Question 1

What does a psychological evaluation entail?

Accepted Answer

A detailed clinical interview of presenting issue and relevant history and administration of self-report questionnaires. These evaluations can take anywhere from 3-8 hours, depending on complexity, context, and scope of evaluation.

Question 2

What does a neuropsychological evaluation entail?

Accepted Answer

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Evaluations consist of review of relevant records, a detailed clinical interview, standardized testing, and preparation of a report summarizing all findings. The face-to-face component of these evaluations take anywhere from 6-12 hours.
Clinical interviews assess developmental, academic, occupational, psychiatric, substance use, and medical history. This interview can take anywhere from 1-6 hours, depending on complexity and context of evaluation.
Neuropsychological testing entails administration of a battery of standardized tests and completion of self-report questionnaires.  Testing can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. 
A detailed report of all interview and test findings is provided. Clinical reports are completed within 1-2 weeks. Forensic reports are completed within 1 month of receipt of all needed materials and completions of all aspects of the evaluation. 
All clinical evaluations include an additional session during which results of the evaluation are explained and treatment recommendations are discussed.

Question 3

When is a neuropsychological evaluation appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Evaluations are helpful when there are concerns about attention, memory, thinking skills, emotional functioning, or changes following neurological injuries events, major medical events, or advancing age.

Question 4

How can I prepare for a neuropsychological evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Ensure you get a good night sleep the night before.
Take all prescribed medications as indicated, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
Drink your morning coffee, if that is part of your typical routine.
Bring your glasses, if you typically need them to read. Wear hearing aids, if applicable.
Avoid alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to the evaluation. Avoid consumption of marijuana or other mild altering substances at least 48 hours prior the evaluation. 
There is no need or method to study for this evaluation, as the tests measure abilities, not specific knowledge.

Question 5

What is the difference between a clinical and forensic neuropsychological evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A clinical evaluation is performed to understand current cognitive strengths and weakness and inform diagnosis, treatment planning and guide medical care. Forensic evaluations are focused on objective analysis to address specific legal questions and inform legal decision making.

Question 6

What ages do you see?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Eastvold provides services for adolescents and adults age 16 and older.

Question 7

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

A referral is not required, though clients may be referred by physicians, attorneys, or other professionals.

Question 8

What are your policies regarding fees?

Accepted Answer

Services are provided on a fee-for-service basis. Payment for psychotherapy is due on the day of service. We do not bill insurance directly, but a superbill can be provided for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Payment for evaluation and forensic services are due within 30 days of receipt of invoice. Late fees will apply to overdue unpaid invoices. Accepted forms of payment include cash, check, credit card, Venmo, Zelle.

Question 9

What are your privacy policies?

Accepted Answer

For all clinical services, Dr. Eastvold is committed to protecting privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of all personal information acquired in the course of services rendered. All virtual platforms used are HIPAA compliant, in accordance with applicable healthcare privacy laws. Please note, communication through standard email is not guaranteed to be secure. No information is released without explicit written consent of the client, unless legally required to do so, for example, in response to a court-ordered subpoena.
For all forensic services, the “client” is the attorney or entity that hired Dr. Eastvold to perform the evaluation, and they consequently determine the use and disclosure of Dr. Eastvold’s final report.

Question 10

What is your cancelation policy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy appointments canceled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the appointment will be charged at the standard rate.
Clinical neuropsychological evaluations canceled within 3 days will incur a $500 cancelation fee.
Forensic services canceled or rescheduled within 5 days will incur fees, per agreed upon Fee Schedule.

Question 11

Do you offer teletherapy services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Telehealth is available for psychotherapy and certain components of evaluations. All neuropsychological testing must be conducted in person.

Question 12

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Appointments may be requested through the contact form, email, or phone. All requests will be responded to within 48 hours.

Question 13

Do you have parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is free parking at our office.

Question 14

What do I do if I am having a psychological emergency?

Accepted Answer

A psychological emergency may include thoughts of harming yourself or others, feeling unable to stay safe, severe emotional distress, or a sudden worsening of mental health symptoms. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you need urgent support, but are not in immediate danger, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (available 24/7), or https://988lifeline.org. Please also consider reaching out to a trusted family member, friend, or other support person. If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek immediate assistance.

Angela Eastvold, PhD ABPP

Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist

Frequently Asked Questions