The Clinical Neuropsychology Program

The Clinical Neuropsychology Program is a division within the Department of Neurology. We are dedicated to understanding and treating the cognitive and behavioral symptoms that frequently accompany brain diseases and injuries through clinical services, research, education, and community outreach.

Clinical Services

Outpatient in-person or telehealth neuropsychological evaluations.

Research

• Oculomotor laboratory: Using eye movements for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease
• Resiliency and neuroprotection: Effects of Omega-3 supplementation on resiliency in neuropsychiatric populations and US Army Rangers
• Brain imaging of aging and MCI: Using advanced brain MRI to detect the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease
• MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-refractory PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

Education

Training future Neuropsychologists and Clinical Psychologists through the Charleston Consortium Internship Program and Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Community Outreach

Providing lectures and memory screens throughout the local community and the state of South Carolina.

About

Who is a Neuropsychologist?

A Neuropsychologist is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialized training in the relationship between the brain and behavior across many diseases. Neuropsychologists use cognitive tests to assess how different brain conditions impact behavior and everyday functioning.

What is the Purpose of Testing?

• To help with diagnosis
• To determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses
• To establish baseline functioning
• To help plan treatments or other interventions

Is it Covered by Insurance?

Yes. Consult your insurance panel for pre-certification requirements. Your healthcare provider will likely need to provide a referral for you to schedule this service.

The Neuropsychological Evaluation

Prior to the appointment, the Neuropsychologist has typically reviewed your medical record and any other prior testing or imaging.

The following procedures are done during the clinic visit:

• Interview with the patient and a family member, caregiver, or close friend.
• Cognitive testing of different abilities including attention, speed of thinking, language, memory, visuospatial functions, judgment, mood, and other behaviors.
• Feedback on all findings, with ample discussion of your diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Every evaluation is tailored to the individual's needs. While some appointments can be brief, each is scheduled for four hours to accommodate most referral questions. After the evaluation, a detailed report is included in your medical record and shared with the referring provider.

Things To Do Before the Evaluation

• Get a good night's sleep
• Bring your glasses, hearing aids or other assistive devices
• Bring important medications, snacks, or anything you need for your health and comfort
• Let us know ahead of time if you have needs you would like us to accommodate

Faculty