Clinical and Educational Neuropsychology Services

There are many options for neuropsychological testing. In order to get the most out of testing, you need an experienced neuropsychologist who can integrate historical information, quantitative test results, qualitative observations and clinical data with a strong appreciation for each individual. My goal is to offer you extremely individualized, in depth, patient focused testing. I will provide you with understandable feedback that answers your specific questions and allows for an in depth understanding of you or your child. I give clear, usable recommendations and provide followup services to make sure you get the most out of the evaluation.

Who We Are

Dr. Kathryn Piscitelle

Dr. Piscitelle is a Harvard trained neuropsychologist with extensive experience providing individualized and compassionate evaluation and follow-up services.

Dr. Piscitelle received her BA from Wellesley College and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from William James College in Massachusetts. She completed her two year postdoctoral Neuropsychology specialization training through Harvard University. Dr. Piscitelle worked at McLean Hospital as a staff neuropsychologist in their child and adolescent clinic and trained postdoctoral fellows for 10 years. Dr. Piscitelle provided comprehensive evaluations and support services for children, adolescents and young adults with complex mental health, neurological and/or learning challenges. She specialized in working with parents, educators and treatment providers to develop integrated and practical supports and plans.

In her private practice, Dr. Piscitelle has also had the pleasure of partnering with public and private schools to support the learning and emotional needs of high functioning students. Dr. Piscitelle works extensively with young adults to help them navigate the challenging transitional period including college, vocational and life planning.

Learn More

The idea of testing may feel daunting, new and unclear to many. Children, families and individuals often do not know what to expect or what gains might be achieved through these services. My goal is to help people feel comfortable enough to make use of these services, which can provide great insight, understanding and improvement in individual and family functioning and happiness. I welcome inquiries about evaluation services, even if you are not sure that neuropsychological, academic and/or psychological testing is right for you or your child.

TYPES OF TESTING

Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological testing is a valuable tool in determining how an individual thinks, learns and works with information. It is useful in understanding how to best educate each individual based on his or her strengths. It helps in developing interventions and supports aimed at accommodating for and overcoming areas of weakness that may impact academics, work and daily life (including social and emotional functioning). It is also helpful in allowing parents and educators to better understand each child's needs and for older children, adolescents and adults to become more self-aware and able to maximize their potential. Areas assessed include: verbal functioning, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, abstraction, attention, learning and other executive functions such as organization, planning, problem solving and cognitive flexibility. Neuropsychological testing can also aid in the accurate diagnosis and monitoring of disorders such as: ADHD, Nonverbal Learning Disability, Language Based Learning Disorders, Communication Disorders, Executive Dysfunction, Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders and Post-Concussive Syndrome.

Psychological Testing

By utilizing a variety of methods, including questionnaires, clinical interviews, observations and projective techniques, the psychologist is able to assess each individual's social, emotional and psychological functioning. A detailed understanding of an individual's strengths, weaknesses, personality characteristics, coping skills, emotional style, interpersonal and social comfort and relatedness and way of processing their experiences can be achieved. In addition, this type of testing often helps clarify and allow insight into possibly troubling or problematic behaviors, feelings and psychiatric symptoms. It aids in the accurate diagnosis of a wide range of disorders including: depression, mood/bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, psychotic/thought disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, personality disorders and reactive attachment disorder. Even more importantly than the specific diagnosis, a detailed description and narrative based on the results helps increase parents', treaters', and educators' understanding of the needs of each individual. This type of testing is extremely helpful in creating treatment plans, making recommendations and in guiding parenting and teaching supports.

Academic Testing

Academic testing is aimed at evaluating one's skills in a variety of areas such as reading, math and writing. It is useful in determining whether a child is functioning at grade level and if specific learning disabilities may be impacting their ability to learn.

Services