Melissa J. Aubert, PhD

Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialty within Clinical Psychology that focuses on brain functioning and the relationship between behavior and brain structures and systems.  A Neuropsychological Evaluation is a thorough assessment of cognitive and emotional functioning, including objective testing (e.g., of attention/concentration, memory and learning, language skills, visual-spatial skills, executive functions, fine-motor skills), a clinical interview, and assessment of personality and emotional factors.

Neuropsychological evaluations are helpful in determining the functional changes that can occur in relation to brain injury and neurological conditions (e.g., seizure disorder, stroke, cancer, dementia).  Neuropsychological evaluations can often detect functional difficulties even when injury is not visible on radiological tests (e.g., MRI, CT scan).

You may be referred for or benefit from a Neuropsychological Evaluation if you have experienced attention/concentration problems, difficulty remembering information, difficulty understanding language, difficulty speaking, organization problems, changes in mood, etc.  Some common conditions that can precipitate a Neuropsychological Evaluation include:

• Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (e.g., following a motor vehicle accident, sports injury)
• Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, seizure disorder, brain tumor)
• Toxic exposure (e.g., lead poisoning)
• Decompression Sickness (i.e., Bends)
• Cardiac and pulmonary conditions
  

The results of a Neuropsychological Evaluation can assist in treatment planning (e.g., determine if cognitive rehabilitation is needed and areas to be addressed, determine if surgery is a good option) and document current level of functioning and changes over time.  Additionally, the results of a Neuropsychological Evaluation can be used to determine specific accommodations that an individual may need to experience success in school or work.

Dr. Aubert conducts Neuropsychological Evaluations of children (as young as 3 years of age), adolescents, and adults of all ages. 

Neuropsychological evaluations of adults, adolescents, and older children are typically scheduled over a 2-day period.  Neuropsychological evaluations of younger children are scheduled for 1 day.

Dr. Aubert conducts a variety of Psychological Evaluations of children, adolescents, and adults.  Some evaluation services offered include:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD and ADD)
• Learning Disabilities
• Developmental Disorders (e.g., Autism, PDD, Mental Retardation)
• Auditory Processing Disorder
• Intelligence testing for Gifted/Talented and School Admission
• Evaluation for Surgical Clearance (e.g., gastric bypass surgery)
• Evaluation for Job Placement (e.g., firefighters)

Dr. Aubert also provides individual and family psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults.  Her therapeutic approach is ecclectic and draws primarily on Cognitive-Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Humanistic treatment modalities.  As part of treatment for certain difficulties, Dr. Aubert provides clients with effective relaxation strategies.  Dr. Aubert believes that psychotherapy should be tailored to meet an individual's needs and she works to establish a collaborative realtionship with her clients in order to address their needs.  Dr. Aubert  provides a friendly, warm, and safe environment for individuals to work through the difficulties that they are facing.

Some areas of difficulty that Dr. Aubert can help you address through psychotherapy include:

• Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias
• Depression
• ADHD
• Behavior Disorders (e.g., Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
• Aggression and Anger Control problems
• Self-Esteem problems
• Problems with peer or family relationships
• Adjustment to Divorce
• Chronic pain and sleep difficulties
  

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in duration and may be scheduled weekly or once every other week.

Young children can express themselves and learn best through play.  Play Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that provides young children with a safe environment in which they can express themselves, work through areas of difficulty, and learn new skills. 

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in duration and may be scheduled weekly or once every other week.

As part of treating children and adolescents, Dr. Aubert offers sessions with parents focusing on the challenges and stressors of parenting and effective discipline.  Rather than adhering to one specific model of parenting, Dr. Aubert individualizes her treatment and recommendations to meet each individual family's concerns and needs. 

Dr. Aubert also works with parents to develop structured behavior plans (e.g., Token Economies) for children with behavior disorders.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in duration and may be scheduled as needed.

When requested, Dr. Aubert will provide consultations with other professionals involved in the care of her clients.  This may include telephone conversations or in-person consultations with teachers, physicians, or other professionals.  Dr. Aubert will also conduct in-school observations of clients, when needed.