Assessment

Neuropsychological*

The science of neuropsychology examines the brain-behavior relationship. Clinical neuropsychological assessment clarifies this relationship and provides a comprehensive picture of an individual; it assists with diagnoses and gives insight into the best treatment recommendations. The actual neuropsychological assessment involves a clinical interview, review of records, and testing (question-and-answer and hands-on activities). The entire neuropsychological assessment can take between a few hours to a whole day, depending upon the referral question, circumstance surrounding the assessment, and individual needs.

ANS clinicians conduct neuropsychological evaluations for adolescents, adults and seniors. We uses state-of-the-art neuropsychological methods and norms-based testing tools to assess individual functioning. Common ANS referrals include:

• Assessment of the impact of a head injury/trauma on thinking, mood and functioning
• Treatment recommendations after identification of brain disorder or trauma
• Assistance with differential diagnoses of depression, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and movement disorders
• Assessment of neuropsychological function for current and retired athletes
• Determination of mental capacities and fitness
• Forensic neuropsychological assessment to assist triers of fact

Psychological*

Psychological evaluations are often used in medical and psychiatric situations. They are usually much shorter than a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and are often specific to a medical or psychiatric question. ANS utilizes state-of-the-art measurement tools and interview techniques in our assessment. Types of ANS psychological evaluations include:

• Assessment of trauma and psychological functioning
• Psychiatric differential diagnosis and treatment recommendations
• Assessment for return-to-work in a sensitive position and mental fitness in custody matters
• Forensic psychological assessment to assist triers of fact

*The New York City metro area is a veritable “Salad Bowl” of linguistic and cultural diversity.  ANS provides psychological and neuropsychological evaluations with language-appropriate tests administered by qualified neuropsychologists proficient in a number of languages (including but not limited to Spanish, Cantonese/Mandarin, Greek, and Russian) for both clinical and legal purposes.

Treatment

Individual and Couples Psychotherapy

ANS clinicians approach psychotherapy from a practical whole-person perspective. We utilize an integrative approach of Mindfulness-based Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and Humanistic principles. We help individuals identify the true problems that interfere with personal satisfaction and wellbeing. We are active in the therapeutic process; we train individuals in the use of internal and external resources to effectively handle the issues at hand, establish attainable goals, and to transcend the obstacles. We specializes in trauma, loss, executive regulation, and relationship issues. ANS providers help individuals come-to-terms with the past, build a solid ground in the present, and create a meaningful future worth living. We work with adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Adjustment-Based Psychotherapy

Individuals with brain injuries, movement disorders, chronic medical illness, trauma history, or loss of a loved one may find themselves struggling with adjustment difficulties with daily life. ANS providers have expertise working with complicated adjustment issues and is skilled at facilitating resolve and wellbeing.

Cognitive Skill Building

It is not uncommon for individuals with a brain injury to think, “I can do this, I always have,” only to find out later that they cannot. This can be extremely upsetting. After all, we need our brain to think, so when the brain is injured it becomes hard to anticipate how functional difficulties might show up in the routine of life, which is very frustrating when mistakes are made. For individuals dealing with brain injury, early dementia, or just having difficulties being effective in life, ANS clinicians provide strategies and work-arounds designed to optimize thinking organization and memory. We help individuals “raise their game” in their daily life.

Trauma Therapy

Psychological trauma can be caused by a number of sources: physical, mental, or emotional insults; real or perceived threats to self; and real or perceived threats to others. Most traumatic experiences reduce in intensity over time, naturally. However, some traumatic experiences become more problematic over time with repeated exposures or associated cues experienced by the individual. Indeed, psychological trauma can be more devastating and debilitating than any physical trauma. Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is considered a “gold standard” intervention for post-traumatic stress and acute stress reactions. ANS clinicians offer CBT interventions in a practical and compassionate manner designed to relieve the symptoms and neutralize the stress reaction.

Pain Management

Some individuals deal with pain that does not go away after the medical condition is stabilized. Pain can be debilitating and significantly detract from quality of life of affected individuals and their loved ones. ANS clinicians provide education and interventions that help relieve and manage the pain experience, including lifestyle and relaxation training. We also works closely with pain management specialists (such as anesthesiologists, psychiatrists) to complement medical interventions.

Medically-Complicated Psychological Clinical Intervention and Collaboration

ANS providers work with individuals coping with a wide range of difficulties. Our training, skills, and experience adds to our effectiveness treating psychological and emotional issues identified by treating doctors (such as primary care physicians, neurologists, and psychiatrists). Our collaborative approach with physicians has enabled us to effectively and successfully address a wide range of hard-to-treat medically-related psychological conditions including:

• Somataform disorder
• Psychogenic non-epileptic seizure disorders
• Autoimmune disorders

Professional Consultation

Medicolegal Neuropsychological IME

Brain injured individuals may be involved with legal matters. ANS provides objective neuropsychological Independent Medical Examination (IMEs)  for civil litigation and mental capacity determinations. A board certified clinical neuropsychologist is often asked to conduct a neuropsychological IME to help clarify the nature and extent of the injury on thinking, feeling, and functioning, and help sort out potential causation of injury. Referrals are usually made by attorneys representing involved parties.

Clinical

Rehabilitation Care

People who suffer severe injury or illness often require treatment by rehabilitation care providers (such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, rehabilitation doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, case managers, and home health care). ANS providers have experience participating on rehabilitation teams and consult regularly with other care providers and physicians contributing to the overall well being of individuals with disabilities. For example, for brain injured individuals, ANS clinicians provide information about the most effective ways to engage and communicate with the individual, to overcome motivational issues, to identify work-arounds to memory problems, to optimize organization and planning skills, and to manage concerns involving impulse and initiation.

Behavioral Management Strategies

It is not uncommon for people with brain injury or dementia to have some behavioral difficulties, such as being automatic or impulsive in actions, speaking before thinking things through, and avoiding or not initiating appropriate routines. ANS clinicians provide individuals and families with strategies and activities to help shape more effective behaviors and routines for affected indivuals.