David M. Freed, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
 

 

Office Hours
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Saturday by appointment

 
 

Services



What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Neuropsychology involves the relationship between brain function and behavior. A neuropsychological evaluation consists of a history-taking interview, testing, and observation. During the interview, you will be asked about your family, education, work history, medical history, legal history, and your current symptoms. You may also be asked to fill out some rating forms. You will then be given a number of psychological tests that are designed to evaluate your motor and cognitive abilities. Some of the tests are difficult and many of the tests are timed. In Dr. Freed’s office, family members are encouraged to provide additional information, when appropriate.


Concussion and Other Neurological Disorders

A concussion, multiple concussions, and a more severe traumatic brain injury may result in multiple symptoms over a long period of time. An evaluation is essential to understand the nature of the current symptoms and the trajectory of recovery. Many clients are referred for evaluation by their primary care provider or neurologist.


Treatment-resistant Mood Disorders

A percentage of individuals with mood disorder such as Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder do not respond consistently to prescribed medications. Dr. Freed has more than 20 years of experience with treatment-resistant mood disorders. An evaluation is useful in defining the nature of the current symptoms and developing recommendations for treatment.


Behavioral Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Dr. Freed has more than 25 years of experience evaluating school-aged children with academic and behavioral disorders. The parents are interviewed separately and asked to provide information on early development, medical history, and a description of current symptoms. During testing, Dr. Freed surveys basic academic skills. Dr. Freed’s goal is to provide specific and useful recommendations to improve quality of life.


Academic Evaluation
An academic evaluation is typically designed for students who are struggling with school performance. This evaluation is often focused on the diagnosis of learning disabilities, ADHD, or developmental disabilities. Typically the evaluation consists of a review of records, history-taking interview, observations, and testing. Testing will include the WAIS-4 and WIAT-3, which are often required by colleges and universities in order to qualify for academic accommodations. While middle school and high school students are common, Dr. Freed also evaluates nursing students, law students, and medical students who are struggling at school.


Neurodevelopmental and Genetic Disorders

Dr. Freed has experience working with a variety of neurodevelopmental problems including Autism Spectrum Disorders, intellectual disability, and congenital disorders such as spina bifida and Arnold-Chiari malformations. Dr. Freed’s current research interests include genetic disorders commonly associated with mental health conditions, including MTHFR (and related methylation-cycle) gene polymorphisms.


Disability Evaluations

Dr. Freed has completed hundreds of evaluations for individuals who have applied for Social Security benefits. Over the years, Dr. Freed has developed a specific process for these types of evaluations. Dr. Freed begins by reviewing all of your Social Security application materials, including medical records. Following interview and testing, Dr. Freed writes a report that is specifically intended for the administrative law judge reviewing your case. The report outlines relevant medical records and responds to the formal analysis provided by Social Security. When appropriate, Dr. Freed seeks out historical information from family members as well as their description of your current symptoms.


Dementia Evaluations

Dr. Freed has more than 30 years of experience working with older adults. Dr. Freed has participated in many studies designed to evaluate the effectiveness of experimental medications. He also served for many years as a president for a chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. While serving on the faculty at Texas Tech University, Dr. Freed developed a model for supporting caregivers who live in rural settings. Dr. Freed has evaluated thousands of older adults and has a breadth of experience that few can match.