neuropsychologist evaluation

Last ♡ Hope

New Member
How do you find a place to have a neuropsychologist evaluation done? Our pediatrician just called me back saying they don't believe there is anyone locally who can do this, but they are willing to refer me out of state if need be...
 

AnnieO

Shooting from the Hip
Look for children's hospitals and/or university hospitals.

There are good ones in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus (that's a university), for instance, if you are in or near Ohio. The pediatrician "might" not know... But I would hope they'd put feelers out at least!
 

rlsnights

New Member
If you tell us the closest large cities and/or state you are in, I expect there may be some people who can offer you some input.

There are a few places you can go that require travel but are widely known and respected.
 

Last ♡ Hope

New Member
If you tell us the closest large cities and/or state you are in, I expect there may be some people who can offer you some input.

There are a few places you can go that require travel but are widely known and respected.

I live in South Dakota... I'm wondering if there might be somewhere in Minnesota - Mayo - ?

We do have a Sanford Children's Hospital here locally...
 

Last ♡ Hope

New Member
I am just so mad right now - his psychiatric apparently does not believe a neuropsychologist evaluation is even "necessary". She believes his behavior is "behavioral and reactional" whatever that implies. How do I find a new psychiatrist? We don't have a lot to choose from, and from my time spent as a float nurse in one specific pediatric pclinic here locally, there seems to be a lot of throwing up of hands with regards to difficult to treat children.
 

AnnieO

Shooting from the Hip
In this case... Don't stress about the psychiatrist not thinking he needs a neuropsychologist, they don't always think so. And... If you think the psychiatrist is wrong for him, then just choose another till you find the right one. And... Honestly... You may have to go further afield or out of network...
 

rlsnights

New Member
South Dakota really doesn't have a lot of choices of medical care in the specialists. I know this from another board I am on that deals with autoimmune issues. So I'm not surprised you have few choices of psychiatrists. And it would be really helpful to see a child psychiatrist and I bet there may not even be one of those in SD. But that is usual in rural/low population areas.

If you are close enough that you could get to MN then that is definitely a good direction to go. I don't know if Mayo is the best place to go for neuropsychologist up there. U of MN has been a bastion of psychological testing so it's possible someone in Minneapolis would be a better choice.

Anyone up in MN who can help her out?
 
H

HaoZi

Guest
Timer Lady would know if someone can get her attention.

We haven't done a neuropysch evaluation here, either. It's been hard enough to get anyone outside the school to do ANY tests on her before just trialing medications on her. Been fun, let me tell you. Finally found a psychologist who is willing to do some of the testing, right now he doesn't think she needs a neurologist to do testing, too, but he is leaving the option on the table depending on what direction her testing leads off in. He's only doing a few shorter tests right now to get a sense of her and see if/what other tests need doing. He's the ONLY doctor that has really listened to me on the need for further testing. The psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist the insurance company referred us to for testing both said "Testing? What do you want her tested for? Which tests?" Helllllllo, you're the professional, why am I supposed to know which tests?! And why? Because judging by her atypical medication reactions (like... 5 or 6 medications across 3-4 classes of medications) and lack of progress you're obviously missing something else that's going on here.
 

Last ♡ Hope

New Member
Timer Lady would know if someone can get her attention.

"Testing? What do you want her tested for? Which tests?" Helllllllo, you're the professional, why am I supposed to know which tests?! And why? Because judging by her atypical medication reactions (like... 5 or 6 medications across 3-4 classes of medications) and lack of progress you're obviously missing something else that's going on here.

Oh *please* someone get Timer Lady's attention for me! I would absolutely go to MN to see someone if that 'someone' were worth it!

And HaoZi, that last paragraph there feels like the kind of **** I'm up against at every turn. ::grumbles::
 
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HaoZi

Guest
I sent her a PM with a link to this post, but I don't have any other way to contact her. I'm pretty sure there's some here that can contact her more directly, but I'm not sure who.
 
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TeDo

Guest
If you are close enough that you could get to MN then that is definitely a good direction to go. I don't know if Mayo is the best place to go for neuropsychologist up there. U of MN has been a bastion of psychological testing so it's possible someone in Minneapolis would be a better choice.

Anyone up in MN who can help her out?

I have just found an AWESOME (and highly recommended by everyone I've talked to) neuropsychologist associated with the U of MN. PM me and I can give you the contact info. I have been told that he does a very thorough job and gives wonderful home AND school recommendations.
 
T

TeDo

Guest
Last ♡ Hope;416024 said:
We do have a Sanford Children's Hospital here locally...

I checked into the neuropsychologist at that hospital and he ONLY sees kids kindergarten age and younger. He has had to scale back because he is in such high demand. They informed me they don't have anyone else. See my other post to this thread for more info.
 

timer lady

Queen of Hearts
The University of MN children's behavioral services does neuropsychologist evaluations as does Mayo Clinic. The tweedles had both of their neuropsychologist evaluations done at the U of MN. Mayo no longer needs (given the newletters I get monthly) a referral for services, however I don't know personally of their children's mental health or behavioral services teams. I'll check & see if I still have the info on the clinic at U of MN & send you a private message with the contact information.
 
Hi I am new (like just 2mins ago I registered) any way I took my son to a neuropsychologist evaluation in Wichita at the KU medical center psychiatric department. So maybe different universities with psychiatric program would be a good place to look. I found mine by accident when I was simply looking for some kind of help for him and calling every thereapist/psychiatric on the internet in Wichita.
 

Last ♡ Hope

New Member
Thank you all for your replies, we have a family meeting coming up on Wednesday. This time it will include someone from his school and our advocate, and of course myself and whichever Dr. decides to show up. Hopefully I can impress upon them all the need for further testing...
 
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TeDo

Guest
Good luck and let us know how it goes. Does your insurance require a referral?
 
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