Where to go for Neuropsych Evaluation?

[Anonymous]

Dr. Jody Bleiberg in Bethesda did ours. She was very thorough! Solo practitioner which I really like. Unlike some practices where you have a Psych student (with Masters) do part of the testing.

I am paying close to $4K, so I want the PhD on the job the whole time.

Dr. Daisy Pasqualvaca is also excellent from what I understand. She is off New Mexico Ave I think.

[Anonymous]

I recommend Childrens. If you do go to Kennedy Krieger, do NOT see Martha Denckla. Despite her reputation among colleagues, I had a HORRIBLE experience with her years ago. Her report was very poorly written and the school pretty much laughed at it. What was worse is her manner -- very insulting and abrasive. I left in tears. My experience at Childrens was so much better.

I would also be careful about seeing someone in private practice. While there may be a few good ones out there, some do not keep up with latest research and are more profit-driven. As a general rule, I try to stick with those affiliated with hospitals and research. Even though the waiting list is long, I agree with the recommendation to book appointment and call for cancellations. That is what I did and it worked. It is MUCH better to wait a little longer to see someone you know is good than to take a chance on someone who may not be just because you want to be seen sooner. Believe me., I understand wanting to get help as quickly as possible - but you will be much better off in the long run if you do it right the first time (I learned this the hard way!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We loved David Black's report and manner too, and every professional who has seen it (including my academic psychiatrist father) has been very impressed. Best money I have spent in my whole life. But clearly there is no pleasing everybody. For every highly regarded professional in this area, there is someone on this board who had a bad experience with them!

+1 We loved Black too and will be going back to him for another evaluation next year. His recommendations in the neuropsych eval and help with DS's IEP was invaluable. We had him come to our school to explain his findings to the IEP team. They were very impressed, gave us everything we asked for in the IEP and still refer to his evaluation and explanations of DS's strengths and weaknesses during IEP meetings two years out. DS has been doing great at school, socially and academically, and a large part of the life changing credit goes to Dr. Black.

[Anonymous]

MindWell Psychology was amazing for our 7 yr. old. Spent a lot of time with testing and explaining results.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used Dr. Andrew Zabel at KKI? At KKI, are there graduate students doing most of the testing like we had a few years ago at Stixrud? I will call in the morning but we got off the waitlist for an appt.

[Anonymous]

We didn't have graduate students at KKI. Just the psychologist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone used Dr. Andrew Zabel at KKI? At KKI, are there graduate students doing most of the testing like we had a few years ago at Stixrud? I will call in the morning but we got off the waitlist for an appt.

stixrud is notorious for this, and no way would I pay them $4K to evaluate my child!

We had an eval at KKI years ago and the psychologist was there for the full evaluation, with a graduate student working along side her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone used Dr. Andrew Zabel at KKI? At KKI, are there graduate students doing most of the testing like we had a few years ago at Stixrud? I will call in the morning but we got off the waitlist for an appt.

stixrud is notorious for this, and no way would I pay them $4K to evaluate my child!

We had an eval at KKI years ago and the psychologist was there for the full evaluation, with a graduate student working along side her.

Generally at Stixrud, the psychologist does 3-4 hours of testing on the first day and the master's level assistant does another 3-4 hours on the second day. There also are some psychologists (Susan Gerson is one) who routinely do both days of testing. With either model, the psychologist does all of the interpretation, meets with the parents before and after, and writes the report.

[Anonymous]

Just got my neuropsych report back from Children's and all I can say is what a waste of money. Even though I specifically told them from the outset that I was not looking for boiler plate recommendations, that I needed things very specific for my child's situation, guess what I got? Cut and paste boilerplate. Nearly $5000 later all I have is a worthless report with the same generic recommendations I can get from a Google search. I am no closer to getting help for my daughter.

My advice is to ask for a sample report before you decide where to go for testing. That way, you'll be able to get a sense as to whether or not they are capable of giving you specific guidance or it you are wasting your money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone used Dr. Andrew Zabel at KKI? At KKI, are there graduate students doing most of the testing like we had a few years ago at Stixrud? I will call in the morning but we got off the waitlist for an appt.

stixrud is notorious for this, and no way would I pay them $4K to evaluate my child!

We had an eval at KKI years ago and the psychologist was there for the full evaluation, with a graduate student working along side her.

Generally at Stixrud, the psychologist does 3-4 hours of testing on the first day and the master's level assistant does another 3-4 hours on the second day. There also are some psychologists (Susan Gerson is one) who routinely do both days of testing. With either model, the psychologist does all of the interpretation, meets with the parents before and after, and writes the report.

it's actually the other way around PP, psych associate Day #1, doc on Day #2. That said, you're missing my point. I want the doctor observing my child on both days, not just doing the interpretation and write up. Observation is key.

It's a matter of what you prefer I guess. I prefer the doctor to be on the job both days, and to be present both days. That is not how Stixrud works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MindWell Psychology was amazing for our 7 yr. old. Spent a lot of time with testing and explaining results.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We loved David Black's report and manner too, and every professional who has seen it (including my academic psychiatrist father) has been very impressed. Best money I have spent in my whole life. But clearly there is no pleasing everybody. For every highly regarded professional in this area, there is someone on this board who had a bad experience with them!

+1 We loved Black too and will be going back to him for another evaluation next year. His recommendations in the neuropsych eval and help with DS's IEP was invaluable. We had him come to our school to explain his findings to the IEP team. They were very impressed, gave us everything we asked for in the IEP and still refer to his evaluation and explanations of DS's strengths and weaknesses during IEP meetings two years out. DS has been doing great at school, socially and academically, and a large part of the life changing credit goes to Dr. Black.

+100 Dr Black.