Have any questions? We’ve got answers.
Here are some commonly asked questions that clients often have. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly.
Fees & Payment
Full Circle Psychology is currently out-of-network for insurances, however, we will make every effort to work with you and your insurance company to get the maximum reimbursement for services.
Insurance companies are not obligated to provide in-network coverage or out-of-network benefits for all conditions. Specifically, your health insurance will not cover services related to learning-based issues, educational accommodations, or legal questions. Some insurance carriers provide benefits for ADHD/ADD testing.
We are a CareCredit provider: https://www.carecredit.com/go/524PMJ/
Information on good faith estimate: Our office will guide you through the process of determining expected insurance coverage and estimated cost before services are rendered.
Neuropsychological Assessment
What is neuropsychology and what will this assessment do for me?
The brain is the seat of all thinking, learning, memory, processing, and language. It is also the epicenter of all emotional experience and consciousness. It should come as no surprise that conditions that affect cognitive aspects of the brain may also impact an individual’s emotional functioning. When an individual’s cognitive and/or emotional functions are negatively impacted, the result can be devastating. A child’s life trajectory is established during the early years – any negative force that disrupts the educational process or emotional development can have lasting effects. For adults, declines negatively impact careers, relationships, and general life plans.
Modern technology has revolutionized medicine over the past 30 years. From brain imaging techniques to genetic testing – impressive strides have been made that will continue to provide increasingly sophisticated ways of treating clients. However, despite these advances, the most effective method for assessing cognitive and emotional functioning is a neuropsychological examination. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can take pictures of the brain, but these pictures lack information about the actual functioning of the brain. Can you tell from a picture how well a car runs? You can definitely see if there are dents and dings, and may be able to take a look at the motor. But, just looking at a picture will not provide information about how the car runs. Neuropsychologists are far more interested in understanding how the brain functions than what it looks like.
Neuropsychology is a subspecialty of clinical psychology that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive and emotional disorders. Physicians, educators, mental health professionals, and attorneys refer their clients for neuropsychological exams when there is a question about the functioning of the brain.
For younger clients, the concerns often emerge as barriers to learning or problems in educational settings. There is a compelling body of research that suggests individuals who are undiagnosed and untreated are at a higher risk for substance abuse, trouble with the law, relationship instability, mood disorders, and generally struggling to meet their potential. Children and adolescents may also develop cognitive difficulties secondary to brain tumors, genetic or medical conditions, seizures, head injuries, and infections.
Among adult and geriatric clients, concerns that precipitate a neuropsychological evaluation are often related to what is called acquired conditions, such as brain injuries, strokes, heart attacks, seizures, tumors, neurodegenerative medical conditions, mood disorders, and dementia.
Using paper and pencil, game-like, tests, a neuropsychologist is able to quantify the various strengths and weaknesses of your brain. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses! If there is a problem, the neuropsychologist will identify the problem, provide you with information about the likely cause of the problem, and offer possible treatments/solutions for dealing with the problem.
A physician or other professional referred me for an assessment. What’s next?
After you’ve been referred for a neuropsychological examination, the next step is to call our office to set up an appointment. We will always do our best to respond to your inquiries in a timely fashion. We do have high volume times/days of the week, and so it may be a several days before we return your call. Once you have been scheduled, you will receive a Background History Questionnaire from us. Please complete this form prior to your appointment. Also, bring to your appointment any water/ light snacks, glasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices.
What areas are covered in an assessment?
The needs of each patient are unique, and so our providers will use the information provided by your physician together with the details you share during the clinical interview to craft a testing protocol designed to effectively assess and describe the way your brain functions.
Will I receive feedback?
We are committed to providing you or your family member with the highest level of care in a thoughtful and compassionate way. An important part of patient care is taking the time to explain the test results to you and answer any questions that you may have.
Therapy
What is the first step in seeking therapy?
The first step in seeking therapy is to schedule an initial consultation with us. During this session, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals, and we will gather information to develop a personalized treatment plan.
How long does therapy typically last?
The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual and their specific needs. Some clients may find relief in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. Your clinician will work with you to determine the most appropriate duration for your treatment.
What can I expect during a therapy session?
During a therapy session, you can expect a safe and confidential space to discuss your thoughts and feelings. Your clinician will listen attentively, provide guidance, and offer evidence-based techniques to help you navigate through your challenges. Therapy sessions are tailored to your unique needs and may include mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and other therapeutic approaches.
How often should I attend therapy sessions?
Therapy sessions frequency varies based on your needs and goals. Typically, clients start with weekly sessions and adjust as progress is made.