When are psychological/neuropsychological evaluations typically performed?
Neuropsychological testing is commonly performed with children when there is a question of giftedness, learning issues, an attentional disorder (ADHD), or a developmental disorder.
How do I know if my child needs an evaluation?
The psychologists at CNC will work with you to determine whether an evaluation is necessary based on parent and teacher concerns and prior assessments. In cases that testing has been completed by schools or other assessors an abbreviated evaluation may be indicated.
What should I tell my child about the evaluation?
Information provided to your child is based on his or her developmental level. We encourage parents to minimize possible testing anxiety by discussing the evaluation in a causal way. Children should be informed that they will be working with a psychologist on different types of activities to better understand how they think and learn. Some of the activities may be easy and some might be more challenging.
My child is currently taking medication. Should s/he take medication as prescribed during testing?
Except in unique circumstances, children should continue to take their medication as usual during testing sessions.
What can I expect from an evaluation?
Psychological/neuropsychological assessment typically includes an initial intake session to gather information, two or three half-day testing sessions, a parent and child feedback session and a school feedback session. At the time of parent feedback, families will be provided with a comprehensive report detailing each child’s strengths and weaknesses. Areas typically assessed include: cognitive skills, attention, executive functioning, memory, language, academic (reading, math, written expression) and social-emotional (social skills, mood, anxiety, peer relationships) functioning.
Who conducts the evaluation? Do you ever use graduate students, trainees, or technicians?
The evaluations are completed by a doctoral-level, licensed clinical psychologist. We do not use students or technicians for any part of the evaluation.
Do you collaborate with schools regarding psychological/neuropsychological assessment findings?
The psychologists at CNC specialize in providing cognitive behavioral (CBT) and behavioral therapy (BT). These therapies are structured, goal-oriented, short-term treatments focused on the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Behavioral therapy includes collaboration with parents to manage challenging behaviors such as temper tantrums, non-compliance, and aggression.
What type of therapy is offered?
The psychologists at CNC have specialized training in a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Therapy, parent training, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and can incorporate the core strategies of Dialetical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These therapies are structured, goal-oriented treatments. Our clinicians are skilled at building trust and rapport with children and adolescents while also involving parents to maximize treatment effectiveness.
Do you offer telehealth?
Our clinicians are available to work with therapy patients in-person or remotely. They maintain the PSYPACT credential, which allows them to work with individuals who may be out-of-state for college or other reasons. Most states honor the PSYPACT credential, but not all (check the states that accept PSYPACT here). At this time, PSYPACT does not allow for international telehealth. Please note: Not every child/adolescent is a good candidate for telehealth. You are encouraged to discuss the format options with your clinician.
Do you accept insurance?
Although we do not accept insurance we are happy to provide you with a statement that includes the information that insurance companies require to process claims. Additionally, as part of the No Surprises Act (effective Jan 2022), you will be provided a Good Faith Estimate prior to services, which will give you an itemized list of costs and the total you may pay out-of-pocket for you or your child’s treatment.
Do you accept online payments?
We are currently unable to accept online payments.
What forms of payment do you accept?
The Chicago Neurodevelopmental Center accepts cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
What is your fee policy?
CNC is a fee-for-service practice. Payment is expected at time of service. Testing and therapy are billed at an hourly rate. Psychological testing fees include time spent in administration, scoring, interpretation, and report writing. Before testing is initiated you will be provided with an estimate of total time and cost. Therapy is billed based on a clinical hour (45 – 60 minutes). Extended time is billed at 15 minute increments. Other billed services include telephone conversations lasting 30 minutes or longer.
When will I be charged for my therapy and testing sessions?
For therapy sessions, payment is expected at the time of service. Testing fees are typically divided into two payments. The first payment is due at the time of intake. The second payment is due on the last day of testing.
What is your cancellation policy?
For therapy sessions, we understand unexpected scheduling conflicts arise such as a school event or illness. For that reason, each patient is allowed up to four missed appointments within a year (from the start of therapy) without a charge. However, in order to get the fee waiver, you must still cancel the appointment with at least 24 hours notice. Otherwise, you will be charged the full fee for your appointment. After four cancelled appointments, the full charge applies, even with advanced notice.
Cancellation of neuropsychological evaluation appointments: Cancelling testing appointments after completing the intake will result in a $500.00 charge. This charge can be applied to the cost of an assessment if testing dates are rescheduled within 6 months of the original intake date.
Do you prescribe medication?
Licensed Clinical Psychologists are not permitted to prescribe medication in the state of Illinois. If medication is being considered, we can provide an appropriate referral.
Where is CNC located ?
We are located in Suite 315 at 191 Waukegan Rd. in Northfield, Illinois. Free parking is available in the lot surrounding the building.