Clinical Neuropsychological Evaluation
Neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment of brain functions. It generates information about the structural and functional integrity of the brain. I conduct evaluations for adults (16+) to characterize cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes resulting from central nervous system diseases or injuries.
Cantonese and Mandarin evaluations are available.
Depending on the referral question and client preferences, Dr. Choi may offer tele-neuropsychology evaluations for residents in California.
Dr. Choi provides neuropsychological evaluations for a wide range of neurological, medical and psychiatric conditions:
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Acquired Brain Injuries (Traumatic brain injury, concussions)
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Brain tumor, epilepsy and seizure disorders
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Cerebrovascular disease (e.g. stroke)
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Medical conditions affecting central nervous system (HIV, multiple sclerosis, cancer, substance use)
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Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's Disease, Fronto-Temporal Dementias)
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Mild Cognitive Impairment
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Movement disorders (e.g. Pre-surgical evaluations for Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease)
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Psychiatric disorder (e.g. Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety)
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Neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g. Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disability)
What are the purposes of doing a neuropsychological evaluation?
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Differential diagnosis (e.g., Are cognitive and behavioral changes related to any brain diseases or treatment?)
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Describe cognitive strengths and weaknesses to facilitate rehabilitation, treatment planning, and accommodations recommendations.
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Assist with before and after neurosurgical procedures (e.g., Deep Brain Stimulation) to determine if treatment will have any positive of negative effects on mental and behavioral functions.
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Provide baseline data and subsequent cognitive tracking over time.
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To determine if cognitive problems are impacting daily life activities (e.g. working, driving)
What areas will be assessed in a neuropsychological evaluation?
Dr. Choi answers each referral question with a customized test battery, domains assessed usually include:
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Cognitive functioning (memory, attention, language, visuo-spatial, executive functioning e.g., planning, problem-solving, organization)
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Emotional functioning
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Personality assessment
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Capacity/ ability to make medical, financial and legal decisions
What happens in a neuropsychological evaluation?
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Evaluation duration varies depending on the nature of your concerns. It can vary from 3 hours to 10 hours.
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Clinical interview (~ 1-2 hours)
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One on one testing (~2- 7 hours) that includes paper-and-pencil tests, computerized programs and completing questionnaires.
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With your consent, Dr. Choi will also gather collateral information to further understand the nature of your concerns.
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Feedback sessions (~1 hour) are provided in about two weeks after your testing.
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Neuropsychological reports are provided in about three weeks after testing, but can be expedited per request.
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Dr. Choi offers in-person and telehealth options for clinical evaluations. All forensic evaluations are conducted in-person.
How should I prepare for the evaluation?
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Gather all relevant medical records for the appointment.
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Have a good night sleep before the evaluation day.
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You may take your prescribed medications as usual.
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Bring water and snacks to the appointment.
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Bring glasses and hearing aids.
Get in Touch
Phone: (650) 260-5778
Fax: (833) 672-3260
Mailing address: #1139, 700 El Camino Real, Suite 120, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Email: Elizabethchoi.phd@gmail.com
Please do not include sensitive information in your initial contact. Dr. Choi can provide you with a secured HIPAA-compliant link to send along personal records.