A: A clinical neuropsychologist has the following qualifications:

1. A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university training program.
2. An internship, or its equivalent, in a clinically relevant area of professional psychology.
3. The equivalent of two (full-time) years of experience and specialized training, at least one of which is at the post-doctoral level, in the study and practice of clinical neuropsychology and related neurosciences. These two years include supervision by a clinical neuropsychologist.
4. A license in his or her state or province to practice psychology and/or clinical neuropsychology independently or is employed as a neuropsychologist by an exempt agency.
5. Some clinical neuropsychologists may also choose to obtain board-certification, which is a formal credentialed verification of competency in neuropsychology. With this certification, they become a diplomate in clinical neuropsychology. A diplomate has the highest degree attainable and is evidence of advanced training, supervision, peer review, and a wealth of knowledge in clinical neuropsychology.

A: Clinical neuropsychologists use the latest methods to evaluate their patients. They use principles, techniques, and tests developed from their extensive knowledge of cognitive and behavioral psychology, neurology, and physiology. These methods are used to evaluate patients' neurocognitive, behavioral, and emotional strengths and weaknesses. Their relationship to normal and abnormal central nervous system functioning is also evaluated. Tests may include measures of memory, learning, visual-spatial processing, attention, concentration, motor skills, basic sensory-perceptual processes, and psychological functioning. Depending on the referral question, a neuropsychological evaluation typically takes 3 to 8 hours. Shorter evaluations are typically performed in a single-day session. Often, longer evaluations are scheduled in two half-day test sessions.

A: You should bring any relevant adaptive aids (i.e. glasses for reading; hearing aids) that you normally use for optimal functioning. It is also important to get a good night’s sleep before your evaluation appointment. You should also eat a good meal (i.e. breakfast before a morning appointment). You are also welcome to bring snacks or drinks, particularly if your evaluation appointment is more than 3 hours. Please leave your cell phone at home. At the very least, all cell phones should be turned off, as they are a distraction to the evaluation process.

A: Because there is no patient-psychologist relationship in an Independent medical examination (IME), the usual confidentiality between patient and psychologist does not apply. In addition, the results of this type of examination, as summarized and contained in a report, are the property of the requesting/paying party.

A: The patient will not be provided directly with results, an interpretation of results, diagnostic opinions, or therapeutic recommendations. Such information may be included in a report sent to the requesting/paying party (attorney) and must be obtained directly through that party's usual and customary manner.

A: Results are typically sent out to the referring attorney within two weeks of the last testing session date. Please discuss any time-constraint issues with Dr. Anderson before scheduling.