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, USMLE): Please be aware that evaluation for standardized testing accommodations does not guarantee that you will be determined to qualify for such accommodations. Whether or not you qualify for testing accommodations, the evaluation process still should help you learn more about your neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses. Based on these strengths and weaknesses, Dr. Holland can discuss with you individualized strategies for achieving academic and occupational success.

Maybe, but not necessarily. Through neuropsychological evaluation, Dr. Holland can assess for a number of possible diagnoses, including but not limited to learning disabilities, ADHD ("ADD"), autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychiatric disorders. However, Dr. Holland will not provide a diagnosis if it is not indicated based on the results of the evaluation.

Whether or not your child meets criteria for a diagnosis, the evaluation process should help you learn more about your child's neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses. Based on these strengths and weaknesses, Dr. Holland can discuss with you individualized strategies for how best to support your child in school and in life.

For adult patients, the same is true; the data from a neuropsychological evaluation will guide individualized strategies for achieving academic and occupational success, whether or not criteria for a specific diagnosis is met.

Younger children in particular may be worried that going to see a doctor means getting shots, x-rays, or other procedures. You can explain to your child that Dr. Holland is not that kind of doctor but is more like a teacher. Instead of telling your child that he/she will be "tested," you can tell your child that this will be a day of pencil-and-paper activities, questions, and puzzles. For some children, it may be helpful to describe the evaluation as "sort of like school."

Dr. Holland will introduce the testing process to your child at the start of the testing day, and he/she will have an opportunity to ask any questions.

For neuropsychological, psychological, or psychoeducational evaluations, payment of a non-refundable $1k fee is required to reserve a time for the initial consultation. That fee will go toward the total cost of the evaluation. At the time of the testing session, the remainder of the full evaluation fee will be due. Dr. Holland's evaluation fees are commensurate with her training, experience, and status as a national leader in the field who has won numerous awards for her research and clinical work.

Payment is accepted by cash, check, Zelle, Visa, MasterCard, Health Savings Account (HSA), or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). HSA or FSA accounts typically can be used to pay for psychological or neuropsychological assessments, which effectively makes those services tax-deductible. Please check your specific HSA or FSA to see if any restrictions apply.

Dr. Holland does not accept insurance for payment. This policy protects your child's privacy, as insurance companies often request detailed psychiatric, psychological, and medical information in order to determine coverage for neuropsychological services. This policy also allows Dr. Holland to provide the services that will be most helpful to your child, rather than having a representative from the insurance company determine what your child needs. Dr. Holland will be happy to provide you with all of the documentation needed to file an "out-of-network" claim. If you would like to pursue this option, please check with your child's insurance company before scheduling services.

Yes. Please contact the office if you are interested in retaining Dr. Holland for a speaking appearance, record review consultation, or other services.