After an injury or illness
Persistent thinking or memory difficulties after concussion, a brain injury, stroke or a neurological illness.
Memory, thinking & everyday life
Neuropsychological Assessment
Understand changes in memory, attention and thinking—and what they mean for everyday life.
Understanding cognition
Make sense of thinking and memory.
A neuropsychological assessment looks closely at memory, attention and other thinking skills. It helps explain where a person is doing well, where they are having difficulty, and how those findings relate to their health and daily life.
The psychologist brings together a discussion of your concerns and history, cognitive testing and relevant records. With your consent, someone who knows you well may also contribute. The results are considered together, rather than relying on a single score.
Reasons to seek an assessment
When an assessment can help.
People come with different concerns. These are some of the questions a neuropsychological assessment can explore.
Changes in thinking
Changes in attention, memory, processing speed or organization, understood in the context of your health and earlier functioning.
More than one possible explanation
How health, mood, sleep, pain or developmental history may contribute to the same difficulties.
Planning the next step
What cognitive findings may mean for rehabilitation, work, education or support with daily activities.
New or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms need timely medical assessment. A neuropsychological assessment is not an emergency evaluation.
What testing explores
A profile of how you think.
Depending on your questions, testing may explore these areas. Emotional wellbeing and health are considered alongside the cognitive findings.
- Attention & concentration
- Learning & memory
- Planning & mental flexibility (executive functioning)
- Processing speed
- Language & communication
- Visual & spatial skills
Planned around the person.
The psychologist selects tests based on your history, concerns and the questions you need answered. Language, culture, education, and any sensory or physical needs are considered when planning the assessment and interpreting the results.
Choosing an assessment
Start with the question you need answered.
Several assessment types include cognitive testing. Memory or concentration difficulties alone do not tell you which one is needed, and cognitive testing is not always a full neuropsychological assessment.
| Assessment | Typical focus |
|---|---|
| Neuropsychological | How thinking and memory relate to brain functioning, health and everyday life. |
| Psychoeducational | Learning, academic skills and planning for education. |
| Psychodiagnostic | Understanding emotional or mental-health concerns and possible diagnoses. |
| ADHD / autism | Focused developmental questions, using a person’s history and current functioning. |
| Rehabilitation or functional assessment | How a person carries out activities and manages the demands of home, work or other settings. |
Some questions call for more than one discipline. BrainLab can help clarify which type of assessment would be useful.
Compare BrainLab’s assessment optionsFor professional referrers
Independent neuropsychological assessments.
We accept referrals from lawyers, insurers, employers, disability professionals and rehabilitation providers for questions involving brain injury, concussion, neurological conditions and cognitive functioning.
An assessment can help clarify cognitive strengths and difficulties, including their significance for daily life, work or rehabilitation.
Clear, independent reporting
The report explains the findings, what they mean for the referral questions, and where the evidence leaves uncertainty. The psychologist’s opinion remains independent, regardless of who requested the assessment.
When occupational therapy can help
Occupational therapy adds direct information about everyday activities and work demands. Where both disciplines would help answer the questions, BrainLab can consider a coordinated neuropsychology and occupational therapy assessment.
An independent assessment informs a legal, insurance or workplace decision; it is different from an assessment arranged to guide care. Before proceeding, we agree on the questions, relevant records, report recipients and confidentiality arrangements.
What to expect
From your first question to the report.
Tell us what you need to understand
Start with a brief inquiry or referral. Detailed records can follow through the secure process BrainLab provides.
Agree on the assessment plan
We discuss the questions, records, methods, appointments and report recipients, along with a fee estimate and proposed schedule.
Meet with the psychologist
The assessment includes an interview and selected tests. Breaks and accessibility needs are planned with you.
Bring the findings together
The psychologist considers the results alongside your history and other information, including anything that remains uncertain.
Review the report
For clinical assessments, feedback explains the findings and recommendations. Independent reports and communication follow the agreed referral arrangements. Read about using an assessment report.
Planning your assessment
Appointments, location and fees.
Appointment format
Testing may take more than one visit, and some testing needs to be completed in person. Interviews or feedback may sometimes be held virtually. The assessment process guide offers general preparation information.
Practice locations
222 Queen Street, 10th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V9
120 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E2
We will discuss the appropriate location and format when planning your assessment.
Fees and timing
Before you decide whether to proceed, you will receive a plan with the fee estimate and proposed schedule. If you are using insurance or funding, check the provider’s requirements in advance.
For general planning, see fees and payment and assessment funding.
Common questions
Before you get started.
How do I know whether this is the right assessment?
Tell us what has changed or what you want to understand. Your concerns, history and day-to-day difficulties help us identify the assessment questions and the information needed to answer them.
Do I need a physician’s referral or a diagnosis?
You do not need to identify a diagnosis before contacting us. We will clarify whether a physician’s referral, medical information or particular funding documents are needed. Neuropsychological assessment does not replace medical investigation.
How should I prepare?
Follow the psychologist’s instructions and bring your usual glasses or hearing aids. Discuss language, accessibility, fatigue or medication questions in advance. Do not stop prescribed medication unless the appropriate treating professional advises you to do so.
Which records are helpful?
Medical or neurological reports, previous assessments, and school or workplace information may be useful. In the initial form, simply tell us whether records are available. Do not upload or paste them into the inquiry.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
This depends on the questions, testing and reporting involved. The proposed plan sets out the appointments, fee estimate and expected reporting schedule before you decide whether to proceed.
Can I complete the assessment online?
Some interviews and feedback appointments can take place online. Cognitive testing may need to be completed in person. We will discuss the format appropriate to the tests and your needs.
Will I receive a diagnosis or accommodations?
The findings may clarify a diagnosis and support recommendations. Sometimes the answer remains uncertain. Schools, employers, insurers and other organizations make their own decisions about accommodations or benefits.
Who receives the report?
For clinical assessments, report sharing follows the consent arrangements discussed with you and applicable professional obligations. For independent assessments, report recipients and confidentiality arrangements are explained before you proceed. An independent assessment does not establish a treating relationship.
Which route should a lawyer or insurer use?
Use the independent assessment referral route for an independent opinion. Healthcare or rehabilitation professionals referring for clinical care should use the professional referral route. Keep the first inquiry brief; detailed records can follow securely.
Your next step
Tell us what you would like to understand.
For yourself or a family member
Start with the questions or changes that prompted you to consider an assessment.
For clinical care
Refer for an assessment to support care, rehabilitation or treatment planning.
For an independent opinion
Send a referral for a legal, insurance, disability or workplace question.