Frequently Asked Questions
For most of you, this may be the first time you are exploring learning more about how your child learns and processes information…it’s okay to ask questions! Here’s a few answers, and rest assured our intake will cover all of the rest 🙂
What is a neuropsychologic assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning using a series of standardized tests and procedures. The assessment aims to understand how different areas of the brain are working and how they impact an individual’s abilities and behavior. It typically includes tests of memory, attention, problem-solving, language, visual-spatial skills, and executive functions, among others. The results provide valuable insights into strengths and areas of growth, guide diagnosis, and inform treatment planning , as well as provide valuable insight into how your child learns
What’s a Neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist undergoes extensive education and training to develop the expertise required to assess and treat cognitive and behavioral conditions. This journey typically begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, followed by a master and then doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology or neuropsychology. During our doctoral program, we receive rigorous training in psychological theory, research methods, and clinical practice, with a focus on brain-behavior relationships.We have in-depth knowledge of neuroanatomy, neuropathology, neuropharmacology, and neuropsychological assessment techniques. We also engage in research to contribute to the scientific understanding of brain-behavior relationships.
Following the completion of our doctoral degree, we complete a one-year pre-doctoral internship in clinical psychology, which includes supervised clinical experience in neuropsychological assessment and intervention. After the internship, we undertake a two-year postdoctoral fellowship specifically in neuropsychology, where we gain advanced, specialized training in the assessment and treatment of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
What will my child be doing?
Your child will be going through a bunch of tasks that assess a variety of different brain functions, such as Language processing, cognitive functioning, attention, social-emotional health, sensory processing and social reciprocity, to name a few! They will be working directly with us at all times, using tools such verbal questions, paper and pencil tasks, digital tasks and interactive puzzles. All of our patients meet with Dr Ferdico, and most also meet with one of our psychometrists.
Do you take insurance?
We are contracted with a variety of Insurance Plans. Our Billing Specialist will communicate with your insurance plan to find out exactly what is covered and what is not, although we always encourage you to reach out to your insurance as well.
Does my insurance cover everything?
Your HSA card will usually cover everything, whereas most typical medical insurance plans will only cover “medically necessary” portions of an assessment, which means there are usually private-pay portions of a comprehensive assessment. None of the medical insurance companies cover learning disorder assessment, gifted assessments, early kindergarten assessments or assessments for the purpose of getting accommodations.
Do you create Superbills, and what is that, anyway?
A Superbill is a type of invoice that has multiple pieces of information required by insurance to possibly reimburse your services. We will happily provide a Superbill with all required components so that you c an work with us regardless of your insurance plan.
How long will the evaluation be?
The process for an evaluation depends on a number of factors, from the referral question, age of individuals involved, number of medical records to be reviewed, etc. In the initial meeting with Dr Ferdico you can expect to get a ball park time frame. Our admin team typically books three, 2 hour sessions, but we will adjust as clinically needed. All times are an estimate, as all kids are different!
What will the final report tell me?
The report will describe each evaluation task and where your child has strengths and where they were struggling. We will discuss diagnosis and how to support both strengths and difficulties. Regardless of diagnosis, I will provide you with Therapeutic, School and Home recommendations to support your child and family. For our Thirve! Assessments, we will give you detailed information on how to maximize your child’s abilities, including educational setting, extracurricular recommendations and arts recommendations.
What should I tell my child?
We avoid the use of words such as “test, assessment, or evaluation” and instead refer to “tasks and activities”. Depending on age, I will ask your child what they want to learn about themselves! I recommend telling your child they will be doing a variety of tasks that will teach us about how their brain works and how to make school and life less stressful/more fun.