Cognitive Assessments
Take the First Step Towards Balance
Proactive
Informative
Detailed
Neuropsychological Assessment Services
Cognitive assessments are provided by a Ph.D. level psychologist who is licensed to practice in the area of neuropsychology. Assessments explore how the brain is working in relation to a concern, such as aging, brain injury, or neurological illness. They consist of a 1-2 hour interview about your background, medical history, and current difficulties. They may involve another person who knows you well, such as a family member or close friend. We use the information collected during your interview to guide further assessment, cognitive testing or treatment recommendations (e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction or cognitive behavioural therapy), as needed. Cognitive function testing typically takes several hours (5-8, on average) and may even require more than one day. You do not need to study for this type of testing. You are simply asked to try your best so that the results are an accurate reflection of your current capabilities.
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up."
Neuropsychological Assessment Services
Cognitive assessments are provided by a Ph.D. level psychologist who is licensed to practice in the area of neuropsychology. Assessments explore how the brain is working in relation to some concern, such as aging, brain injury, or neurological illness. They consist of a 1-2 hour interview about your background, medical history, and current difficulties. They may involve another person who knows you well, such as a family member or close friend. We use the information collected during your interview to guide further assessment, cognitive testing or treatment recommendations (e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction or cognitive behavioural therapy), as needed. Cognitive function testing typically takes several hours (5-8, on average) and may even require more than one day. You do not need to study for this type of testing. You are simply asked to try your best so that the results are an accurate reflection of your current capabilities.
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up."
Cognitive Assessments and Evaluations
Cognitive Screen
A baseline cognitive screen is an overview of a person’s thinking abilities across various domains including intelligence, problem solving ability, language, attention, learning, and memory, in relation to other people their age.
- If you are curious about your thinking abilities, a baseline cognitive screen can help you understand your current status, as well as proactively monitor changes to your brain health over time, while identifying areas for further evaluation.
Assessment
A memory assessment explores thinking skills when memory is a primary concern. While other aspects of your thinking abilities are also examined, the primary emphasis is on providing detailed information regarding your memory abilities.
- If you are concerned about your memory, a memory assessment can serve to identify your strengths and weaknesses, areas for further evaluation, and recommendations for treatment.
Assessment
A concussion assessment consists of an interview in which questions will be asked about your background, medical history, injury in question, and current symptoms. Information collected during the interview helps determine whether further assessment is required.
- If you have suffered a possible concussion, a screening interview can help clarify the diagnosis, and determine if any changes have occurred in your thinking abilities and emotional status as a result of a specific injury or accident.
Assessment
A neuropsychological assessment is an in-depth, customized examination of brain function or how the brain is working (i.e. behaviour, cognition, and emotion) in relation to a brain injury or neurological illness.
- If you are concerned about a neurological condition, an assessment can provide detailed information regarding your strengths and weaknesses, assist with diagnostic issues, and inform a neuropsychological treatment plan.
Care Wherever You Are
Our team can provide virtual care services (online or over the phone) to people across Alberta who have concerns about their physical, emotional, or cognitive health.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Why Are Cognitive Assessments Important?
Our thinking skills can be impacted by different factors, including stress, medications, medical conditions, diet, cognitive engagement, and even attitude! A cognitive assessment can help identify if any changes have occurred in your thinking abilities as a result of a specific injury or accident; provide information regarding your strengths and weaknesses; as well as assist with diagnostic clarification and provide recommendations for treatment. Assessments can also help to proactively monitor changes to your brain health over time by comparing your abilities to other people your age.
Determines the
Health of Your Brain
Describe your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas of concern by comparing your abilities to other people your age.
Provides a Baseline
For Tracking
Proactively monitor your brain health and any areas of concern by tracking changes in your thinking abilities and how your brain is working over time.
Helps Identify
Identifying challenges, weaknesses, or concerns related to daily function can serve to guide treatment planning and provide other recommendations for further evaluation.
Pillars of Our Practice
Assessment
Assessments are tailored to identify behavioural, emotional, and cognitive concerns related to your brain health, as well as provide diagnostic clarification, describe changes over time, and guide treatment recommendations.
Prevention
Individualized treatment is designed to address your unique needs and goals, the challenges or barriers that may be interfering with your best self, and your ability to live in accordance with your values.
Treatment
The prevention of illness begins with evidence-informed education and skill-building to help you optimize factors that support healthy aging (e.g. mental health, sleep, exercise, diet, stress management, etc.).
Cognitive Assessment at
Balance: Psychology and Brain Health
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, pain, cognitive abilities, or overcoming disability and returning to work, we encourage you to connect with us for a discussion on how we can help. Individualized treatment is designed to address your unique needs and goals, and the barriers that may be interfering with your best self. We can also work collaboratively with other members of your healthcare team as needed. If we are not able to provide the type of intervention or treatment that is right for you, we will make suggestions for other providers who may be able to help.
"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't."
Cognitive Assessment at Balance: Psychology and Brain Health
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, pain, cognitive abilities, or overcoming disability and returning to work, we encourage you to connect with us for a discussion on how we can help. Individualized treatment is designed to address your unique needs and goals, and the barriers that may be interfering with your best self. We can also work collaboratively with other members of your healthcare team as needed. If we are not able to provide the type of intervention or treatment that is right for you, we will make suggestions for other providers who may be able to help.
"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't."
