What to Expect

A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive process designed to understand how your brain is functioning and how this may be affecting your thinking, emotions, and everyday life.

Request An Appointment

Accessing Services

ACC-Funded Clients
If you have an injury or condition covered by ACC, your ACC Case Manager will need to send a referral directly to Chrysalis House Ltd / Dr Sasha Bruneau-Herman. Once we receive the referral, we will contact you to arrange an initial appointment.

Private Clients
If you are seeking support privately (not through ACC), you are welcome to contact us directly to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment. No referral is required for private clients.

Bringing a Support Person

You are welcome to bring a whanau member, friend, or support person to your appointments. Having someone with you can provide extra comfort and help with remembering important information.

  • For neuropsychological assessments, your support person is welcome to join for the initial interview. However, cognitive testing needs to be completed one-on-one to ensure accurate results.

What Happens in a Neuropsychological Assessment?

A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive process designed to understand how your brain is functioning and how this may be affecting your thinking, emotions, and everyday life. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Interview

The assessment begins with a conversation about your background, medical history, current concerns, and goals for the assessment. You may be asked about:

  • Your medical, psychological, and educational history
  • How you have been functioning day-to-day (work, study, home life)
  • Any changes or difficulties you have noticed in thinking, memory, or behaviour
  • Your mood, emotional wellbeing, and coping strategies

A support person may join you for this part if you wish.

Cognitive Testing

You will then complete a range of standardised tasks and activities that measure different areas of cognitive functioning.

These tasks may involve answering questions, remembering information, solving puzzles, or working with shapes and patterns. There are no “pass” or “fail” marks—these activities simply help us understand your strengths and any areas where you may be experiencing difficulties.

Breaks and Comfort

Neuropsychological assessments can take three to four hours, but breaks are provided as needed. If you feel tired or need to pause, just let us know. The assessment can also be split into two sessions if preferred.

Feedback and Next Steps

After the assessment, Dr Sasha Bruneau-Herman will carefully analyse your results. A feedback session (either in person or by phone) will be arranged to discuss the findings, answer your questions, and talk through recommendations for support, rehabilitation, or further steps.

Receiving Your Report

ACC Clients
If your assessment is ACC-funded, a copy of your report is sent to your ACC Case Manager (or referrer), who will then provide it to you. If you do not receive your report, you can request a copy directly from us.

Private Clients
For private clients, you will receive a copy of any reports as soon as possible after your assessment.

Working with Children

Dr Sasha Bruneau-Herman works with adults and children. She has the specialised training and tools to allow assessment for both groups.