What Is Neuropsychology and How Can It Help You?
Neuropsychology might sound like a complex term, but at its heart, it’s about understanding the incredible connection between your brain and your behavior. Neuropsychology focuses on how the brain functions and influences our thinking, emotions, and actions. When we have a better understanding of what our brain can do, we can take steps to improve it!
What Does a Neuropsychologist Do?
A neuropsychologist is someone who helps you put the puzzle together. During a neuropsychological evaluation (sometimes called a neuropsychiatric evaluation or cognitive testing), a neuropsychologist measures how well your brain is functioning in areas like memory, visuospatial functioning, problem-solving, language, and executive function—the skills that help you stay organized, focused, and in control. Using the scores from the neurocognitive tests, the neuropsychologist integrates that data with your developmental, educational, occupational, psychiatric, and medical history to make a diagnosis (if applicable) and provide recommendations for treatment.
These assessments are especially helpful for various conditions, including:
Dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), etc. These assessments can be referred to as “dementia evaluations” or “dementia screening.”
Neurologic disease or medical illnesses, including central nervous system tumors, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, etc.
Traumatic brain injuries (sometimes called concussions)
Complex psychiatric illness that can cause problems in thinking
Executive dysfunction, like ADHD or someone “not acting like themselves.”
The goal is not just diagnosis, but a plan moving forward, including understanding of recovery/ disease progression/prognosis, evidenced-based treatments available, and what families can do to support their loved ones.
How Can Neuropsychology Help?
Neuropsychology bridges the gap between science and the human experience, offering support in ways that can transform lives.
Here are some examples of how it might help you outside example above:
For adults with ADHD: A neuropsychological evaluation can identify your cognitive strengths to use to support your attention, providing targeted interventions that help you feel confident in your abilities.
For those navigating aging: An evaluation can help detect changes early and empower you to make proactive choices for your health and well-being.
For those worried about a loved one: A dementia evaluation can help measure and track cognition over time.
For trauma survivors: Neuropsychology can provide insights into how trauma affects brain development and function, and guide treatment recommendations (exposure-based therapies, cognitive processing therapy, etc.).
For chronic stress: If stress feels like it’s rewiring your brain, you’re not imagining it. Chronic stress can lead to changes in memory, focus, and emotional regulation. Neuropsychology helps uncover these patterns and offers pathways to restore balance.
A Bright Path to Healing
Working with a neuropsychologist isn’t just about identifying problems; it’s understanding the next step to take. Whether it’s through tailored PTSD therapy, strategies to improve executive function, or treatment for head injuries, neuropsychology offers hope and tools for a brighter future.
Healing is like a patina—the beautiful wear and weathering of life that makes you uniquely you. With age, experience, and care, your brain and emotions can become stronger and more resilient. Neuropsychology is here to help you uncover that beauty, one step at a time.
If you’re ready to explore how neuropsychology could help you, consider scheduling a neuropsychiatric evaluation or reach out for a free consultation. Healing starts with understanding, and you (and your brain) are worth it.
