Psychology Services & Patient Preparation

Psychology & Neuroscience today

In the past, little was known about mental health and a social stigma was often attached to those with disorders. Today, psychology and neuroscience has shown a light on mental health causes. Heredity, accidents, brain chemistry, traumatic events, family, school and work stressors and disabilities associated with aging are several of the identified causes of mental health problems. The neuropsychologist diagnoses brain function problems with question and answer tests and specialized computerized tests. The clinical psychologist maps out and conducts a course of therapeutic treatment that may involve learning new life skills or referral to a physician or a psychiatrist to treat medical or brain chemistry issues. Mental health treatment is a collaborative effort involving the patient and the many skills of DuPage Medical Group staff of professionals and physicians. This method is called the Bio-Psycho-Social approach. This approach considers biological factors, psychological and personality characteristics and social and environmental influences in mental health.

Psychological services

• Psychotherapy/counseling Assessment
• Individual therapy Neuropsychological evaluation
• Couples therapy Psychosocial evaluation/diagnostic assessment
• Health psychology

Focused on our patient’s needs

Psychotherapy

Our psychologists provide treatment that focuses on the individual needs of the patient and promotes self-determination. Treatment is available for a wide range of symptoms and problems, including:

• Mood disorders, including major depressive disorders, bipolar disorders and dysthymic disorders
• Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety and social anxiety
• Posttraumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related conditions
• Relationship problems
• Grief and loss issues
• Medical health issues that impact psychological functioning (health psychology)
• Adjustment problems and other issues that significantly impair day-to-day living, such as family life, interpersonal relationships, school, work and professional behavior

Neuropsychological Assessment

The clinical psychologists at DuPage Medical Group are trained to conduct neuropsychological evaluations for adults as well as for children and adolescents. Neuropsychology is a subspecialty of psychology that is concerned with brain-behavior relationships, including the diagnosis and treatment of brain pathology through the use of psychological tests and assessment techniques. Neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate for the various conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI, mild TBI)
• Cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD)
• Chronic medical conditions that affect cognition
• Other cognitive difficulties