Frequently Asked Questions

Following the scheduling of your appointment, you will be asked to complete some forms providing background information that you can either mail in or bring with you on your appointment date. Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations are scheduled across two consecutive days, usually one morning and one full day. Some portions of the assessment can be done virtually; this will be discussed with you at the time of booking. You will meet with Dr. Mead-Wescott or Dr. Talbot to discuss your situation (or your child’s situation) and concerns, followed by the testing procedures. You will be provided breaks as often as needed, as well as a lunch break for full-day evaluations. After you have completed the evaluation procedures, your test results will be compiled and a report prepared. You will return to the office (in-person or virtually) for a “feedback session” to discuss the results and recommendations, at which time you will usually receive a copy of your report. You can also request that copies of your report be sent to your doctor, school or other involved party. In some situations (e.g., if you have been referred by your insurance company or lawyer), procedures relating to the feedback session and the report will vary; you will be notified if this applies to you.

Most people find the test procedures quite interesting. You will be asked to perform a wide variety of tasks assessing many aspects of your cognitive and emotional functioning. These are mostly paper-and-pencil tests completed at a table with an examiner, as well as some questionnaires and some computerized tests. Typical areas assessed include memory, attention, language skills, spatial abilities, processing speed, reasoning and problem-solving, fine motor skills, and emotional functioning. As needed, the evaluation may also include assessment of general intellectual abilities, academic skills, behavioural functioning, adaptive functioning, personality factors, and vocational interests.

A formal evaluation provides many benefits for the individual who is concerned about their cognitive functioning. Some of these include:

• Obtaining the correct treatment for your situation, based on a proper diagnosis of the underlying condition and the factors contributing to the condition
• Ensuring that your physician has a complete picture of your cognitive and emotional functioning, to aid in medical decision-making
• Understanding your risk for future cognitive decline and how to minimize this
• Obtaining a baseline assessment of your functioning, for comparison against in the event of future concern about a decline
• Understanding how to compensate for your weaknesses and make the best use of your strengths to optimize your chance of success at work or in the classroom
• Obtaining appropriate accommodations in the classroom or workplace
• Understanding how you have been affected by an injury or other type of neurological or medical condition, and how this is likely to impact your life in the months and years ahead
• Clarifying the existence or extent of a brain injury in the case of a personal injury lawsuit or other forensic situation

For those participating in the Memory and Aging group program, the following benefits can be expected:

• A better understanding of the factors affecting your memory in everyday life (and the fact that it is normal to forget people’s names!)
• Information about how lifestyle factors like exercise, diet and cognitive engagement can affect your brain health and memory functioning
• Practice with a handful of very effective strategies that can be used in everyday life to reduce the impact of age-related memory difficulties
• The camaraderie and support of others who are experiencing the same types of memory challenges and frustrations

Self-referrals are welcome, as are referrals from physicians, attorneys, psychologists, schools, case managers, and other health care professionals. Completion of a referral form, found on the resources page, can be helpful but is not required. Referral forms should be emailed to info@northshoreneuropsych.com.

A neuropsychologist is a registered psychologist who has obtained the necessary education and training in clinical neuropsychology to practice in this specialty area. Neuropsychologists generally work with clients with neurological and/or medical conditions, with a particular focus on the assessment of cognitive and emotional issues. Some also offer intervention services, such as counseling or cognitive rehab. Board-certification, such as by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (a section of the American Board of Professional Psychology, designated as ABPP in the credentials), is a reliable means of recognizing a well-trained neuropsychologist.

A clinical psychologist is a registered psychologist whose focus is typically on using psychotherapy or other means to assist individuals who have emotional or behavioural problems.

A neurologist is a medical doctor whose focus is on problems related to the brain and spinal cord. They perform medical evaluations and order specialized medical tests to further evaluate the functioning of the nervous system.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose focus is on emotional and behavioural problems. They often prescribe medications to help with these problems.

Some individuals are concerned that poor test results on their assessment may result in them being restricted from driving. This is an understandable concern, but it would be extremely rare for any immediate action to be taken on the basis of cognitive test results alone. The Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV) requires health care providers, including psychologists, to make a formal report if a patient has a medical condition that makes it dangerous to the patient or the public for the patient to drive a motor vehicle AND the patient continues to drive after the provider warns the patient of the danger. Therefore, if neuropsychological test results suggest the individual may pose a safety risk by driving, the client (and their family members, if present) will be provided with information to that effect, and this will be included in the report that is sent to the family doctor.

North Shore Neuropsychology offers a variety of services, some of which are provided for a flat fee and others at an hourly rate. Where not otherwise indicated, the hourly rate is $235/hour. GST may be required for some services. Please note that face-to-face testing time represents only a portion of the time devoted to each evaluation, which also includes reviewing records, scoring test protocols, preparing the report, and reviewing the results with the client.

In British Columbia, fees for psychological services are not covered by the Medical Services Plan. Many extended health benefits plans cover a portion of psychological services; however, the amount of coverage varies from plan to plan. It is recommended that you check your coverage documents under “psychological services”, “paramedical” or “other medical” expenses. Payment receipts will be provided for use in obtaining reimbursement from health insurance plans. Psychological fees also qualify to be deducted as a medical expense on your personal income tax return.

For direct client-paid services, full payment is expected on the date of evaluation or consultation, by cheque, credit card, debit card, or e-transfer. For services provided for attorneys or other third parties, payment will be governed by the agreement made when the services are contracted.  Dr. Mead-Wescott is part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network.

North Shore Neuropsychology is located at 545 Clyde Ave. in West Vancouver, near the intersection of Marine Drive and Taylor Way (across from Park Royal Mall).   For those coming across the Ironworkers’ Memorial Bridge on Hwy 1 (or coming from Horseshoe Bay), take Exit 13 onto Taylor Way (south), and then turn left onto Clyde Ave. just before Marine Drive.  For those coming across the Lions Gate Bridge, stay to the left as you reach the North Shore (toward West Vancouver), go around the exit ramp onto Marine Drive, take your first right onto Taylor Way, and stay in the right lane to make a quick right onto Clyde Ave.  545 Clyde Ave is a white boxy building near the end of the road, on the left.  There is free visitors’ parking in the parking lot.  Public transit routes are nearby; it is a 5-6 minute walk from the Park Royal bus stop to our building.