Frequently asked Questions
1: What is neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is a highly specialized field that requires knowledge of brain-behavior relationships, neuroanatomy, neurological disorders, and the impact of various medical conditions on cognitive and emotional functioning. Neuropsychologists are clinical psychologists that have received formalized training in this subspecialty, which generally requires graduate training, specific coursework, research experience, clinical experiences, pre-doctoral internship training, and a post-doctoral residency in neuropsychology.
2: When should someone see a neuropsychologist?
There are many reasons why someone might see a neuropsychologist. For example, you may be experiencing mild to severe changes in thinking, memory, speech, personality, or other behaviors that interfere with your normal day-to-day routine. These kinds of changes or difficulties can include:
Difficulty focusing on a task or being easily distracted
Difficulty keeping track of what day or time it is
Trouble recognizing where you are
Trouble remembering conversations or losing items around the house
Issues making sense of maps, drawings, or what you see around you
Problems coming up with the name of objects
Issues finding words or speaking fluently
Being more impulsive or socially inappropriate
Having noticeable changes in patience
3: Why is board certification important?
Board certification in neuropsychology helps people know that the neuropsychologist has been through a rigorous peer-review process and meets the standards to demonstrate high competency in the field of neuropsychology.
4: What happens during the clinical neuropsychological evaluation?
-Step 1: Scheduling
Dr. Venus will briefly gather information about presenting concerns to determine which evaluation is appropriate.
-Step 2: Estimate
Dr. Venus will provide an estimate of what you will owe out of pocket. Payment is due before the day of the clinical interview.
-Step 3: Paperwork
You and/or your family will complete paperwork and questionnaires to assist with the evaluation.
-Step 4: Clinical Interview
The clinical interview generally lasts 1-2 hours. Dr. Venus will ask questions to gather information about presenting concerns and the patient’s history. Through discussion, Dr. Venus and the patient and/or family will determine what additional records may be helpful, if not already provided, and the potential for moving onto a testing session will be discussed.
-Step 5: Testing Session
The testing session usually occurs several weeks after the initial appointment. The length of the testing differs depending upon the type of evaluation. For instance, testing for geriatric patients may take 2-3 hours but testing for adult patients may take 4-6 hours.
-Step 6: Feedback Session
Dr. Venus will share her impressions with you and your family during a 45-60 minute in-person session. This typically occurs 2-3 weeks after the testing session, as long as all records and paperwork have been completed and returned in a timely manner. During this time, she will ask any remaining questions for the report, review the testing results, discuss diagnostic considerations, and recommend treatment interventions. She will answer any questions that you may have.
-Step 7: Written Report
Dr. Venus will mail a copy of the report to you, your family, or the referring provider within 2 weeks after the feedback session.
5: How long is the wait?
Whereas the few other neuropsychologists in the Oklahoma region have a wait list of up to a year or longer, Dr. Venus has openings within the next 1-2 months. She also differs from other neuropsychologists in that she does not use a psychometrician for testing because she gleans valuable information from doing the testing herself.
6: How do I prepare for the evaluation?
It is important to get a good night’s sleep before testing. Multiple breaks will be given throughout the day and some people find it helpful to bring snacks or drinks. Please do not discontinue any medications unless told to do so by your prescribing provider.
7: Who will receive the report?
It depends upon the type of evaluation. For clinical evaluations, results are shared with the patient or legal guardian. With written authorization from the patient or legal guardian, Dr. Venus will send the report to any other designated individuals except in cases of safety concerns or mandated reporting.