Neuropsychology – Neuropsychological Assessments

UAB Spain Rehab
Neuropsychology – Neuropsychological Assessments

Overview

Neuropsychological assessments evaluate how the brain is functioning by testing memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills. These assessments help guide rehabilitation and medical care after neurological injury or illness.

Our Approach

Our licensed neuropsychologists conduct comprehensive evaluations to understand how cognitive changes may be affecting your daily life, therapy participation, and safety. Results help us shape personalized treatment plans and discharge recommendations.

What to Expect

Each inpatient rehabilitation service — brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and general rehabilitation — offers specialized psychological support. Shortly after admission, every patient meets with a psychologist trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) psychology. These professionals assess cognitive, behavioral, and emotional challenges related to the patient’s illness or injury. The primary goal of rehabilitation psychology services is to help patients and their families optimize their rehabilitation experience, while providing personalized support as needed.

Patients complete a series of structured tasks and questionnaires in a quiet, one-on-one setting. Results are reviewed with the care team and used to support therapy, return-to-work planning, or referrals for outpatient support. Steps are outlined below:

Evaluation: Patients will complete an initial evaluation shortly after admission with psychology that includes a cognitive screen and a review of education, work, social, substance use, and psychiatric history, as well as current mood.
Recovery counseling: Your PM&R psychologist will explain what to expect in your mental recovery, including a timeline and ways to adapt to your new circumstances.
Mobility and function: Psychologists are available to assist during therapies to help patients work through anxiety or other barriers that may limit their participation and progress. We also help patients and families overcome psychological barriers that may affect their ability to learn and perform essential care tasks.
Pain management: The psychology team can help patients manage pain and remain as comfortable as possible during healing.
Connection to community resources: Our team is dedicated to helping you reconnect with the activities, hobbies, and work that are most meaningful to you, as well as helping you maintain a sense of community. Your PM&R psychologist will develop a personalized plan to enhance your quality of life and support your journey toward greater independence. This plan may include referrals for neuropsychological assessments to monitor brain recovery; driving evaluations to assess readiness for a return to driving; connections to community-based groups offering support and peer mentorship; or referrals for outpatient mental health counseling.