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Neuropsychological Testing vs. Psychological Therapy

What's the Difference—And Why It Matters?

The right evaluation at the right time can make a meaningful difference in a child's development. Yet many families and professionals aren't fully aware of how these two approaches differ—or how they can complement each other.

Scope & Purpose

Both approaches aim to support a child's growth, but in very different ways:

  • Psychological Therapy focuses primarily on emotional, behavioral, and social development. It helps children cope with feelings, manage stress, improve behavior, and strengthen social-emotional skills.
  • Neuropsychological Testing focuses primarily on cognitive functioning. It evaluates how a child's brain processes information, solves problems, and performs across academic, behavioral, and daily life domains. A neuropsychological evaluation also provides insight into emotional, behavioral, and social patterns, but always in the context of how the brain is functioning.
Psychological Therapy
  • Conducted by licensed clinical psychologists, therapists, or counselors
  • Designed to support emotional, behavioral, and social growth
  • Focuses on:
    • Managing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma
    • Improving coping strategies and emotional regulation
    • Enhancing social skills and overall well-being
  • Typically involves weekly or regular sessions using cognitive-behavioral strategies, behavioral therapy, or other evidence-based interventions
Neuropsychological Testing
  • Conducted by licensed clinical neuropsychologists
  • Designed to understand how a child's brain functions across multiple domains, with a primary focus on cognitive functioning
  • Focuses on assessing:
    • IQ and academic achievement
    • Language and communication
    • Verbal and nonverbal processing
    • Memory (short- and long-term, verbal and visual)
    • executive functioning (planning, organization, attention, flexibility, impulse control)
    • fine motor skills
    • Emotional, behavioral, and social functioning
    • Adaptive/daily living skills
  • Typically involves comprehensive interviews, standardized cognitive and academic testing, behavioral and emotional assessments, and observations
Who Might Seek Each
  • Psychological Therapy: Best for children experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges that benefit from ongoing support and intervention to build coping skills and emotional resilience.
  • Neuropsychological Testing: Best for children with concerns about learning, memory, attention, or other brain-based skills, especially in the context of developmental, medical, or neurological conditions to understand strengths and challenges.
How They Complement Each Other
  • Testing informs therapy: Neuropsychological testing can pinpoint the cognitive and brain-based factors behind emotional or behavioral challenges, helping therapists tailor interventions more precisely.
  • Therapy supports testing results: Psychological therapy can help a child apply strategies, cope with frustrations, and build skills identified as areas of need in a neuropsychological evaluation.
  • Together: They provide a complete, coordinated approach, supporting both the brain's functioning and the child's emotional and behavioral growth.
Why This Matters

Understanding the difference helps families and professionals:

  • Make informed decisions
  • Advocate for appropriate supports
  • Coordinate care between school, clinical, and mental health providers
  • Support the whole child
Next Steps
  1. 1
    Review this guide — Consider which approach aligns with your child's needs
  2. 2
    Talk to your providers — Discuss options with your child's school, pediatrician, or therapist
  3. 3
    Schedule a consultation — Contact us to discuss whether neuropsychological testing is appropriate
  4. 4
    Gather records — Collect any existing evaluations, report cards, or medical records to share