Does Dr. Guendelman offer a complimentary consultation?

Dr. Guendelman provides complimentary phone consultations. She would be happy to speak with you regarding any questions you may have about the assessment process or her practice. 

What is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist holds a doctorate degree and licensure as a clinical psychologist, and additionally has special expertise in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Two years of supervised post-doctoral training in clinical neuropsychology and related neurosciences is required.

What does a neuropsychological assessment assess?

A neuropsychological assessment is an applied-science method for understanding brain-behavior relationships, and applying that understanding to help solve real problems in an individual's life. Neuropsychologists tend to ask questions such as: What is happening in this person's brain, both in terms of typical or expected development, and atypical or unexpected development? How does this child's brain functioning impact his thinking, feelings, and behavior in real life? What does the scientific literature tell us about how best to help teens like this? What kinds of intervention does this child need so that she reaches her optimal potential? How can we make sure the parents feel supported and empowered to advocate for their child?

Neuropsychologists use specialized tools and tests to examine various aspects of brain functioning, such as intellectual abilities, attention, executive functioning, learning, memory, social skills, emotional functioning, behavior, and self-help skills. A thorough neuropsychological assessment can help clarify what (e.g., what are the accurate diagnoses for this particular child?), why (e.g., why is this adolescent likely having these specific difficulties?), and how (e.g., how can this young adult's difficulties be addressed effectively?), among other issues.

How much does an assessment cost?

The comprehensive neuropsychological assessment is charged at a flat fee. Please contact Dr. Guendelman to discuss the fee.

How is payment accepted?

Payment is accepted via cash, check, and most major credit cards.

Will my insurance cover the cost of the assessment?

Dr. Guendelman does not take insurance and is considered an out-of-network provider by most insurance companies. However, upon request, Dr. Guendelman would be happy to provide you with an itemized bill ("superbill") with information such as the services provided and corresponding CPT codes. You may then submit the superbill to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. Note: there is no guarantee that the insurance carrier will reimburse your claim; please check with your carrier to consult directly about the reimbursement process. Please be aware that health insurance companies typically do not reimburse for assessments that are strictly academic/educational in scope since they may not be considered medically necessary.

What does a neuropsychological assessment entail? What can I expect?

Dr. Guendelman typically meets with parents (or young adults) for an initial consultation session, during which a comprehensive history will be obtained and reasons for seeking the assessment will be clarified. Testing sessions are a core component of the assessment process, and usually take place across 2 or sometimes 3-4 sessions, depending on the client's needs. Flexibility is the rule here, as some children do their best when they are tested across several brief sessions, whereas others feel more comfortable working for a couple of longer sessions. Testing mostly involves activities such as talking, using one's hands (e.g., drawing, manipulating objects), looking at designs and patterns, listening and remembering, and/or working on a computer. Dr. Guendelman may also request relevant records, provide questionnaires for parents, teachers, and others to complete, and obtain permission to speak with specific individuals (e.g., teachers, doctors, referral sources) as needed. Finally, Dr. Guendelman provides in-person feedback to clients along with a comprehensive written report, typically within a few weeks after all data is collected.

How soon will I get the results?

Dr. Guendelman provides in-person feedback to clients along with a comprehensive written report, typically within a few weeks after all data is collected.

Are weekend appointments available?

Yes.

How should I prepare?

It is important for clients to attend testing sessions feeling well-rested and well-nourished. You may bring snacks and water to the sessions. Dr. Guendelman will let you know in advance if there are any records or paperwork she would like you to bring. However, it can be helpful to get a head start by putting together important educational (e.g., report cards, IEPs), medical (e.g., imaging or neurophysiological studies, such as MRI or EEG), and psychological (e.g., past assessment reports) records whenever they are available.

How should I know whether to get a neuropsychological assessment versus a different kind of assessment?

You may feel confused about what type of assessment is most appropriate for you or your child. A neuropsychological assessment provides a truly integrative and comprehensive understanding of your child's thinking and learning skills and social-emotional functioning in a way that other assessments are simply not geared to do. Oftentimes, parents arrive at the decision to obtain a neuropsychological assessment after much frustration that the past treatments or assessments they have gotten are limited to a narrow aspect of their child.  Dr. Guendelman will be glad to speak with you about your options, and if she thinks there is a good chance that a neuropsychological assessment may be helpful in addressing your concerns.

Can a private assessment such as those provided by Dr. Guendelman be used to request an IEP or 504 Plan at a public school district? 

Yes! A private assessment that documents a particular diagnosis or functional impairment can provide evidence of a disability. The school district is required by law to consider the results and provide appropriate supports for your child. Dr. Guendelman's comprehensive assessments cover the core cognitive and academic areas relevant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as the current science. As such, assessments can provide information about a student that school districts may overlook, and lay the groundwork for requesting supports through a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Does Dr. Guendelman attend IEP meetings or conduct classroom observations?

Dr. Guendelman is available to attend IEP meetings and conduct classroom observations.