Aging Center Client Services

The Aging Center offers two types of cognitive assessments. During an evaluation, several cognitive abilities are assessed, including memory, attention, visual perception, and problem-solving. Through an evaluation, people can find out:

• If their memory and other cognitive abilities are normal for their age.
• If a memory problem is present, what might be causing it. For example, it could be symptoms of depression or anxiety, a medical problem, Alzheimer's disease, or other causes.
• If a recent stroke, head injury, or other medical problem is affecting one's cognitive abilities.
• One's ability to continue employment, manage finances, important legal activities, and/or complete other instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
• How to assist individuals and families with long-term planning when cognitive problems are significant.
• How other professionals and agencies can offer appropriate services and assist in developing a care plan.

The two types of cognitive assessments offered:

Neuropsychological evaluation: This includes a review of available medical records, a 45- to 60-minute interview with the client, additional interviewing with someone who knows the client well, and one to four hours of memory and cognitive testing. This thorough evaluation can assess whether a cognitive problem is present and, if so, what is likely causing it. It also provides a comprehensive baseline to be used for comparisons with follow-up screens or other evaluations. The client receives a detailed report that can be given to other professionals (such as physicians and attorneys). Clients can either pay for student-provided services on a sliding scale, ranging from $70-$1,400, depending on household income/assets, or see a licensed psychologist, who can accept some insurances. All student services are supervised by licensed clinical psychologists specializing in neuropsychology.

• Neuropsychological Evaluation Brochure (pdf)
• Clinical Neuropsychology - A Guide for Patients and Their Family (pdf)

Memory Clinic: This is a 45- to 60-minute brief evaluation of cognitive functioning. From this evaluation, clients can find out if their cognitive abilities are in the normal range for their age, if clear impairment is present, or if further evaluation is needed. The memory screens can be useful for establishing a baseline to compare with follow-up screens or other evaluations. Relative to a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, less detailed information can be obtained on what might be causing any problems that are found; however, this screening is more extensive that what can be obtained at a typical physician's office visit, and can serve as an excellent intermediate option for individuals who may be hesitant to complete a full neuropsychological evaluation or who just wish to obtain and initial baseline. A two-page written summary of the results is provided to the client and reviewed with a licensed psychologist and student clinician within the same two-hour appointment. Clients pay on a sliding fee scale, with fees ranging from $20 to $450 depending on income level.

• Memory Clinic Brochure (pdf)

This collaborative program with the Area Agency on Aging focuses on assessing and treating the factors contributing to distress in caregiver families and assists with referrals for other supportive services within the community. Primary services, all available at no cost to clients, include comprehensive caregiver assessments and up to eight problem-solving-oriented psychotherapy sessions to help implement caregiver treatment plans. In addition, the program offers consultation and resource information for the caregiver(s) and a psychoeducational support group. Educational seminars and community presentations are also offered to increase public awareness of the caregiving experience and caregiver needs.

• Aging Families & Caregiver Program Brochure (pdf)

Aging Center staff psychologists and student clinicians offer individual and group psychotherapy for older adults experiencing psychological challenges including depression and anxiety, adjustment to illness, bereavement, interpersonal conflicts, or other life stressors. Supervision is conducted weekly, usually in individual meetings with the student or in small groups. Supervisors support a wide variety of psychotherapeutic approaches including psychodynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family systems therapy. The Aging Center uses the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to classify and diagnose psychological problems. 

• Psychotherapy Services Brochure (pdf)

After a Memory Clinic or neuropsychological evaluation, clients and families may struggle to apply the recommendations. The Cognitive Care Advocacy Program provides direct support to enhance emotional and cognitive well-being, improving quality of life for both clients and caregivers.

• Cognitive Care Advocacy Program Brochure (pdf)

The Aging Center offers specialized groups to improve cognitive health and emotional well-being for older adults. 

The Cognitive Skills Training group teaches strategies and lifestyle habits to enhance daily cognitive function and support healthy aging. Separate groups serve those with or without a mild neurocognitive diagnosis.

The Mindfulness Skills group teaches techniques to help with stress management and relaxation as well as promote enhanced mental clarity. 

• Cognitive Skills Group Brochure (pdf)