Your Brain Is Your greatest Asset - PRIORITIZE ITS health!
Even Minor Cognitive Impairments Can Lead to Behavioral Challenges, Emotional Distress, Memory Loss, and Difficulties in School or at Work
Recognized for their potential to enhance cognitive health, neuropsychological evaluations are increasingly advocated to be integrated into routine health care, similar to periodic health check-ups, as they enable early detection of cognitive impairments, monitor recovery, and guide individualized rehabilitation strategies. Their relevance spans diverse populations, from children with attention and learning difficulties to elderly individuals facing cognitive decline, reinforcing the notion that cognitive health is a vital component of overall well-being.
What We Do |
A neuropsychological evaluation is a specialized assessment focused on understanding the relationship between an individual's brain function and behavior. It can be thought of as a check-up for the brain and is designed to assess and delineate cognitive abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, playing a crucial role in diagnosing and formulating treatment plans for various neurological and psychological conditions.
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Who Can Benefit? |
Everyone can benefit from understanding their brain better. Whether you’re a parent seeking answers for your child, a student wanting to build academic success, a professional looking to optimize productivity, or someone facing memory or cognitive changes, our services are tailored to your unique needs. We don’t just diagnose—we empower. By understanding how your brain works, you’ll gain the tools and strategies to improve your daily life, relationships, and performance.
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the difference between psychologists and neuropsychologists
The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) has established strict practice guidelines to ensure that neuropsychological assessments are conducted with scientific rigor and clinical skill. Without the proper training and certification, regular psychologists cannot provide the same level of specialized assessment and interpretation that a qualified neuropsychologist can offer.
Additional Qualifications for Neuropsychologists
Becoming a neuropsychologist requires extensive additional training beyond what's needed for a regular psychologist. After completing a bachelor's degree, earning a doctoral degree, and completing a one-year internship, neuropsychologists must undergo an additional one to two years of specialized postdoctoral fellowship training specifically in neuropsychology. The entire journey typically takes 10-13 years of education and training.
Superior Testing Methods
Neuropsychological testing is far more comprehensive and specialized than regular psychological testing. While regular psychologists typically conduct personality tests (like the MMPI) and basic behavioral assessments, neuropsychologists use specialized tests that specifically measure how different parts of the brain are functioning. Their assessments are more detailed and typically take several hours to complete, examining multiple cognitive domains such as memory, attention, language, and processing speed.
Additional Qualifications for Neuropsychologists
Becoming a neuropsychologist requires extensive additional training beyond what's needed for a regular psychologist. After completing a bachelor's degree, earning a doctoral degree, and completing a one-year internship, neuropsychologists must undergo an additional one to two years of specialized postdoctoral fellowship training specifically in neuropsychology. The entire journey typically takes 10-13 years of education and training.
Superior Testing Methods
Neuropsychological testing is far more comprehensive and specialized than regular psychological testing. While regular psychologists typically conduct personality tests (like the MMPI) and basic behavioral assessments, neuropsychologists use specialized tests that specifically measure how different parts of the brain are functioning. Their assessments are more detailed and typically take several hours to complete, examining multiple cognitive domains such as memory, attention, language, and processing speed.
OUR Advantages
Experience & Expertise
Our practice has specialized for over 30 years in neuropsychological evaluations and treatment consultation for children, adolescents, and adults. With a deep understanding of the complexities of the brain and brain-behavior relationships, our skilled clinicians can pinpoint specific cognitive challenges and offer recommendations and appropriate treatment options.
Tailored Assessments
Our assessments are tailored to each individual and our reports, which provide a detailed and careful interpretation of results and appropriate personalized recommendations, can serve as an essential tool for diagnosis, treatment planning, educational choices, career decisions, and more.
Comprehensice Approach
Our evaluations are thorough as we assess various cognitive domains, emotional well-being, and behavioral functioning to provide a holistic understanding of the assessed individual's strengths and challenges. In addition, we don't just stop at testing. We provide actionable strategies, resources, and ongoing support to help you create meaningful change.
Collaborative Care
We work closely with our clients and their healthcare team to ensure a collaborative approach to their care. We value open communication and believe in keeping everyone informed every step of the way.
Now Offering Treatment Services
After many years dedicated solely to diagnostic services, our practice is thrilled to now offer pertinent treatment options, including neurofeedback and talk therapy. Our therapist, Rachel Stewart, is committed to helping adolescents and adults navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, stress, interpersonal difficulties, and more.
Our practice has specialized for over 30 years in neuropsychological evaluations and treatment consultation for children, adolescents, and adults. With a deep understanding of the complexities of the brain and brain-behavior relationships, our skilled clinicians can pinpoint specific cognitive challenges and offer recommendations and appropriate treatment options.
Tailored Assessments
Our assessments are tailored to each individual and our reports, which provide a detailed and careful interpretation of results and appropriate personalized recommendations, can serve as an essential tool for diagnosis, treatment planning, educational choices, career decisions, and more.
Comprehensice Approach
Our evaluations are thorough as we assess various cognitive domains, emotional well-being, and behavioral functioning to provide a holistic understanding of the assessed individual's strengths and challenges. In addition, we don't just stop at testing. We provide actionable strategies, resources, and ongoing support to help you create meaningful change.
Collaborative Care
We work closely with our clients and their healthcare team to ensure a collaborative approach to their care. We value open communication and believe in keeping everyone informed every step of the way.
Now Offering Treatment Services
After many years dedicated solely to diagnostic services, our practice is thrilled to now offer pertinent treatment options, including neurofeedback and talk therapy. Our therapist, Rachel Stewart, is committed to helping adolescents and adults navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, stress, interpersonal difficulties, and more.
Our Evaluations Can Help Diagnose a Range of Conditions
ADHDNeuropsychological evaluations offer a thorough analysis of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, leading to a more accurate diagnosis of ADHD and any coexisting conditions. Based on assessment results, targeted strategies and interventions, incl. behavioral therapies, educational accomodations, and lifestyle modifications, can be recommended.
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Autism (ASD)Neuropsychological evaluations are essential in understanding the cognitive functioning of individuals with autism. They not only help diagnose but also offer valuable insights into associated challenges, help families better understand their loved one's needs, and guide tailored interventions and support strategies to enhance functioning and quality of life.
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Learning DisordersNeuropsychological evaluations are vital for identifying learning disorders, as they assess the underlying neurocognitive processes that affect a child's ability to learn and perform academically. By pinpointing specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses, they provide insights that help tailor effective interventions and support strategies to enhance educational outcomes.
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DementiaNeuropsychological evaluations are crucial in diagnosing dementia, as they assess cognitive deficits and help differentiate between various types of dementia and normal age-related cognitive decline. These assessments provide valuable insights into how cognitive impairments affect daily functioning, guiding appropriate interventions and support for individuals and their families.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Neuropsychological evaluations can assess the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional impacts of traumatic brain injury (TBI), providing a comprehensive understanding of the individual's condition. These evaluations help clinicians develop tailored treatment plans and interventions by identifying specific cognitive deficits and guiding recovery strategies.
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Mood DisordersNeuropsychological evaluations can help individuals with mood disorders by assessing cognitive and emotional functioning, including mood and personality, to identify how these disorders impact daily life. These evaluations provide valuable insights into cognitive impairments, which are a central feature of mood disorders, and guide tailored treatment strategies to improve overall functioning and quality of life.
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Developmental
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Cognitive
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OCDNeuropsychological evaluations can help diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by assessing rigid thinking patterns, repetitive behaviors, and difficulties with flexible problem-solving or attention. These evaluations provide insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of OCD, such as dysfunction in the prefrontal and frontal regions, basal ganglia, and limbic system, helping to guide treatment strategies
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Dr. Ekdom and Dr. Hashemian are both recognized as the TOP neuropsychologists for the entire Virginia/DC/Maryland region and are featured on the TOP Doctors Interviews, which are seen on CNN Headline News, FOX News, Oprah Winfrey Network, CNBC, and other networks.
