Overview
Psychological and neuropsychological evaluations focus on understanding how thinking, emotions, and behavior are affected by mental health, developmental, medical, or neurological factors. A psychological or neuropsychological evaluation helps explain concerns related to memory, learning, attention, problem-solving, emotions, or behavior.
Our licensed clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists evaluate children, adults, and older adults using evidence-based tools to identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strengths and challenges. Results help clarify underlying causes and guide treatment, therapy, educational, or support recommendations.
Evaluations are helpful for individuals experiencing attention or learning difficulties, emotional or behavioral concerns, changes in thinking or memory, or cognitive changes related to medical or neurological conditions.
Benefits of an Evaluation
- Identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strengths and weaknesses
- Clarify possible medical, neurological, developmental, or psychological causes
- Support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
- Track changes over time
- Provide practical recommendations for home, school, or work
When an Evaluation May Be Helpful
A psychological or neuropsychological evaluation may be helpful when someone is experiencing:
- Changes in thinking, memory, attention, or learning
- Emotional or behavioral concerns affecting daily functioning
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks or managing responsibilities
- Changes in mood, behavior, or decision-making
- Language or communication difficulties
These evaluations help determine what factors may be contributing to current concerns and how best to support the individual.
When a Different Service May Be More Appropriate
Some concerns are better addressed by other types of services:
- Concerns focused on emotional or psychiatric symptoms (such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD) are best addressed through therapy or psychiatric care.
- Academic or school-based learning concerns without broader cognitive issues are best assessed through educational or psychoeducational evaluations. These services are typically self-pay and not covered by insurance.
- Requests made solely for legal or disability determination purposes are not part of our clinical evaluation services.
Psychological vs. Neuropsychological Evaluations
Both evaluations support understanding emotional and cognitive functioning, but they focus on different areas:
- Psychological evaluations focus on emotional, behavioral, and personality functioning to clarify mental health diagnoses and guide treatment planning.
- Neuropsychological evaluations focus on brain-based thinking skills such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving to understand how medical, neurological, or developmental conditions may be affecting daily functioning.
What to Expect
- Clinical Interview – Review of history, symptoms, and current concerns with the individual and/or family (1–2 hours).
- Evaluation Appointment – Standardized paper-and-pencil and/or computerized measures of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Length varies based on the type of evaluation and referral question.
- Feedback Session – Review of results and recommendations with the individual and/or family. A written report is provided to the referring provider.
Getting Started
A referral from a prescribing provider is required for psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. Completed referrals can be faxed to 860-748-4432.
For more information or to get started, please contact us at 860-270-0600 x100 or clinicalservices@escrec.org
