Clinical neuropsychology is a branch of clinical psychology that focuses on understanding a person’s cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial functioning in relation to how the brain works.

The goals include understanding and documenting a person’s cognitive, behavioural, and psychosocial strengths and weakness and understanding WHY the person is showing this pattern.

A clinical neuropsychologist is a regulated health professional who uses evidence-based practice in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of neurodevelopmental, neurological, medical, and psychiatric disorders that affect the performance of daily activities needed to take care of oneself, communicate, and get along with others.

(adapted from CPA’s “Psychology Works” Resources. https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-resource-training-to-become-a-clinical-neuropsychologist-in-canada/

The total amount of face-to-face testing time varies depending on the concerns, referral questions, and the age of the person being evaluated. For adults and older school-aged children it is around 5 to 6 hours. For children 3 to 6 years of age, it might be as short as 3 to 4 hours.

The usual activities involved in our neuropsychological assessments include an intake interview; a review of documents; the administration of tests; the scoring and interpretation of tests; a 1½ to 2-hour feedback session; and the provision of a written report about 3 to 4 weeks after the feedback session.

The evaluation process is based mainly on four sources of information:

1. Clinical Interviews

2. Behaviour Observation

3. Standardized tests

4. Informal procedures such as a review of relevant history, school records, other assessment reports, and consultation with others involved in the individual’s care, to name a few.

The focus of the practice is on neuropsychological assessment. Although we do not do isolated autism diagnostic assessments, there are times when concerns about autism arise in the context of the neuropsychological assessment. Depending on the circumstances, an autism diagnosis might be obvious and confirmed. If there is any doubt, appropriate follow-up is arranged.

Contact my office by completing the online form or by calling 519-253-5502. We will discuss your concerns and ways to meet your needs. If an assessment is recommended, we’ll decide on a date for your first appointment.

Bring all paperwork to you first appointment that we discussed such as forms, assessment reports from other clinicians, and any other relevant documents.

Expect a mid-day lunch break, which will provide an opportunity to eat, get some fresh air, and recharge.

The cost for the services of each day is billed directly to you and is due on the day of your appointment. Payment can be made by eTransfer, debit card, VISA, MasterCard, or American Express. I will provide you with an itemized invoice as a receipt.

You might have coverage through an extended health plan. Check with your employer or health insurance provider. I will provide you with an itemized receipt indicating that payment has been made that you can submit to your insurer. Fees are not covered by OHIP.

Should you decide after your appointment has been booked to not proceed with the assessment, a nominal fee of $300 will be charged to you for the time and material costs on the file. Failing to show for an appointment without at least 24 hours notice, will result in a charge of $500. Typically, insurance companies will not cover these expense.

No. Although they might recommend a referral, and even initiate one, you do not need a referral from a health practitioner to access our services. You make the referral directly by contacting our office.