Ariati Rakic, Ph.D. Clinical Neuropsychologist

“The energy of the mind is the essence of life”  Aristotle

The MIND is the essence of our being, without it we are unable to make sense of our experiences, our thoughts, and our feelings.  The ability to express our true self and true potential depends largely upon the seamless functioning of the brain.  Because the brain is what “powers” the mind, when this vital organ is functioning properly and efficiently, our goals can be realized and our essence can be expressed to its fullest.  However, when injuries or anomalies occur in the brain, the functioning of this intricate and complex organ can go awry and deeply impact our ability to perceive, process and interpret information.  As a result, our lives can be disrupted in ways that are sometimes more devastating than the most terrible physical illness.

A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT is an in-depth and comprehensive study aimed at evaluating the health of the various brain functions, and determining if and to what extent any cognitive deficit may exist that may interfere with an individual’s ability to perform at its optimal level of functioning and according to a normal developmental course. A dysfunction associated with neurological injury or abnormality can range from subtle and focal to profound and pervasive.  Therefore, individuals with neurological issues may present with global and consistent level of problematic functioning or with profiles characterized by striking patterns of discrepancy of strengths and weaknesses.  In addition to being helpful to the patient on a cognitive, rehabilitative and therapeutic aspect, the information derived from the neuropsychological evaluation is often valuable to family members, physicians, therapists, attorneys and other professionals in making helpful decisions and delivering services that would be most beneficial.

In my view, a Neuropsychological Assessment is not limited to the accumulation of psychometric and statistical data that provides a scientifically-based representation of an individual’s cognitive functioning.  But it also includes an understanding of the close interconnection between the mind, the body, the individual and the environment. Because of my commitment to investigate into the deepest layers of brain functioning so as to identify the root-causes associated with the breakdown in an individual’s ability to “go about life” with efficiency and competence, I work diligently at blending the very best of hard science with the “art” of  discovery.  It is my belief that once empowered with all the pieces necessary to complete the “puzzle”, a new level of clarity and understanding can be reached that will allow the individual to achieve the necessary changes so as to come a step closer to live life with the sense of joy and confidence that he/she hopes for.

As mentioned above, a Neuropsychological Assessment is the most in-depth and comprehensive study of brain functioning.  However, there may be times when the presenting problem or the goal of the evaluation may not warrant such a huge undertaking.  Hence, assessments that are more limited in scope, and therefore less costly, may prove to be a more appropriate undertaking such as a Memory Clinic, Learning Disability, Developmental, or Psychological evaluations.  For more detailed information regarding the different kinds of assessment available, please click on SERVICES.