Collaborative Therapeutic Neuropsychological Assessment

Abstract

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Neuropsychological Assessment in Substance Abuse Treatment—Focusing on the Effects of Substances and on Neuropsychological Assessment as a Collaborative Process

“…Furthermore, neuropsychological assessment with clients with a history of substance abuse should be done at a suitable point in time, with regard to abstinence and treatment planning (Dige, 2010). Because cognitive impairments are complex, neuropsychological assessment should be a part of a treatment context that involves practitioners working from different perspectives and with different occupations (Gorske & Smith, 2009;Levine, 2000;Vakil, 2012). In other words, there are varying demands that have to be handled and evaluated by practitioners who are working with questions on neuropsychological assessment in substance abuse treatment.…”

“…Therefore, it is important that practitioners initiate a thoughtful dialogue about the client's expectations of assessment. If a client requests a neuropsychological assessment but there is uncertainty regarding expectations and/or the purpose, the assessment process and the treatment might be complicated (Gorske & Smith, 2009). For example, clients, and practitioners in health care and social services, sometimes request that a clinical psychologist provide a specific neuropsychiatric diagnosis (Carone, Iverson, & Bush, 2010;Vakil, 2012).…”

“…CNA is based in the humanistic tradition, with its focus on the experiences and the motivation of the client (Gorske & Smith, 2009;Miller & Rollnick, 2002). Assessment is thus not regarded as an information-gathering process that aims at delivering an evaluation of the client.…”

“…There is also an increasing interest among clients in undergoing neuropsychological assessment (Vakil, 2012). However, there is some confusion regarding the difference between neuropsychological assessment and the process of diagnosing of neuropsychiatric disorders, and this confusion might complicate assessment and treatment (Gorske & Smith, 2009). Diagnosing neuropsychiatric disorders concerns the process of excluding, or confirming, certain diagnoses (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).…”

“…Neuropsychological assessment concerns the functioning of the individual client, including strengths and limitations, which are assessed and evaluated in a holistic manner, with respect to the social circumstances and emotional states (Good, 2000;Gorske, 2008). Moreover, neuropsychological assessment provides possibilities to identify impairments that are diffuse and/or sublime but nevertheless might have negative consequences for the life situation of the client (Gorske & Smith;Morris & Lawson, 1999;Schrimser et al, 2007).…”