Neuropsychological Assessments for ADHD, Autism Spectrum, and More

Committed to evidence-based neuropsychological evaluations for academic accommodations in high school and postsecondary settings and an efficient testing process

Specializing in Neuropsychological Assessments

Dr. Stackert specializes in neuropsychological assessments to document

ADHD
the Autism Spectrum
Learning Differences
Psychological Disabilities

for high school, university, graduate or professional school program, entrance examination, or licensing/professional examination.

The ultimate goal of the comprehensive assessment is to thoroughly investigate the individual's cognitive, achievement, and emotional abilities to identify their areas of strength and challenges. This process is crucial in finding the most effective supports. By understanding their unique skills and areas of difficulty, academic or workplace accommodations that cater to specific needs will help them thrive in their environment while honoring their neurodivergent identity.

man sitting on mountain cliff facing white clouds rising one hand at golden hour

With the help of a thorough neuropsychological evaluation, Dr. Stackert will build a compelling case for the right accommodations and treatment recommendations to help you reach your full potential and improve your quality of life.

About Richelle Stackert, PhD

Dr. Richelle Stackert is a licensed clinical psychologist. She earned her masters and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, a student of Edith Kaplan, a pioneer in the field of clinical neuropsychology. Dr. Stackert's clinical experience includes providing individual and group psychotherapy and psychological assessment services primarily with individuals ages 16 and older. She has worked in various treatment settings, including inpatient and outpatient programs and community mental health. Dr. Stackert also taught Clinical Assessment, Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling, Research Methods, and Group Therapy at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology for over ten years.

Dr. Stackert's assessment practice focuses on assessing neurodivergent diagnoses, including ADHD, learning differences, and the autism spectrum, along with psychological disabilities that pose real challenges in the high school and postsecondary education setting. She provides an individualized report for each client that fully documents specific underpinnings of each area of challenge related to academic functioning. The report integrates the history, clinical interview, historical records, and test data which explains how the diagnosis impacts academic, social, and/or emotional behavior. Recommendations include specific accommodations, interventions, and strategies to enable the individual to feel more empowered to act effectively in their environment.

Her office is located in the Hyde Park Bank building on the south side of Chicago and is easily accessible by CTA bus or Metra train.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT WITH DR. STACKERT?

While there is variability in testing depending on the specific purpose, a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment will usually include the following:

a diagnostic interview and records review to get background and history
a thorough testing process, approximately two 3-4 hour sessions depending on pace and the nature of the disability
a 1 hour feedback session to discuss results and recommendations
an individualized testing report clearly documenting the diagnosis and the need for interventions and academic accommodations

If you have had psychological testing in the past, Dr. Stackert will need a copy of those reports to review and integrate into the current assessment.

WHY DOES THE ASSESSMENT NEED TO BE SO INVOLVED?

When post-secondary institutions and exam boards are considering whether to allow accommodations, they require a complex set of guidelines you must follow. This includes a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (also referred to as psychoeducational assessment) in which specific tests must be administered and reported in a particular format. This report must include specific information about how your diagnosis both historically and currently affects your ability to function within the academic or work setting and rule out other possible sources for occurring symptoms. If these guidelines are not followed, the educational or testing institution will reject the request for accommodations. A letter from your therapist or doctor is not adequate

The value of a comprehensive approach to neuropsychological assessment is that it identifies and explains diagnostically and functionally the strengths and challenges of the individual and provides a thorough, realistic plan for addressing the problem(s) through interventions and academic accommodations.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS?

Typically, a standard psychological evaluation assesses general cognitive and personality functioning with the aim of diagnosing psychiatric conditions. Neuropsychological evaluation is more comprehensive in scope. Neuropsychology integrates genetic, developmental, and environmental history with detail assessment of cognitive processes to better understand brain functioning.

To understand cognitive strengths and weaknesses, neuropsychological evaluation typically includes:

Intellectual skills
Academic skills
Alertness and attention
Sensory and motor skills
Executive functions, problem-solving skills, and reasoning abilities
Language skills
Visuospatial skills
Learning and memory
Emotional and personality development

WHAT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATIONS ARE OFFERED BY POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL AND TESTING INSTITUTIONS?

Based on diagnosis, typical accommodations can include (but are not limited to):

Testing Accommodations:

Extended time (50% to 100%)
Individual or small group testing
Extra breaks
Laptop computer for writing
Calculator
Scribe
Alternate examination format
Reader/audio format/use of computer technology

Classroom Accommodations:

Textbooks in audio format
Preferential seating in front of class
Permission to record lectures
Note-taker
Copes of the professor's presentation notes ahead of time
Proofreading assistance

WHAT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATIONS CAN I REQUEST IN THE WORKPLACE?

Workplace accommodations are recommended based on specific areas of impairment or challenge. Some examples include (but are not limited to):

Assignment of only one project at a time and assistance breaking them into smaller pieces (e.g., task separation)
Task instructions and assignments in writing (e.g., task flow chart)
Checklists and visual reminders (e.g., color-coded outlines)
Clearly established deadlines
Apps for organization/time management
Use of timers, watches, wall calendars, planners, bulletin board or white board
Notes taken by coworker or administrative assistant
Individual office or workspace reasonably free from distraction (e.g., cubicle doors or shields, white noise makers, headphones)
Ability to work remotely from home when reasonable

HOW DOES THE TIMING WORK?

There is typically a 4-6 month wait for an appointment, though your name will be added to a waitlist should an earlier date become available. The testing is completed over two days, usually within the same week or two. Next, there is a virtual history session within the next two weeks followed by a virtual feedback session scheduled three weeks from the time of testing completion. It often takes an additional 8-10 weeks to receive the full written report, but a summary of test scores and diagnostic conclusions can be provided in the meantime to help facilitate the process of acquiring accommodations or beginning medication.

HOW MUCH DOES A COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT COST?

$3500 -- Check with your insurance about specific mental health benefits to see what percentage you are responsible for (i.e., coinsurance) and whether or not your deductible applies or has been met. These are the two main factors that impact out-of-pocket expenses.

WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?

Dr. Stackert accepts Zelle (rstackert@gmail.com) or major credit cards. If using insurance, your carrier will be billed at time of feedback, and the full testing report will be released after any remaining balance is paid. If paying out-of-pocket, testing fees are divided into two payments: the first half is due at the initial appointment, and the second half is due on the day of feedback.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

Dr. Stackert is a provider for United Healthcare, Optum, BC/BS of IL, Aetna, and Cigna. For out-of-network insurance carriers, the client is responsible for paying the fees at the time of service. Dr. Stackert can provide a super bill to submit to attempt reimbursement from the insurance carrier. Many of the testing services offered by Dr. Stackert may be covered by your insurance policy.

FOR WHAT AGE DOES DR. STACKERT COMPLETE EVALUATIONS?

Testing is available for individuals aged 16 and older. This is due to the restrictions of the testing instruments that are utilized. If your child is under the age of 16, please seek alternative testing options that are specifically designed for younger individuals.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELATION POLICY?

Please provide at least 24 hour notice regarding cancellations to avoid being charged for that time.

Contact Dr. Stackert Today for an Appointment for a Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation

Call, text, or complete this form!

Contacts

773-217-8415
rstackert@gmail.com

Address

1525 E 53rd St, Ste 516-5

Chicago, IL 60615

Please note: Testing is only available for individuals age 16 or older.