About Us

NEUROBEHAVIORAL ASSOCIATES is a specialty practice serving children, adolescents and adults with known or suspected attention, learning, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Our practice provides comprehensive neuropsychological consultation and assessment, referral services, and educational consultation. We are conveniently located across from the Columbia Town Center Mall in Columbia, Maryland.

What is a neuropsychologist?

A clinical neuropsychologist is a professional within the field of psychology with special expertise in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists use this knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and/or rehabilitation of patients across the lifespan with neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders. The clinical neuropsychologist uses psychological, neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological principles, techniques and tests to evaluate patients’ neurocognitive, behavioral, and emotional strengths and weaknesses and their relationship to normal and abnormal central nervous system functioning. The clinical neuropsychologist uses this information and information provided by other medical/healthcare providers to identify and diagnose neurobehavioral disorders, and plan and implement intervention strategies. The specialty of clinical neuropsychology is recognized by the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. Clinical neuropsychologists are independent practitioners (healthcare providers) of clinical neuropsychology and psychology.

The clinical neuropsychologist (minimal criteria) has:

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 (fulltime) 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 neuro-sciences. These two years include supervision by a clinical neuro-psychologist
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. At present, board certification is not required for practice in clinical neuropsychology. Board certification(through formal credential verification, written and oral examination, and peer review) in the specialty of clinical neuropsychology is further evidence of the above advanced training, supervision, and applied fund of knowledge in clinical neuropsychology.

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment of how one’s brain functions. The evaluation typically involves an interview, neurodevelopmental history, and administration of a number of standardized tests. The tests are typically paper and pencil, computer-based, or oral. Test administration is usually completed by a trained psychometrician or psychological associate. Neuropsychological tests are standardized, meaning that they are given in the same manner to all patients and scored in a similar manner time after time. An individual’s scores on tests are interpreted by comparing their score to that of a normal sample of individuals of similar demographic background. The neuropsychologist examines the patient’s history, observations from parents, caregivers, and teachers, and test findings in the formation to determine a pattern of cognitive and behavioral strengths and weaknesses, formulate a diagnosis, and offer appropriate recommendations. Neuropsychological tests evaluate functioning in a number of areas including: intelligence, executive functions, attention, memory, language, perception, sensorimotor functions, motivation, mood and emotions, and personality styles. The areas addressed in an individual’s assessment are determined, in part, by the referral question, the patient’s concerns, and observations made during interview and test administration.

How do I schedule a neuropsychological evaluation?

Our office conducts testing throughout the week at either 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Testing typically requires four to six hours and may be completed over one or two appointments. To schedule an appointment, please contact our practice manager, Demetria Riddlespurger, for convenient times and dates.

Do you take insurance?

NeuroBehavioral Associates does not participate with medical or behavioral healthcare insurance plans. We do, however, provide a comprehensive receipt with appropriate DSM-5/ICD-10 diagnostic codes and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT codes) so that you may seek out-of-network reimbursement from your insurer. You may consider calling your healthcare insurance provider regarding covered services to determine reimbursement.

What should I bring to the assessment?

Please bring any pertinent medical, developmental, or prior testing records. Pack a light snack and drink for your child as he/she will have a number of breaks throughout the assessment. For older children, who are comfortable, you may leave the office during testing and return at a pre-arranged time.