A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of a person’s cognitive abilities, or how well their brain is processing information. We assess multiple domains of cognitive function including very broad areas such as intellectual abilities and academic achievement. We also assess more specific cognitive abilities such as verbal processing, nonverbal (or visual) processing, executive function (e.g., organization, behavioral regulation, planning, foresight, response inhibition, problem-solving, reasoning, sequencing, etc.), memory and different types of memory, attention and different types of attention, behavioral function and social-emotional function.

In many cases, your insurance will cover all or part of the assessment, but coverage varies by plan and by the insurance company.

We will be happy to contact your insurance company to determine your coverage for a neuropsychological assessment. You may click here to submit information we need to verify your benefits, call our billing and insurance office (Billing Advantage) at (855) 210-3294 , or call the Dirksen Center at 847-357-9158

Call the Dirksen Center at 847-357-9158.

Yes. After you schedule an appointment, you will receive an email with JotForm links that will take you out to paperwork as well as additional information from the Dirksen Center regarding your appointment days and time. The paperwork includes demographic forms, consent to treat and bill your insurance company (if applicable), and an extensive patient history form. You will be asked to complete it before the initial interview takes place. Your neuropsychologist will review the material with you at that time.

For children, the assessment is scheduled over 2-3 appointments. Testing is split up over 2 days for 3 hours each day. 2 weeks before the first day of testing, the neuropsychologist will meet with you virtually to go over the history questionnaire, review the paperwork, obtain a thorough history, and hear more about your concerns. Then you and your child will come in for the first testing appointment. Testing will begin on the first day, and in most cases, will be completed on the second day. However, some children require more time, and in those cases, a third (usually shorter) appointment is scheduled to complete the test administration.

After testing is completed, a virtual feedback appointment is scheduled 3-4 weeks later. Your child does not need to be present at the feedback appointment. The feedback appointment is a discussion between the neuropsychologist and parents about what the results of the testing mean, and if there is a diagnosis, what that diagnosis means. It’s an opportunity for parents to ask any questions they might have or address any concerns. At the feedback appointment, your neuropsychologist will also discuss recommendations for home, school, and other treatments. The feedback appointment takes about 45 minutes, sometimes longer as the need dictates, and a full formal written report will follow.

Your child will probably need to miss 1 or 2 days of school in order to complete the assessment. We do not currently conduct assessments on Saturdays or in the evenings due to time constraints. Whenever possible, we are glad to schedule all or part of the assessment on a day that your child does not have school (e.g., institute day, school holiday).

Most children are just relieved to know that there won’t be any shots! Many parents like to tell their child a little about what they’ll be doing. Explain to them that they’ll be working with someone one-on-one and will be doing a lot of different things like answering questions, drawing, putting together puzzles, and listening. It doesn’t matter if they get answers right or wrong; it only matters that they always try their best. We are interested in seeing how your child does things, not necessarily if they get the correct answer.

The most important things are that your child is well-rested and has had a good breakfast or lunch. You cannot “study” for a neuropsychological assessment. In fact, we know that there will be some things that your child will not know how to do, and that’s OK. We’re interested in figuring out about your child’s strengths and weaknesses so that we can offer insight and assistance in addressing the questions that brought you to the Dirksen Center. The only thing a child needs to do is be prepared to give their very best effort – even on things they think are really hard or kind of boring!

You should also bring a drink and light snack for you and your child. We’ll take breaks to allow your child to rest for a bit, and they often appreciate a quick drink and a bite to eat. You should also bring anything that you would like to do during the time your child is in testing. The Dirksen Center has Wi-Fi available.

If the child’s parents or legal guardian request that results be sent directly from the Dirksen Center to the school, a “release of information” is signed, and we will gladly forward the results on. PLEASE NOTE: It is the policy of the Dirksen Center that no results be released before they are reviewed with the parents/guardians.

Yes. We require that a parent/guardian be present for the duration of testing. Exceptions are sometimes made for older adolescents (e.g., over 16). You do not need to stay if your child is 18 or older.

For Adults, the assessment is scheduled for 1 full-day appointment. Testing typically takes around 6 hours and accommodates breaks as needed as well as 1 hour for lunch.

On the day of testing, the neuropsychologist will meet with you in-person to go over the history questionnaire, review the paperwork, obtain a thorough history, and hear more about your concerns. Then you will begin testing.

After testing is completed, a feedback appointment is scheduled 3-4 weeks later. The feedback appointment is a discussion with the neuropsychologist about what the results of the testing mean, and if there is a diagnosis, what that diagnosis means. It’s an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have or address any concerns. At the feedback appointment, your neuropsychologist will also discuss recommendations for home, work, and other treatments. The feedback appointment takes about 45 minutes, sometimes longer as the need dictates, and a full formal report will follow.

If it is requested by the patient that results be sent directly from the Dirksen Center to their care team, a “release of information” is signed, and we will gladly forward the results on. PLEASE NOTE: It is the policy of the Dirksen Center that no results be released before they are reviewed with the patient.

In many cases, your insurance will cover all or part of psychotherapy, but coverage varies by plan and by the insurance company.

As a courtesy to our families, we will contact your insurance company to ask about coverage for a neuropsychological assessment and for psychotherapy. Coverage varies by company and by plan, and we encourage all families to contact their insurance company to make sure they understand any limitations to their coverage. We will pass on the information that we receive, but we cannot guarantee payment for services.

Call the Dirksen Center at 847-357-9158.

Your child will probably not need to miss school, as most appointments are scheduled during after-school hours. Some psychologists may have weekend hours available.

Yes. You will receive paperwork through the mail or be instructed to download it prior to the first appointment.

Preparing a child to see a psychologist will vary depending on the child’s age and developmental level, as well as your child’s particular areas of need. In general, you can let your child know that psychologists help kids/teens with their emotions and learning strategies to cope with their feelings. Psychologists also help kids/teens when they are struggling with friends or school-related tasks. You can assure your child that there will not be any shots or physical exams involved in psychotherapy.

Your psychologist will do an intake session where she will gather information about your child’s presenting concerns and a detailed history. From there, a treatment plan will be developed and discussed with you. Psychotherapy is an active and collaborative process where the child and parents/caregivers are involved in building skills both in session and practicing those skills in between sessions.

The specifics surrounding confidentiality will be discussed at the beginning of psychotherapy and will vary depending on your child’s age. Generally speaking, it is common for parents/caregivers to meet privately with the psychologist.

Our psychologists are happy to coordinate care with other providers and school personnel as clinically indicated. Prior to any contact, the psychologist will require you to complete an exchange of information form authorizing the care coordination.

Yes. We require that a parent/guardian be present. You do not need to stay if your child is 18 or older.