Neuropsychological Assessment

Clinical neuropsychologists are highly skilled and trained in assessing the cognitive, emotional and behavioural effects of a wide range of brain conditions. 

A neuropsychological assessment is a detailed and comprehensive evaluation of cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning. Better understanding cognitive skills and their impact on everyday functioning can assist with understanding brain changes and impact of mood disorders on your thinking, diagnostic clarification as well as treatment planning and management. 

Assessments can also be used to measure whether cognitive functioning becomes better or worse over time.

At Brain Care Health, we offer a caring and careful approach in completing neuropsychological assessments to individuals aged over 16 years. With expertise in assessment of cognitive skills, psychological functioning and behaviour, we deliver high quality feedback and recommendations for clients and their families, and other professionals involved as required. 

What is involved in a Neuropsychological Assessment?

 A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment involves a number of components:

1) Gathering background information including relevant medical, social and psychological history, and a detailed understanding of the presenting concerns. This will involve a clinical interview with the client and significant other, and include a review of any relevant documents (e.g., previous cognitive assessments, medical and psychiatric reports), and liaison with psychiatrists and other specialists as deemed appropriate.

2) An evaluation of cognitive strengths and weaknesses in a number of cognitive domains including: attention, speed of information processing, memory and learning, language, visuospatial skills, and higher cognitive functions (e.g., reasoning ability, problem solving and inhibition). Some tasks will be administered using an ipad and others will be pen-and-paper based tasks. Questionnaires about psychological functioning and behaviour will also be administered. The assessment will take approximately 3 hours with breaks as required.

3) Detailed analysis of all the test results and information obtained. 

4) A feedback session to the client about the assessment findings and recommendations. Making plans for any ongoing treatment. Liaison with other specialists as appropriate.

5) Providing a written report that summarises relevant information, assessment findings, and recommendations. 

What's the Next Step?

Brain Care Health offers cognitive rehabilitation and behaviour support to help individuals understand the changes identified in the assessment. This includes how to implement strategies in everyday living, and counselling to support you in every step of the way.  

Cognitive Rehabilitation

Cognitive Rehabilitation involves understanding the brain science of cognitive changes, and utilising compensatory strategies accordingly. Practical and meaningful strategies are explored collaboratively to better manage cognitive changes. 

Behaviour Support

Changes in behaviour following a brain injury are very common. They may include changes in personality such as impulsivity, inappropriate behaviour around others, becoming easily frustrated, irritable or agitated to name a few. We can help by providing education on why these behaviours occur, exploring triggers and finding ways of managing these behaviours with clients, carers and their families. 

Please note: Brain Care Health does not provide behavioural support for NDIS clients.