Neuropsychology Program

Neuropsychology studies the relationship between the brain and behavior. The Butler Hospital Neuropsychology Program offers neuropsychological evaluation of cognitive functions on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Results of the evaluation can assist with accurate diagnosis and lead to specific treatment recommendations.

Butler Hospital is a rotation site for the Alpert Medical School of Brown University Clinical Psychology Training Consortium. Please see the training website for more information about available positions.

In addition, we take practicum students from local schools for clinical placements, view the application here.

Contact Information:

Neuropsychology Program
at Butler Hospital
P: (401) 455-6506

When Can a Neuropsychology Program Help?

The neuropsychology program can help in a variety of times, including:

When it is unclear if someone’s memory problems are part of normal aging or early Alzheimer’s disease.
If someone has difficulty returning to work because of problems with forgetfulness, concentration, or impulse control shortly after a mild head injury (e.g., car accident).
If someone is having difficulty managing daily tasks after a stroke, and an evaluation is needed to help determine the severity of the problem and to make recommendations for daily functioning.
An individual with a chronic medical illness is experiencing cognitive and emotional difficulties.
A child, adolescent, or young adult struggles with attention or learning in school.
An adult is experiencing cognitive dysfunction secondary to psychiatric illness.

To make an appointment, call (401) 455-6506 or have your primary care provider fax a referral to (401) 921-6170.

Neuropsychological
Assessment Process

Doctor Referral

Your doctor sends us a referral.

Scheduling

Our office coordinator will call to schedule an appointment.

Mailed Instructions

You will receive a packet in the mail with instructions for your appointment.

Appointment

Come into the office for your doctor's appointment.

Results

A neuropsychological report will be sent to you and your doctors.

Next Steps

Connection with research studies if appropriate.

Neuropsychology Services

Program staff work closely with referring physicians/clinicians and provide them with a detailed evaluation report, including treatment recommendations.

We offer a Neuropsychological evaluation of memory and other cognitive functions. Multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment for neurologic or neuropsychiatric conditions such as:

Memory disorders
Dementia
Traumatic brain injury
Stroke
Brain tumors
Epilepsy
Neurocognitive and behavioral impairments resulting from medical or psychiatric illness
Attention and learning difficulties

Evaluation Process

The evaluation takes place in a quiet, private room and typically lasts four to six hours. Depending on the patient's needs and referring physician, it may be longer or shorter. Breaks are provided as needed.

Part 1: Initial Questions (45 - 60 min.)

The clinician asks the patient (and family members/caregivers, when available) questions about his/her developmental and medical history and problems that have resulted in the need for the evaluation.

Part 2: Patient Tests (90 - 120 min.)

The patient is given a variety of tests to assess attention, language, visuospatial skills, executive functioning, and memory. This primarily includes oral questions and paper and pencil tasks, and sometimes computer-based tests.

Part 3: Follow-up Meeting (30 - 60 min.)

Findings are reviewed, and information about the patient’s condition is provided. Patient and clinician discuss detailed and individualized recommendations to improve the patient’s quality of life.

This could occur either on the same day of the evaluation or at a later appointment.

Part 4: Written Report (2 - 4 weeks after testing)

A report is sent to the patient’s physician and, when appropriate, to other health care providers, schools, or others involved in the patient’s care.

Our Research

In addition to memory and cognitive assessment, the Neuropsychology Program also actively engages in many areas of research related to the diagnosis and treatment of geriatric cognitive disorders and caregiver stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my health insurance cover these services?

Yes. Most insurance companies and managed care programs cover neuropsychological evaluations and consultations, although some specific problems are not covered.

Will the examination hurt?

No. The tests do not involve any physical pain or discomfort.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

If you have previous medical records, copies of CT/MRI scans (including disks), and a list of medications, it would be beneficial for you to bring these. It is also helpful to bring snacks and a drink to the appointment.

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Neuropsychology Program