Neuropsychology is a specialized area of psychology that studies how the brain and nervous system affect the way we think, feel, and act. When the brain is affected by injury or medical conditions, it can change the way a person functions in daily life.

Neuropsychologists are experts who study the relationship between the brain’s structure and our abilities to learn, remember, solve problems, and manage emotions. They have advanced training in both psychology and neurology (the study of the brain and nervous system). This makes them especially good at understanding brain-related issues. 

Neuropsychologists may have different specialties. For example, Dr. Moran is a pediatric neuropsychologist, which means she is trained to work with kids, teens, and college-aged youth. Pediatric neuropsychologists may focus on different areas. Some primarily work with developmental conditions like learning disabilities or ADHD. Others, like Dr. Moran, specialize in brain-based conditions, such as brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, spina bifida, or cerebral palsy.

Neuropsychologists often help youth and their families in two main ways: assessment and intervention.

Neuropsychological assessment is what most people think of when they talk about working with a neuropsychologist. Think of an evaluation like getting bloodwork results that show whether levels are too high, too low, or just right. A neuropsychological evaluation looks at different thinking skills – like memory, attention, and problem-solving – and indicates whether they’re where they should be. These evaluations are especially useful when doctors, schools, or families need answers to questions like, “How is this condition affecting thinking or learning?” or “What supports or services would help this person do their best?”

Neuropsychological intervention focuses less on testing and more on helping with day-to-day challenges. Instead of measuring skills, therapy provides targeted treatments, education, and practical strategies to support recovery, coping, and functioning in everyday life. These might include cognitive rehabilitation, which helps individuals improve thinking skills or develop new strategies to compensate for their challenges, or therapy support for managing the emotional and behavioral effects of brain-related conditions.

At this time, our practice focuses on intervention services, not neuropsychological evaluations. Our work focuses on helping youth and families understand what they are experiencing (and why) and learn practical tools to support healing, adjustment, and participation in daily life.

We offer programs designed to help children, teens, and young adults who have been affected by a brain-related condition. More detailed information about each program is available on the individual program pages.

• Concussion Intervention Program was developed using evidence-based strategies to help youth with lingering symptoms recover after a concussion.

• Teen Online Problem Solving (TOPS), an executive function and problem solving training program to help teens who have brain conditions that affect thinking, emotions, or social skills. This may include those with a history of brain injury, epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, encephalitis, congenital heart conditions, spina bifida, or very premature birth or very low birth weight.

• Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics / Tourette, which experts recommend as the first-line treatment option for youth with chronic tics.

‍Our work is practical and skill-based, with a focus on helping youth function better in school, activities, friendships, and daily life.

In the first session, we talk about symptoms, what’s been challenging, and what goals you have. We also explain what to expect during treatment and give an idea of how many sessions might be needed. Each follow-up session may focus on a specific topic, and we may review what we covered in previous appointments. There may be tasks to practice between sessions to help use what you are learning and make progress.

Yes - we are in-network with many NM plans. Check the Servicespage for an up to date list. Families interested in self-pay options may contact us directly for an estimate.

If your child is referred by a medical provider, they may complete our referral form

We are not currently offering neuropsychological evaluation but may in the future.