Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychological Associates (CFNA) specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations with evidence-based assessments, drawing upon the latest discoveries in neuroscience, psychological theories, and educational research.
Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationships and how functional skills change and impact daily life as a result of brain dysfunction.
A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist with a doctorate degree and specialized training in how cognitive functions, emotions, and behaviors relate to brain structures and systems. Clinically, it is the role of the neuropsychologist to sort out the factors that influence how the brain is working in order to understand disease expression, progress, and recovery.
A neuropsychological evaluation is a pragmatic and interactive process that includes a clinical interview, review of relevant medical and academic records, and the administration of various standardized paper-pencil and computer tests. These tests assess for areas like functioning of cognitive abilities (e.g., learning and memory, attention, executive functioning), emotions and behaviors, symptom/performance validity, and abilities to complete complex activities of daily living independently. Test scores are compared to normative data of healthy people in the individual’s same age, educational, and cultural group, when such data is available. If the individual’s performance is below expectation, CFNA studies the scores to determine if they reflect a particular disease pattern. Following the face-to-face evaluation, review of records, scoring of administered tests, and interpretation of results, CFNA writes a thorough yet concise report of findings. This report aims to tie together the patient’s psychosocial and clinical history, test results, and mechanisms of brain injury and/or disease, to make sense of present mental functioning and clinical presentation. Recommendations and referrals are provided when indicated.
CFNA’s main office locations are in Sherman Oaks, CA and Burbank, CA, but have several remote offices throughout California. When Dr. Mangassarian founded CFNA, her vision was to provide neuropsychological services both in-office and through mobile means, to ensure that those even in the most remote areas have access to neuropsychological care. CFNA’s approach is to provide diagnostic support and practical feedback to help patients resolve current functioning difficulties. We collaborate with the referring provider, the medical care team, and other professionals to ensure the highest quality of care.