What is clinical neuropsychology?
Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty field within clinical psychology. It is specifically focused on the relationship between the brain and behavior and answers questions regarding the diagnosis of brain disorders, cognitive and behavioral functioning, and treatment planning.
Why should I seek a clinical neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists provide specialty assessment and intervention based on their knowledge of brain-behavior relationships by integrating pen and paper testing results, behavior observation, patient and family interviews, clinical history, and other work-ups to help determine what is causing the patient's presenting difficulties. This provides a basis for diagnosis, treatment, and other beneficial recommendations for daily living, work, and school.
A clinical neuropsychologist holds a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree, with over a decade of education and training in fields such as clinical psychology, neuroanatomy, physiology, and psychopharmacology, among other subjects.
A clinical neuropsychologist holds a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree, with over a decade of education and training in fields such as clinical psychology, neuroanatomy, physiology, and psychopharmacology, among other subjects.
Are you licensed to provide online evaluations in my state?
I am a clinical neuropsychologist licensed in the state of Texas, both for online and in-person appointments. I also have Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) through PSYPACT, which covers the following states:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
What does PSYPACT mean?
PSYPACT is an interstate compact designed to allow licensed psychologists to conduct telehealth/online appointments across state boundaries legally and ethically without necessitating to become licensed in every state. You can learn more about PSYPACT here.
Do you see adults and/or children?
We see patients over the age of 6.
What kind of conditions can neuropsychologists help with?
Neuropsychologists can help with any condition that causes changes in thinking, mood, or behavior. We can clarify and provide recommendations for a range of conditions, including:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Dementia (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis…)
- Mental disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychosis…)
- Intellectual and learning disabilities (autism spectrum disorders, and attention-deficit disorders)
How can neuropsychological evaluations promote students’ academic success?
Neuropsychological evaluations are crucial for students who are struggling academically and may require learning accommodations. This can be especially important for ACT/SAT accommodations, which must be completed before age 16 to qualify for extended time and other considerations. Such testing can form the basis for college accommodations and other intervention recommendations.
How can neuropsychological evaluations be useful in a legal context?
Neuropsychological evaluations are often critical in legal situations involving individuals' abilities to handle their money, make changes in their wills, in personal injury suits, and others. Click here for more information on legal consultation services.
What insurance do you accept?
Central Texas Neuropsychology, LLC currently accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, Baylor Scott & White Healthplan, Medicare, and United/Optum health plans. Please check with your insurance company to determine your exact coverage for mental health services.
If you are not covered by one of these plans or if you do not have health insurance, we can work with you on a self-pay rate. We can also provide Superbills for services rendered for out-of-network plans.
If you are not covered by one of these plans or if you do not have health insurance, we can work with you on a self-pay rate. We can also provide Superbills for services rendered for out-of-network plans.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs such as medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
On January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act came into effect intending to protect patients from unexpected healthcare bills. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You can request a written Good Faith Estimate at least 1 business day before your medical service or item or before scheduling it.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute this bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.
On January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act came into effect intending to protect patients from unexpected healthcare bills. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You can request a written Good Faith Estimate at least 1 business day before your medical service or item or before scheduling it.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute this bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.
What can I expect during my evaluation?
A typical neuropsychological evaluation will involve a thorough interview with you about how you are doing currently as well as your medical, psychological, and social history. It is also helpful for the clinician to obtain information from an informant (a friend or family member who can provide additional information about your functioning), and we may request that you bring someone with you to the interview. Please note that we will only interview others with your permission.
Following the interview, we will administer a series of standardized tests using oral questions, paper and pencil, computers, the manipulation of materials such as blocks and puzzles, and other procedures.
Depending upon the referral question and intent of the evaluation, testing may focus on a wide range of cognitive functions, including attention, memory, language, academic skills, reasoning and problem-solving, visuospatial ability, sensory-motor skills, mood, behavior, and personality.
Following the interview, we will administer a series of standardized tests using oral questions, paper and pencil, computers, the manipulation of materials such as blocks and puzzles, and other procedures.
Depending upon the referral question and intent of the evaluation, testing may focus on a wide range of cognitive functions, including attention, memory, language, academic skills, reasoning and problem-solving, visuospatial ability, sensory-motor skills, mood, behavior, and personality.
How long will the evaluation take?
This will depend upon the referral question and the scope of the specific evaluation. A brief cognitive screening may take as little as an hour, whereas a comprehensive assessment can require up to 8 hours or more, usually spread out over multiple appointments.
What will happen after the evaluation?
After the evaluation, the neuropsychologist will analyze all the information gathered from the history and examination, integrating it into a comprehensive report.
Depending on the referral question and the scope of the evaluation, the report will include a description of neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses, relevant patterns of findings, and recommendations for further assessment, treatment, and improving daily functioning.
Subsequently, we’ll set up a follow-up appointment with you to go over the test results and recommendations as well as address any questions you may have. With your permission, the report can be shared with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Depending on the referral question and the scope of the evaluation, the report will include a description of neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses, relevant patterns of findings, and recommendations for further assessment, treatment, and improving daily functioning.
Subsequently, we’ll set up a follow-up appointment with you to go over the test results and recommendations as well as address any questions you may have. With your permission, the report can be shared with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Do I need a referral?
That depends on your insurance policy. Some policies require a referral from a primary care physician, others do not. Check with your insurance company or call us if you aren't sure.
Have More Questions?
We are here to help with any questions or doubts you may have.
Call 254.262.6743, email us at [email protected], or fill out our contact form here. Look forward to assisting you! |