(February 19, 2014, 1:13 pm)
I have been evaluated here 2 years ago, by Dr. Kevin O'Brien. I am a Physical Therapist, now disabled due in part to a Traumatic Brain Injury and mostly due to having Me/Cfs. Since my brain injury in 1999, I have had about 3 full battery evaluations by different people. Dr. O'Brien did an excellent job, which helped me get back onto my SSDI benefits. There were some things, however, that could have been stronger in his assessment. Still I felt certain that I was seeing one of the best in the Valley.
Since that time, the practice has expanded. My mom became very ill in July 2013, with Meningitis and Encephalitis. We badly needed a great neuropsychological evaluation in order to get her proper care, and to assess the extent of her cognitive impairment and brain damage. While there were some to be expected errors in the history, the assessment itself was excellent! Dr. Van Doren spent much time with us prior to the evaluation. Then, a big improvement over my old evaluation, the battery of testing was all done by another PhD level professional...NOT a, "technician," this can make a big difference in noting a person's affect, challenges and needs actually during the evaluation process and add to the overall value and assessment. Furthermore, I felt even stronger that how the tests were selected and administered was done correctly. Good observation of behavior, affect, and outward signs of duress, stress or lack of it during testing I feel is a potentially powerful adjunct to the overall assessment and feedback. These things don't change the numbers or empirical data of the testing but, are powerful and important issues to be professionally noted and conveyed to the neuropsychologist interpreting the results. The outcome of having this report has been a tremendous boost for us in order to get proper care, finding the right neurologist for my mom's secondary condition post encephalitis, getting her long term care insurance in place, and towards justifying better care plans (and identifying needs that would or could have been missed by all of her care providers) at the assisted living, helping mom come to terms with her current disability and in agreeing to moving into assisted living.
Finally, but absolutely not last...SHANNON, who is the front office person and so much more, has been fabulous! From the start of communication to really helping me problem solve a dire situation with respect to fighting an impending (and dead wrong) denial of coverage by mom's Long Term Care policy, she has been so wonderful. Compassion, Patience and Understanding for me and my family's need was above and beyond. Her follow-up and support is why I am, in a really messed up life and busy, overwhelming time, that I am writing this review.
To all neuropsychologists....You could all be better and more effective with these reports by taking them a step further towards adding a, "functional assessment with practical recommendations and APPLICATION of the findings." My first neuropsych evaluation and interpretation was the best ever. I don't think she does them anymore, but I know that she has done some specialized training in this aspect...she had a term for it, and sought out special mentors. Call Dr. Elizabeth Sikora.