Neuropsychological Testing in Kansas City

The first step to receiving care through Ability KC is to connect with our Neuropsychology office coordinator who will assist in walking through the scheduling process, including how to obtain a physician referral and clinical records.

Our office coordinator will work with the patient or caregiver to schedule the interview, assessment and feedback sessions. They will provide directions to the agency, supportive reminder calls/texts and a list of necessary items to bring to the assessment. Throughout the process, the office coordinator is available to answer questions and provide updates on the person’s process. The interview is typically scheduled for one hour.

Our office coordinator will work with the patient or caregiver to schedule the interview, assessment and feedback sessions. They will provide directions to the agency, supportive reminder calls/texts and a list of necessary items to bring to the assessment. Throughout the process, the office coordinator is available to answer questions and provide updates on the person’s process.

The interview is typically scheduled for one hour. The patient may bring family members/caregivers to provide information. The patient receives information regarding the assessment process, purpose and nature of the assessment, and limits of confidentiality. The session involves question and answer types of tasks, as well as a few tasks involving writing and using one’s hands. It does not involve any medical procedures. The typical assessment may be scheduled for 1-4 hours depending on the referral question, age, and ability level of the individual, with most testing sessions completed in the 2–3-hour range. The patient is offered breaks as needed during the assessment session. The assessment is completed with the patient and the evaluator only; family members are not included in the assessment to avoid distractions and ensure an accurate assessment.

The feedback session is typically scheduled for two weeks after the assessment and scheduled for one hour. The patient may include family and caregivers in the feedback session. The neuropsychologist will review the findings and address the referral question as well as  questions from the patient and family as to how the data impacts the person in their daily life.  The neuropsychologist strives to offer useful recommendations on strategies to manage cognitive changes such as memory deficits, accommodations at home, work and school and general information on activities important to long term cognitive well being. The report is typically prepared following the feedback session and provided to the patient and the individual released by the patient to receive the assessment, such as the referring physician. The neuropsychologist is available after the person has received their report to answer any questions.

Some insurance providers allow for telehealth services to provide feedback. Please ask the office coordinator about this service if interested.

A program social worker conducts an initial interview with program patients to better understand their family and community support system, goals for rehabilitation and potential barriers. The social worker will explore topics including mental health and provide information about rehabilitation psychology services. Some patients and family request individual counseling based on their needs. At other points during the program, the patient, their family or team may recommend individual counseling. The social worker will facilitate referral to counseling and setting up the initial session with the rehabilitation psychologist. The team recommends services during the program based on the individual’s needs which may include readiness to participate in the rehabilitation education and support group or the Thrive group.

The Developmental and Behavioral Health team of social workers and psychologist respond to mental health crises of program patients to provide immediate care and referral to intensive care as needed. As a member of the rehabilitation treatment team, the rehabilitation psychologist provides guidance and assistance with the treatment team in working through emotional challenges that may interfere with the individual’s  engagement in their rehabilitation program.

Social Work Services

Ability KC recognizes the importance of communication between the treatment team and patient and caregivers, identifying and referring to critical resources and providing general support to our patients and their families. Our program patients are assigned a social worker who will provide important information about the program on the first day and continue with the patient throughout their participation in the day hospital program. They, along with the treatment team, provide regular updates on progress, maintain contact with families and identify resources to meet critical needs. The social worker is the patient’s communication hub and support.