Services
Neuropsychological and Consultative Services
Dr. Bialkowski provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and specialized consultative services for adults and older adults. Each service is designed to answer important questions about cognitive and emotional functioning and to support informed decision-making for patients, families, and healthcare teams. His approach emphasizes clarity, practical guidance, and a respectful partnership with every individual he evaluates.
- Services Provided
Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluations
- A neuropsychological evaluation offers a detailed understanding of how a person is thinking, remembering, and functioning in daily life. Evaluations are tailored to the individual and grounded in scientifically validated measures that identify strengths and challenges across major cognitive domains.
- The Evaluation Process
- Initial Clinical Interview
- The process begins with a conversation that explores your history, current concerns, and the questions you and your medical providers would like addressed. This interview may take place in person or virtually. Family members or caregivers are welcome to participate if you feel their perspective would be helpful.
- Neuropsychological Testing
- Testing is conducted in person over several hours with breaks. You will complete standardized tasks that assess areas such as memory, attention, problem solving, processing speed, language, and reasoning. Instructions are explained clearly, the pace is adjusted to your comfort, and support is provided throughout the session.
- Feedback Session
- Within two weeks of testing, you will receive a feedback appointment where Dr. Bialkowski reviews your results in clear and accessible language. He explains both strengths and areas of difficulty, discusses diagnostic impressions, and provides recommendations that are understandable and useful. Family members are welcome to join if you wish.
What We Assess
A neuropsychological evaluation looks at several interconnected areas of thinking and emotional functioning. Understanding these areas helps clarify why certain difficulties may be occurring in daily life and guides recommendations for treatment, support, and long-term planning.
Cognition
Memory & Learning....
- Assesses immediate recall, delayed recall, and recognition of information. This distinction helps identify whether memory changes are related to aging, mood, attention, or a neurological condition. Evaluates how well new information is taken in and organized. This helps determine whether memory concerns reflect challenges with initial learning, storage, or retrieval.
Attention and Concentration....
- Examines the ability to stay focused, manage distractions, and shift attention when needed. These skills support conversations, tasks requiring organization, and everyday routines.
Executive Functioning and Problem Solving....
- Measures planning, reasoning, judgment, multitasking, and behavioral regulation. These abilities influence decision making, medication management, financial tasks, and independent living.
Reasoning and Abstract Thinking....
- Evaluates the ability to understand concepts, recognize patterns, and make sense of complex information. These skills support thoughtful decision making and flexible problem solving.
Processing Speed....
- Assesses how efficiently information is taken in and responded to. Slowed processing can affect conversation flow, task completion, driving, and overall daily functioning.
Language Abilities....
- Examines word finding, comprehension, verbal expression, and the ability to use and understand language effectively. This helps clarify communication difficulties and differentiate cognitive versus neurological causes.
Visual Spatial Skills....
- Evaluates how a person interprets visual information and understands spatial relationships. These skills support navigation, driving, assembling objects, and interpreting diagrams or charts.
Motor and Psychomotor Skills....
- Examines speed, coordination, and motor control. These abilities may influence handwriting, fine motor tasks, and overall efficiency in daily activities.
Emotional and Behavioral Factors
Mood and Anxiety Symptoms....
- Explores how emotional wellbeing affects concentration, processing speed, memory, and motivation. Anxiety or depression can meaningfully influence test performance and daily functioning.
Personality Factors....
- Assesses traits and behavioral tendencies that shape how a person approaches problems, manages stress, and interacts with others. This helps differentiate emotional from neurological influences.
Motivation and Effort....
- Ensures results reflect true abilities. This helps clarify whether performance is affected by fatigue, discomfort, anxiety, or other situational factors.
Behavioral Observations and Coping Strategies....
- Includes how an individual approaches tasks, handles frustration, and adapts to challenges. These observations provide insight that extends beyond scores alone.
Stress and Coping Responses....
- Examines how daily stressors and life transitions affect cognitive functioning. High stress can impact attention, memory, and decision making.
Sleep and Fatigue Patterns....
- Looks at how sleep quality, nighttime disruptions, and daytime fatigue influence mental clarity, focus, and mood.
Pain and Physical Factors....
- Considers how chronic pain or medical symptoms may affect stamina, concentration, and overall cognitive performance.
Adjustment to Medical Conditions....
- Explores the emotional impact of neurological or medical diagnoses and how these experiences influence daily coping and functioning.
Interpersonal and Social Functioning....
- Observes communication style, social awareness, and interpersonal behavior, which can be helpful in identifying changes associated with neurological illness or mood disorders.
- Pre-Surgical
Pre-Surgical
Psychological Evaluations
Dr. Bialkowski offers psychological evaluations required before certain medical and neurological procedures. These assessments help identify strengths, risk factors, and supports that may influence surgical preparation and recovery.
Procedures Commonly Evaluated
- Bariatric surgery
- Deep brain stimulation
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Organ transplantation
- Pain management interventions
Assessment Focus
- Readiness for surgery
- Understanding of risks and benefits
- Realistic expectations regarding outcomes
- Adequacy of support systems
- Factors that may influence recovery
- Recommendations to promote surgical success
- Pre-Surgical
Capacity and
Competency Evaluations
These specialized evaluations determine an individual’s ability to make informed decisions about various aspects of life and medical care. They are often requested by families, attorneys, physicians, or care facilities.
Types of Capacity Assessed
- Medical decision making
- Financial management
- Independent living abilities
- Testamentary capacity
- Consent to treatment
What These Evaluations Provide
- Objective assessment of strengths and limitations
- Identification of preserved and impaired abilities
- Recommendations for supports or accommodations
- Documentation for legal or medical use
- Guidance for families and healthcare teams
Facility-Based Neuropsychological Consultations
Dr. Bialkowski provides on-site neuropsychological consultations within a range of care settings, allowing patients to be evaluated in familiar surroundings and enabling close collaboration with facility teams.
Settings Served
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living communities
- Memory care units
- Rehabilitation centers
- Adult day programs
Common Reasons for Referral
- Changes in memory, behavior, or thinking
- Behavioral management strategies
- Dementia staging and progression
- Decision making capacity in care settings
- Safety and supervision needs
- Transitions between levels of care
- Medication effects on cognition
Benefits of On-Site Consultation
- Assessment in the patient’s usual environment
- Direct communication with facility staff
- Immediate integration of recommendations into care plans
- On-site family meetings and education
- Reduced stress for medically fragile or mobility-limited patients
What to Expect
A neuropsychological evaluation involves three simple steps:
1. Initial Interview
We discuss your concerns and goals (1 hour)
2. Testing Session
Comprehensive assessment in a comfortable setting (several hours with breaks)
3. Results Meeting
Clear explanation of findings and recommendations (within 2 weeks)
All services provided by George K. Bialkowski, Psy.D., PLLC – Licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist committed to making complex neuropsychological information understandable, meaningful, and actionable.