Neuropsychological Testing
What is Neuropsychological Testing?
INPS referring physicians and clients seek out Neuropsychological Testing for any number of reasons – from identifying memory impairments, dementia, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or psychological trauma to confirming traumatic brain injury, stroke, or conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis to seeking to improve workplace or academic performance. Neuropsychological testing offers a tremendous amount of insight and information into developmental, functional, and academic efficacy as well as into psychological and coping skills. One of the many advantages of neuropsychological testing is the ability to assess skill or development level within a particular area of brain function that can provide a road map for change, development, and treatment.
Neuropsychological testing utilizes many different types of measurements. Measures that assess cognitive functioning are specifically designed to evaluate the level of cognitive ability while other tests such as personality or symptom inventories can measure family dynamics, stress levels, and psychiatric symptoms. Tests designed to measure academic functioning can address specific academic skills like calculation, spelling, or problem solving while measures that identify learning disorders evaluate skills such as attention, accuracy, and concentration.
Ultimately, neuropsychological testing can reveal a client’s strengths as well as opportunities for improvement by presenting a clinical picture of how those strengths and limitations interact in daily life.
How Does It Work?
Whether assessing for a particular concern such as anxiety, depression, learning disorders, or cognitive impairment due to a brain injury or looking to improve performance and overall well-being, neuropsychological testing incorporates a variety of tasks like verbal assessments, written tests, computer based tasks, and visual tasks.
At INPS, our licensed and highly trained Neuropsych Technicians administer tests in a calm, welcoming environment. Testing times can range from one hour to six hour, so our Techs watch testers for signs of fatigue and allow for regular breaks. Tests can also be scheduled over multiple sessions.
What About Results?
Once testing is complete, patients meet with one of our Clinical Neuropsychologists to interpret the results. After the follow-up appointment, clients receive a report that includes treatment recommendations, suggested accommodations for academic, workplace, or lifestyle function, and a formal diagnosis.These results also provide a baseline for ongoing psychological treatment that is used to measure progress towards our clients’ goals.
Neuropsychological testing provides a scientific, accurate measure of progress that helps our staff ensure clients are receiving the most effective, personalized, and comprehensive psychological treatment possible.
Brain Functional Analysis (QEEG)
What is Brain Function Analysis?
Brain Function Analysis uses a specialized assessment known as a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) to map the electrical activity in the brain and provide a picture of how the brain functions. The QEEG is a sophisticated, research-informed tool that allows us to develop effective, personalized treatments for patients.
How Does It Work?
At INPS, we use either 32 or 64 electrodes placed on the patient’s scalp to measure brain activity. During the appointment, the patient sits comfortably while data is collected with the eyes open for 10 minutes and then with the eyes closed for 10 minutes. The process is very comfortable for both children and adults. We also provide tools to help our clients prepare for and understand the procedure.
Click
HERE to see our QEEG guidelines and children’s picture story. This short, fun presentation helps explain the purpose and process of the QEEG
What About Results?
By gathering information in real-time and comparing it to a database of demographically matched EEG data, the QEEG provides specific information about brain function that allows us to determine how the brain can better be regulated. Data from the QEEG also provides a better understanding of neurological and psychological issues. The information gained from this assessment is used to determine treatment protocols and therapies.
Neurofeedback
What is Neurofeedback?
Our brains are complex, interconnected systems that constantly filter information and analyze our daily experiences.
Simply put, our brains organize the stimuli we encounter to give meaning to our actions. In some cases, the different parts of our brain fail to communicate effectively, and the brain does not produce an organized pattern of brainwaves. Using data from our QEEG, we look at how the brain operates in real time which allows us to develop a plan that addresses these disconnects (no matter their cause) and helps the brain re-organize how it processes stimuli.
Neurofeedback is a process by which we can re-train our brains to make appropriate connections that produce appropriate behavior. INPS utilizes Multivariate Coherence Neurofeedback (also called Connectivity Neurofeedback) which uses 4 channels of EEG to train or strengthen connections in the brain. Comfortable and non-invasive, MCN reads information produced by the brain while the patient participates in a simple activity. Much more precise and accurate than training coherence in pairs (a form of neurofeedback that has been used widely with neurofeedback and neuromodulation therapies), MCN demonstrates significant effectiveness in helping people with conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and developmental trauma, head injury, autism, learning disabilities, epilepsy and other related challenges.
How Does It Work?
During a Neurofeedback session, our client sits comfortably in a private room while electrodes are applied to the scalp. The client then chooses between watching a movie or playing a video game. When the specified brainwaves are produced, the client sees a clear picture of the movie or hears a tone that “rewards” the brain and encourages it to produce more of the same brainwaves. When unwanted brainwaves are produced, the technician manipulates the movie or game to become hazy or stop altogether, discouraging the brain from producing the unwanted brainwaves, thus re-training how the brain makes connections.
What About Results?
A research informed, scientifically supported treatment that is gaining in popularity worldwide,
Neurofeedback encourages the natural self-regulation of the brain by facilitating network communication. In so doing, this creates new communication patterns within the brain and improves brain function. By using a fully integrated approach to identifying, analyzing, and treating brain-related conditions, the results of neurofeedback can be consistently demonstrated in the improvement and well-being of our patients and clients.
Individual, Family & Group Therapy
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, also known as Talk Therapy, is a form of treatment where an individual builds a relationship and communicates with trained mental health professional and uses therapeutic principles and techniques to treat psychological problems.There are many different disciplines of psychotherapy, but at INPS, it is one of the integrated components that we use to help our patients improve their brain function and overall well-being.Psychotherapy refers to any of our counseling services, including individual therapy, couples counseling, or family therapy.
How Does It Work?
Using brain-based analysis to empirically test the brain’s function, we are able to understand the brains strengths and limitations and design psychotherapeutic interventions and treatments. Our trained, experienced mental health professionals utilize evidence-based therapeutic modalities to offer confidential, compassionate, effective care. INPS’ unique model of scientifically supported brain analysis, brain training, and compassionate counseling is what sets us apart from other mental health providers and counselors to ensure our clients receive scientifically supported, actionable therapies.
What About Results?
The treatment process begins with a comprehensive assessment where our clinicians discover your reasons for seeking treatment, the history of your concerns, and your goals for the future. Our clinical staff then collaborates with you to develop an achievable treatment plan based on your needs and goals. Our counselors typically meet with clients for one hour a week as well as in conjunction with Neurofeedback, but we also understand that every person is different.
We provide counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults for a variety of mental health concerns, including (but not limited to) Trauma◊Grief and Loss◊Parenting Skills◊Anxiety◊Adjustment Disorders◊Autism Spectrum Disorders◊Depression◊Stress Management◊Eating Disorders◊Self-Injury◊ Post Brain Injury life transition◊Social Skill building◊Anger Management◊Substance Abuse
Peak Performance
What is Peak Performance?
Peak Performance refers to our potential to maximize focus and emotional
control to optimize our abilities. It is characterized by feelings of confidence,
concentration, and a positive, can-do outlook. Critical to high-level
accomplishment in the workplace, in sports, and in daily life, Peak
Performance is achieved by implementing purposeful, targeted strategies
that regulate neuropsychological and neurophysiological functioning, develop
constructive habits, and reduce feelings of inadequacy and stress.
How Does it Work?
Just as an athlete trains muscles to improve performance or a musician
practices a musical piece until it is instinctive, INPS utilizes comprehensive
assessment and our QEEG to intentionally establish protocols that integrate
neurofeedback, individualized therapies, and nutrition to train the brain and improve emotional resilience, concentration, and control. When the brain
functions optimally, it works in harmony with our physical, emotional, and
mental framework to achieve an internal rapport that produces fully present
actions and attitudes that shape our performance.
What About Results?
Research informed and scientifically supported, the full range of services at INPS support Peak Performance development and maintenance. Executives,
surgeons, and athletes have used our integrated neurofeedback strategies to
improve concentration, decision making, and emotional control, and the
results are readily apparent. Growing in popularity, our Peak Performance service has the potential to enhance anyone’s personal, professional, or academic goals with improved concentration and confidence, and maximized
focus and emotional control.
