The Neuropsychology Assessment Center

Developed by the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the Neuropsychology Assessment Center (NAC) specializes in neuropsychological evaluations for the investigation of a variety of psychological conditions. These include conditions pertaining to learning disabilities, brain injuries, epilepsy, autistic spectrum disorders, speech and language delays, and social interaction problems. NAC also provides personality assessments and intellectual evaluations. NAC Brochure [pdf, 505KB]

Evaluations/Assessments

A distinctive feature of evaluations performed at the Neuropsychological Assessment Center is that they are holistic. Rather than focusing on a single psychological system such as perception or cognition, the assessors comprehensively address the multiple systems that operate in the psychological life of the individual and consider them in an integrative way. For example, the assessors consider how anxiety or depression might be affecting the cognition of an individual who recently sustained a brain injury.

An assessment at the Neuropsychology Assessment Center engages the individual as an active participant in shaping the referral questions. He or she has an opportunity to have all of his or her questions and concerns about psychological assessments addressed. As feedback is an important part of any psychological assessment, the assessment participant will be invited to share his or her ongoing reactions to the assessment experience.

The assessor will also provide feedback to the individual being addressed. Although some feedback will be given during the course of the assessment, in addition to the written report, extensive verbal feedback on the findings will be given to the assessment participant, who again will have an opportunity to have his or her questions addressed.

Research

The Neuropsychology Assessment Center has an active program of research. The Center's neuropsychologists study a range of questions concerning brain-behavior relationships through the use of an ongoing database. Participation in research studies is strictly voluntary and written permission is obtained. In no way does failure to participate limit or compromise the psychological services the individual receives. Within the last two years, the institute's neuropsychology students have presented their research at national conferences, including the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.

There have been several presentations pertaining to various aspects of learning disabilities and understanding reading and reading disorders, as well as research that has examined personality profiles in individuals with traumatic brain injury. In addition, graduates of the neuropsychology program have authored papers that have been accepted to peer-reviewed journals.

Staff

NAC is headed by four licensed psychologists with extensive training and experience in neuropsychology.

Mary F. Lazar, PsyD, is the director of NAC. Dr. Lazar is a pediatric neuropsychologist  and certified school psychologist who specializes in the assessment of children with  learning disabilities, ADHD, and a range of neurological disorders, including traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, and epilepsy. She practiced for nearly seven years at the Children's Seashore House of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she was the director of inpatient neuropsychology services. Prior to assuming the directorship of  NAC, Dr. Lazar divided her time between a private practice and a teaching position at the IGCP. She graduated from Widener's doctoral program in Clinical Psychology in 1990,  and completed her postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the Children's Hospital, Boston/Harvard Medical School.

Staff psychologist Kenneth Goldberg, PsyD, is an assistant professor of psychology at Widener's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, as well as the director of the institute's neuropsychology track. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Goldberg has active research initiatives with a primary focus on learning disabilities. He is the president of the Philadelphia Neuropsychology Society, and maintains an active private practice.

Wendy M. Sarkisian, PsyD, is the Assistant Director of NAC. A graduate of Widener's doctoral program, she completed her postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at a private practice in Bryn Mawr, PA.  As a pediatric neuropsychologist and certified school psychologist, Dr. Sarkisian's training has focused primarily on assessment of children and adolescents with ADHD and learning disabilities.

Also on staff are undergraduate students, practicum students and predoctoral interns. Along with the provision of psychological services, training the next generation of  neuropsychologists is a major goal of the center.

Costs and Payment

The Neuropsychology Assessment Center has a primary mission to provide quality services to the community. To accomplish this mission, the center establishes affordable rates. Currently, insurance is not accepted. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted.

 

 

Mary Lazar, Psy.D.
Director

2129 Providence Ave.
Chester, PA 19013
tel: 610-499-4273
fax: 610-499-4649

  Widener University
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013