Neuropsychological Assessment & Psychological Assessment Services

A very helpful article published by the American Psychological Association (APA) addresses this question. Please visit https://www.apa.org/topics/testing-assessment-measurement/understanding.

The terms 'neuropsychological assessment' and 'psychological assessment' are sometimes used interchangeably, but they involve different evaluation approaches. Both types identify the underlying cause of a client's struggles, their diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. Neuropsychological testing is more thorough than psychological testing, but it is not necessary for all situations. The client's specific needs influences the assessment approach selected.

We offer a wide range of assessments at Cobalt Psychological Services. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs. Some common areas of assessment include:

• Cognitive functioning 
• Intellectual ability (IQ)
• Executive functioning
• Abstract reasoning
• Attention
• Language
• Problem-solving
• Memory
• Visual spatial abilities
• Personality
• Academic skills
• Adaptive functioning
• Social functioning
• Emotional functioning
• Behavioral concerns
• Motivation and performance validity

We assess for a wide range of diagnoses at Cobalt Psychological Services. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs. Some common diagnostic assessment include:

Neurodevelopmental disorders:

• Intellectual disability (we also assess for giftedness)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Specific learning disabilities
• Motor disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Bipolar and related disorders
• Mood disorders
• Trauma-related disorders
• Conduct disorders
• Substance-related disorders
• Personality disorders

The components of an assessment are based on the specific referral question, but each generally includes the following elements:

1. The client completes necessary forms regarding client history and current concerns.
2. The client gathers their educational, healthcare, service provider, or past assessment records.
3. The clinician conducts in-person, semi-structured, clinical interview(s) with the client, family members, teachers, or other health care professionals as needed. 
4. Selected participants who know the client well complete online questionnaires (if applicable).
5. The clinician may conduct behavioral observations at client's home, work, school, or facility. (if applicable).
6. The client completes testing in-person. Tests are selected based on the appropriateness of their norms, the adequacy of their reliability and validity, as well as practical considerations involving the client's intellectual, verbal, sensory, and physical abilities. 
7. The clinician compiles data, scores tests, interprets results, creates recommendations, and finalizes report.
8. Participants meet for an in-person, feedback session to review results and recommendations.

Preparation helps ensure you're at your best the day of testing!

• Schedule testing when life stressors are at a minimum.
• Eat healthy, nutritious meals the day before and morning of testing.
• Get a good night's rest.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Medications should be taken as usual unless otherwise discussed with the clinician.
• Bring any physical or sensory aids you typically use such as walkers, glasses, or hearing aids.
• Bring a favorite healthy snack or drink.
• Children may bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or toy to play with during breaks.
• Short breaks will be provided throughout testing as needed.  
• Come with an open mind and a healthy attitude.

Parents have the right to request the school district conduct an evaluation at no cost to them. Schools focus on a student's qualifications for special education and so they may decline if they feel the student is functioning in the average range. Unlike private assessments, school assessments do not provide diagnoses, insight into learning styles, or treatment recommendations. It is also important to note that schools may decline to implement the treatment recommendations provided in a private evaluation. 

You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment at Cobalt Psychological Services. However, your insurance provider may require one. We recommend contacting your insurance provider and asking them if your behavioral health benefits require a referral. 

Excellent news! We look forward to working with you! Please call (360) 367-3819 to discuss:

• Your current concerns. Together we will clarify your specific referral question(s).
• What you would like to gain from an assessment.
• Current and past interventions. 
• Estimated cost of assessment. 
• Schedule first appointment - the clinical interview.
• Forms to complete records to bring with you to the first appointment. 
• At the first appointment we will discuss next steps including scheduling the second appointment - in-person testing (testing may require multiple appointments depending upon the referral question and client factors).