Neuropsychologist
At Holistic Mind Steps we provide many different types of evaluations. Below we describe each one in detail to help you choose which one is best for you or your loved one.
These are tests that explore the deeper cognitive functioning of a person at any age. They are most commonly requested to assess decline in cognitive function during ageing. In Children and Adolescents, they may be used to evaluate cognitive function and IQ post head injuries or illnesses. In adults they are used to determine cognitive decline or baseline functioning. Using a clinical interview and application of specific tests and scales; we seek to understand the cognitive and adaptive abilities of an individual. In this way, we can detect possible difficulties in the cognitive development of the patient at an early stage and improve quality of life. At the end of the sessions, you receive a final report that includes a diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan and recommendations.
Generally, individuals are referred to evaluation by physicians or family members who are worried about the persons decline in functioning. There are many difficulties that can cause cognitive decline from infections to trauma. Identifying the individual’s level of functioning in these areas helps elucidate the most likely cause and serves to guide future interventions. While mild degrees of cognitive changes are normal with aging they should not interfere with basic life tasks. An early cognitive evaluation and follow up cognitive training will help improve quality of life and slow down progression of memory impairment in dementias.
- Developmental Disorders (Ex: intelligence, cognitive maturity)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Down’s Syndrome
- Problems with attention and learning
- Problems with memory, movement and mental ability (Ex. Dementias, Parkinson’s Disease)
- Neuroinflammatory processes (ex. Meningitis, Encephalitis)
- Mood Disorders (ex. Bipolar Affective Disorders, Depression)
- Psychotic Disorders (ex. Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorders)
- Substance abuse leading to cognitive decline
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Post- concussive syndromes
Each evaluation performed is adapted to an individual’s needs taking into consideration strengths and weaknesses. We use an ample gamut of psychometric and projective tests, questionnaires and scales to obtain a more complete overview of the individual and develop adequate treatment options.
An initial evaluation is necessary prior to starting testing. Duration is dependent on each situation and the number of tests required. Each session lasts approximately 30-60 minutes and usually 3-8 sessions are required.
MGTR. ROSSANA ARDÓN
Holistic Health Assessments
Holistic evaluations are comprehensive analytical processes that consider the individual as a whole encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects. Their goal is to understand a person's overall well-being and provide balanced, personalized solutions. Using various tools such as interviews, bioelectrical analysis, or lifestyle studies, holistic evaluations help design strategies that promote overall well-being and balance in all areas of life.
When is a holistic health assessment warranted?
Holistic Evaluations are beneficial for those seeking self-awareness, improving their quality of life, or finding a more harmonious approach to facing challenges. They are recommended for people seeking balance in their work, physical, family, social and personal lives. By analyzing all these aspects, a better balance can be achieved for a long and healthy life in mind, body and spirit. They are also suitable for people who are healthy but want a deeper understanding of areas to work on for the future and to analyze their current habits and their impact on their body chemistry more thoroughly.
Some of the difficulties that are most frequently evaluated are:
- Stress and anxiety management
- Burnout
- Emotional imbalances
- Impact of bad habits on health
- Chaging habits
- Integral information about the physical state and functioning of the body
- Information about vitamins, supplements, amino acids, allergies, heavy metals, etc. on the body.
Each evaluation performed is adapted to an individual’s needs. We use a comprehensive bioelectrical analysis, generating a complete report of areas of strength and weakness in the body, along with a detailed habit and wellness interview. This allows us to gain a holistic view of the individual’s functioning and develop appropriate treatment options.
Duration
Holistic evaluations begin with an in-depth interview and assessment lasting an hour to an hour and a half. The results are then delivered along with recommendations for the client’s comprehensive balance. Follow-up sessions take place after 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months.
Meet the team that provides Holistic Health Assessments
dra. Analida Arango
Therapist – Holistic Health
Psychological Assessments
These are tests that explore the deeper emotional functioning of a person at any age. Typically, they are used in older adolescents and adults to clarify psychological problems or personality disorders. Using a clinical interview and application of specific psychological tests and scales; we seek to understand the emotional and adaptive abilities of an individual. In this way, we can detect personality disorders or traits that may interfere in the patients social, work and home environment. These types of disorders are important to identify as they are not modifiable by medications alone and require specific therapeutic interventions. At the end of the sessions, you receive a final report that includes a diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan and recommendations.
When is a psychological assessment warranted?
Generally, individuals are referred to evaluation by businesses, physicians or family members who are worried about the persons interpersonal functioning. There are many difficulties that can arise from emotional and psychological causes. Identifying the individual’s personality structure helps guide treatment decisions.
Some of the difficulties that are most frequently evaluated are:
- Anxiety Disorders (Ex: phobias, social anxiety, generalized anxiety)
- Mood Disorders (ex. Bipolar Affective Disorders, Depression)
- Personality Disorders
- Psychotic Disorders (ex. Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorders)
- Conduct Disorders (Ex: aggression, oppositional defiant)
- School, social or family difficulties
- Difficulty with relationships
- Substance abuse symptoms
Each evaluation performed is adapted to an individual’s needs taking into consideration strengths and weaknesses. We use an ample gamut of psychometric and projective tests, questionnaires and scales to obtain a more complete overview of the individual and develop adequate treatment options.
Duration
An initial evaluation is necessary prior to starting testing. Duration is dependent on each situation and the number of tests required. Each session lasts approximately 50-60 minutes and usually requires 2-5 sessions.
Meet the team that provides Psychological Testing
MGTR. CELIN SÁNCHEZ
Clinical Psychologist
MGTR. ROSSANA ARDÓN
Neuropsychologist
Dra. Bettina Capucho
Clinical Psychologist
Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Testing
Our most requested service for students. These are tests that explore the deeper functioning of a person at any age. Typically, they are used in children and adolescents to: determine intelligence, academic strengths and weaknesses, diagnoses specific learning difficulties (Ex. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) and clarify psychological problems. In adults, they are used to determine mental changes related to aging or cognitive decline or to obtain a baseline. Using a clinical interview, application of psychological, academic or specific tests and scales; we seek to understand the cognitive, emotional and adaptive abilities of an individual. In this way, we can detect possible difficulties in the integral development of the patient. At the end of the sessions, you receive a final report that includes a diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan and recommendations.
When is a psychoeducational or neuropsychological tests warranted?
Generally, individuals are referred to evaluation by schools, businesses, physicians or family members who are worried about the persons functioning. There are many difficulties that can arise from emotional, cognitive or other causes; therefore, identifying the individual’s level of functioning in these areas helps elucidate the most likely cause and serves to guide future interventions.
Some of the difficulties that are most frequently evaluated are:
- Developmental Disorders (Ex. Intelligence, cognitive maturity).
- Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Problems with attention and learning.
- Problems with memory, movement and mental ability (Ex. Dementias).
- Problems with attention and learning.
- Anxiety Disorders (Ex. Fobias, social anxiety, among others).
- Mood Disorders.
- Personality Disorders.
- Conduct Disorders (Ex: aggression, oppositional defiant)
- School, social or family difficulties.
- Difficulty with social relationships.
- Academic difficulties.
- Substance abuse symptoms.
Although there is a basic model for a full psychological evaluation, each evaluation performed is adapted to an individual’s needs; taking into consideration strengths and weaknesses. We use an ample gamut of psychometric and projective tests, questionnaires and scales to obtain a more complete overview of the individual and develop adequate treatment options.
Duration
An initial evaluation is necessary prior to starting testing. Duration is dependent on each situation and the number of tests required. Each session lasts approximately 50-60 minutes and usually require 4-6 sessions.
Meet the team that provides Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Testing
Daisy Valencia
Psychopedagogue
MGTR. CELIN SÁNCHEZ
Clinical Psychologist
ROSSANA ARDÓN
Neuropsychologist
Dra. Bettina Capucho
Clinical Psychologist
Psychiatric Assessments
These evaluations focus on clarifying mental health diagnosis, creating treatment plans and ruling out other medical, social or psychological issues that may be impacting an individuals’ health. The medical professional will help guide you and your family in a personalized approach to ensure optimal physical, psychological, social and spiritual health. People requesting these services are often looking to clarify aspects of health that are impacting their day to day functioning. At the end of the evaluation, you receive a diagnosis, treatment plan and recommendations that may include: laboratory or psychological testing, imaging, medication prescriptions, referrals to other medical professionals or to specific therapies. Follow ups serve to help further clarify the results of testing and monitor progress.
When is a psychiatric test warranted?
Some individuals are referred to evaluation by other physicians or psychologists, but many people come in seeking a deeper understanding of their mental and physical health issues and how they may be creating difficulties. Each evaluation performed is adapted to an individual’s needs taking into consideration strengths and weaknesses. Through understanding of their diagnoses and their impact on quality of life the psychiatrist and patient co-create an integrated plan towards health that works for each individual.
Some of the difficulties that are most frequently evaluated are:
- Mood disorders (Ex.: depression, bipolar disorder)
- Anxiety-related disorders (Ex.: Generalized Anxiety, phobias, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, among others)
- Psychotic disorders (Ex.: Schizophrenia)
- Developmental disorders (Ex.: Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Disorders of childhood and adolescence: (Ex.: oppositional/defiant behaviors, enuresis, encopresis)
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders: (Ex.: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder)
- Sleep disorders
- Substance abuse and dependence (addiction)
- Impulse control disorders (aggressiveness)
- Medical issues causing or worsening mental health
Duration
Psychiatric evaluations are usually 1-2 hours but may be longer depending on individual needs.
Meet the team that provides Psychiatric Evaluations
dra. María Luisa Hincapié
Psychiatrist – Child Psychiatrist
dra. Sara María Vélez Parra
Psychiatrist
