The assessment process begins with the initial consultation with the patient, to find out what they wish to learn from their evaluation. With this information, and after obtaining a comprehensive history of the patient, Dr. Cornejo is able to begin the psychological testing process.

Psychological tests are used to assess a variety of mental abilities and attributes, including achievement and ability, personality, and neurological functioning. Administered tests vary according to the issue the patient wishes to address.

Testing is conducted in the privacy of Dr. Cornejo’s office, where patients can enjoy a relaxed and comfortable environment. Snacks and breaks are available at any time during the evaluation process to further ensure the patients’ comfort. Patients will meet with her between three and six times, with sessions lasting two hours each. The amount of necessary sessions will be decided during the first meeting.

Upon the completion of the evaluation process, Dr. Cornejo provides patients with comprehensive results, answering any questions that arise.

ADHD ASSESSMENT

ADHD assessments are tailored for both children and adults to accurately identify attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. For children, the evaluation involves collaborative discussions with parents and teachers, child-friendly interviews, and standardized behavioral rating scales to understand symptoms across different settings like home and school. Cognitive tests may also be administered to assess attention span and impulse control.

For adults, the assessment focuses on lifelong patterns of attention and behavior. It includes detailed interviews about current challenges and childhood history, self-report questionnaires, and cognitive tasks that evaluate executive functions like working memory and focus. We also screen for co-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression to ensure a thorough understanding of each individual's situation. Our goal is to provide clear insights and personalized recommendations to help manage ADHD symptoms effectively.

AUTISM ASSESSMENT

An autism assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to identify autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in individuals of any age. This process involves gathering information about an individual’s developmental history, social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns. The assessment may include interviews with parents or caregivers, behavioral observations, and standardized tests that measure various aspects of functioning, such as social communication and repetitive behaviors. Early and accurate diagnosis through an autism assessment is crucial for creating effective intervention and support plans that can improve social, academic, and daily life skills. This evaluation provides essential insights that guide personalized treatment strategies, helping individuals with ASD reach their full potential.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

A neuropsychological assessment is a specialized testing method used to evaluate a client’s cognitive, motor, behavioral, linguistic, and executive functioning. This approach provides a deeper understanding of an individual's psychological and neurological health compared to other forms of testing. The key benefit of neuropsychological assessment is its ability to offer an accurate diagnosis, helping to pinpoint specific disorders. Additionally, the results guide the development of effective treatment and rehabilitation plans tailored to the individual’s unique needs.

PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

A psycho-educational assessment combines psychological and educational testing to accurately diagnose common disorders such as ADHD and learning disabilities (LD). This comprehensive evaluation provides insight into an individual’s neurological development, identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses that influence academic performance. The results offer valuable information for parents, helping them implement effective strategies to support their child’s learning and enhance academic achievement.

COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT

A cognitive assessment helps determine an individual’s level of cognitive functioning, including attention, memory, language, learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. During this assessment, clients are asked to complete tasks that require various cognitive skills. Cognition plays a crucial role in everyday life, influencing important abilities like job performance, organization, emotional control, learning, memory, and motor skills. Identifying cognitive challenges can pave the way to greater overall success and satisfaction. Cognitive assessments are beneficial for anyone concerned that their cognitive abilities are not at their best, particularly individuals who have experienced a brain injury or stroke, as well as parents seeking to understand their child’s academic performance.

PERSONAL / EMOTIONAL ASSESSMENT

A personal and emotional assessment is essential for identifying personality disorders that may be affecting an individual’s overall well-being. This evaluation helps detect common disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. With the insights gained from this assessment, our team can provide tailored treatment plans that lead to a more fulfilling and happier life.

In addition, personal and emotional assessments are valuable tools for understanding how trauma has impacted psychological functioning, which is key to improving emotional development. They also offer insight into an individual’s coping mechanisms and stress management abilities, laying the foundation for finding new and effective ways to manage trauma and emotional challenges.