Services

A learning disability is a discrepancy between one’s general intellectual ability (IQ) and performance on tests of reading, writing, and math. When academic skills are substantially below what is expected for a person’s age, and cause interference with academic or occupational functioning, a learning disorder is suspected.  The cause is neurological—it is not a reflection of motivation or laziness and cannot be overcome by sheer willpower or tutoring.  The only way a learning disability can be diagnosed is by neuropsychological testing or neuropsychological assessment, also called psychoeducational testing.

It’s important for you to have an evaluation done correctly. We recommend scheduling for an initial clinical interview first, which will include collection of detailed academic, cognitive, medical, and emotional history.  At that point, determination of appropriates tests are made, and formal testing is scheduled.  Once testing is completed, your psychologist writes the report and schedules a feedback session to review results and recommendations collaboratively.  At Yorlan, our reports are routinely accepted for academic and occupational accommodations and we know the specific requirements to access disability services. Call us today for an appointment and have your testing done correctly

Yorlan also provides intellectual testing to help determine intellectual abilities for children, adolescents, and adults.  There are two main reasons for intellectual testing.  Sometimes children are quite bright, but are unchallenged in their current academic placement.  Testing can assist in determining if a child qualifies as gifted.  If identified as gifted, a professional evaluation can provide data to initiate a Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP), which provides more challenging academic programming such as advanced and gifted placement.

Other children may struggle with all classes and subjects despite effort and motivation to do well.  They may require support to make decisions, plan, make social judgments, and perform activities of daily living such as personal care and safety.  In this case, an intellectual disability may be the underlying cause.  Intellectual testing helps to identify intellectual ability level as well as one’s ability to perform tasks of daily living.  If identified as Intellectually Disabled (ID), a professional report qualifies an individual to all services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s development of language, communication, cognition, and social skills.  Autism exists on a spectrum, from a very mild condition of social awkwardness (previously called Asperger’s Syndrome), to the severe form in which intellectual abilities are also often impacted. Persons with autism spectrum illness exhibit social interaction difficulties, problems in verbal and nonverbal communication, as infants may not want to be touched or held, repeats certain words or phrases or physical movements, and may require their environment be the same—that is, they may not tolerate certain changes in diet or environment.

Autism Spectrum Illness can be difficult to diagnose, and it can be confused with other neuropsychological conditions, such as Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD). However, an accurate autism diagnosis is critical so that important therapeutic services may be instituted.  An evaluation is the first step toward finding out if you or your child or loved one has autism spectrum illness. We recommend scheduling for a initial clinical interview first, which will include collection of detailed academic, cognitive, medical, and emotional history.  At that point, determination of appropriates tests are made, and formal testing is scheduled.  Once testing is completed, your psychologist writes the report and schedules a feedback session to review results and recommendations collaboratively.

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective and lasting alternative for weight reduction and improved general health. As part of a multidisciplinary team, psychologists are responsible for the preoperative psychological assessment of bariatric candidates. The psychological assessment is designed to ensure that you are psychologically ready for the procedure and prepared to embrace the behavior changes required to meet success after surgery.

The psychological evaluation consists of a one hour clinical interview with a psychologist specializing in behavioral medicine, followed by about one hour of personality, mood, and symptom screening. Once the evaluation and report is completed, a feedback session is scheduled to review the report and subsequent recommendations.  Ultimately, it is left to the referring physician to make the decision to proceed or not with bariatric surgery.  Some people choose to continue outpatient therapy to obtain added support and treatment through the bariatric surgery and recovery process.  In addition, participation in the Overcoming Overeating group offered at Yorlan is suggested to learn and understand the emotional factors underlying eating behaviors, as well as developing new coping strategies.

Candidates for spinal cord stimulator implantation are typically referred for psychological assessment as part of the screening process to evaluate the likelihood of successful outcomes. During a SCS trial, a SCS device is surgically placed under the skin and sends a mild electric current to the spinal cord. A small wire carries the current from a pulse generator to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. When turned on, the SCS stimulates the nerves in the area where pain is felt. The success rate of SCS in the relief of pain varies significantly and is correlated with a number of symptoms, historical factors, and conditions.

The SCS psychological evaluation consists of a detailed clinical interview by a psychologist trained in behavioral medicine, as well as emotional and personality testing.  The results are shared openly with the client and are forwarded to the referring clinician (as long as there is a signed release of information), who then makes the ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of the performing the SCS procedure.  Sometimes, clients choose to continue outpatient therapy to work through emotional issues, improve coping skills, and to assist in providing support through the transition of the SCS procedure.