Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Dr. Papka treat patients of all ages?
Yes, although Dr. Papka specializes in the assessment of age-related dementias and adult cognitive disorders, she is also a psychotherapist and assists individuals, couples, and groups across the age-range.
What is neuropsychology and how can it be helpful?
Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists apply
this knowledge to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with neurological, psychiatric, or other medical conditions. Neuropsychologists gather a range of information about each patient, including a detailed history and measures of cognitive and behavioral functioning. This information is obtained by review of past medical records, an interview of the patient and family, and direct patient assessment. The neuropsychological assessment may yield findings not observable using other techniques, such as brain imaging or gross neurological examination. The information obtained by a neuropsychological evaluation can be instrumental in helping the patient and family cope better with existing behaviors and symptoms.
Who needs a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Often, patients are referred for neuropsychological assessment by other medical professionals such as neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and primary care physicians. Among the range of reasons why an adult might be referred for a neuropsychological assessment include:
• changes in cognitive functioning
• changes in personality
• changes in behavior
What is a Functional Assessment?
Dr. Michelle Papka developed the concept of a Functional Assessment to aid patients and 
families in making these types of care planning decisions. This service includes direct assessment of the patient’s abilities in complex activities of daily living, also called instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and is designed to be concise, cost-efficient, and geared towards clinical care.
A Functional Assessment with Dr. Michelle Papka may provide the information you need to decide whether or not you or someone you love has the cognitive ability to:
• Make financial decisions
• Write/checks/use money
• Maintain a home
• Use public transportation
• Use a telephone
• Respond in an emergency situation
• Take medications independently
• Make decisions about medical care
Consultations are available as a supplementary service to the Functional Assessment, or as a stand-alone service if the comprehensive Functional Assessment testing is not desired. Dr. Papka is available on an hourly basis to help the patient and family with care planning decisions and to transition through roles, feelings, and conflicts.
What if I need documentation for legal proceedings?
The goal of the Functional Assessment is to provide an efficient means by which to obtain information to guide care planning decisions. By itself, the Functional Assessment and related documentation is not intended to be used in Guardianship, Capacity, or other legal cases. However, if such services are needed, Dr. Papka is available to provide further consultation, evaluation, and documentation to serve these purposes.
Who can benefit from Psychotherapy?
You don't need to have a diagnosis or crisis to seek psychotherapy. Everyone benefits from the opportunity to talk, be heard, and understood. Doing so with a trained professional, like Dr. Papka, in a safe environment has so many advantages.
What are some of the possible outcomes of Psychotherapy?
Many people avoid psychotherapy because of preconceived notions, costs, or lack of adequate information about this service. Before you decide whether psychotherapy is for you, get the facts. Here are just some of the advantages and outcomes of psychotherapy:
• Improved relationships
• Increased self esteem and self confidence
• Sense of empowerment
• Improved problem-solving
• Reduced stress
• Increased healthfulness
• Better understanding of oneself
• Clarity of past, present, and future
• Development of tolerance for self and others
• Increased awareness and control of behaviors
• Recognition of all possibilities
• Increased realization of opportunities
• Sense of peacefulness
Do you accept Medical Insurance?
Dr. Papka participates with Medicare. If your primary insurance carrier is NOT Medicare, services may be reimbursable. Dr. Papka's office will provide you with the needed paperwork to submit to your insurance company, or Flexible Spending Account. Additional information can be found in the Fees and Payment Form contained in the packet of forms for each type of service. Dr. Papka accepts cash, check, and credit card payment.
If any questions that are not addressed above, please contact Dr. Papka.