Dr. Ellen Preen, Psy.D.
Specializes in collaborative psychological and neuropsychological testing and assessment of children, adolescents, and adults.
Call: 860.677.7300 or 860.324.1514
FVNA is an out-of-network service provider and therefore does not accept health insurance. However, we work closely with you and your insurance providers to ensure maximum possible reimbursement of payments made by you for services rendered.
What to expect?
The evaluation typically lasts for approximately 4-6 hours, with a lunch break and/or breaks in between.
The evaluation typically lasts for approximately 4-6 hours, with a lunch break and/or breaks in between.
A separate follow up appointment/feedback meeting is scheduled for a few weeks after the evaluation, where Dr. Preen will go over her findings with the completed report in hand and answer any questions. We feel very strongly this is crucial part of the process. We do not send the report without a face to face feedback meeting with you.
Please know that Dr. Preen is solely involved in all aspects of the evaluation. We do not use students, trainees or fellows for any part of the assessment to ensure you receive the highest level of care.
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A Pediatric Neuropsychologist is a special kind of psychologist who works with kids. They focus on how learning and behavior are connected to brain development. These experts use tests to find out a child’s strengths and weaknesses. They help diagnose conditions and explain what’s causing them.
A Pediatric Neuropsychologist can help identify in children:
- Learning Difficulties: Assessing how well a child learns and processes information in school.
- Memory Problems: Evaluating a child’s memory abilities, including short-term and long-term memory.
- Attention Issues: Looking for signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other attention-related challenges.
- Language Delays: Identifying difficulties in speech and language development.
- Executive Functioning: Assessing skills like planning, organization, and problem-solving.
- Emotional and Behavioral Concerns: Recognizing emotional struggles or behavioral issues that impact a child’s well-being.
A Pediatric Neuropsychologist is a special kind of psychologist who works with kids. They focus on how learning and behavior are connected to brain development. These experts use tests to find out a child’s strengths and weaknesses. They help diagnose conditions and explain what’s causing them.
A Pediatric Neuropsychologist can help identify in children:
- Learning Difficulties: Assessing how well a child learns and processes information in school.
- Memory Problems: Evaluating a child’s memory abilities, including short-term and long-term memory.
- Attention Issues: Looking for signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other attention-related challenges.
- Language Delays: Identifying difficulties in speech and language development.
- Executive Functioning: Assessing skills like planning, organization, and problem-solving.
- Emotional and Behavioral Concerns: Recognizing emotional struggles or behavioral issues that impact a child’s well-being.
Services
FVNA evaluates and addresses concerns relating to a range of suspected and confirmed diagnoses, including:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by ongoing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Often first identified in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood, affecting daily tasks, academic performance, and personal relationships. Early diagnosis and individualized strategies, such as behavioral counseling, medications, and educational support, can enhance life quality for those with ADHD.
Sports-related Concussions
A sports-related concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury induced by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body during sports activities. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and cognitive disturbances. Recognizing and addressing these injuries immediately is crucial, as repeated concussions can lead to long-term complications. Rest, proper medical care, and gradual return to play are essential for recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is a significant injury resulting from external force to the head, leading to disrupted brain function. Symptoms vary based on injury severity, encompassing memory issues, mood swings, and physical impairments. Early intervention, rehabilitation, and continuous care can optimize recovery and improve outcomes for TBI patients.
Learning Disorders (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics)
Learning disorders are neurodevelopmental challenges affecting specific academic skills, such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or math (dyscalculia). These aren’t reflective of a person’s intelligence but rather how the brain processes information. Early identification, specialized educational techniques, and support can help individuals overcome these hurdles and achieve academic success.
Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, and Schizophrenic Disorders)
Mood disorders encompass a group of conditions affecting an individual’s emotional state. This includes depression (persistent sadness), anxiety (prolonged worry), bipolar disorder (mood swings between mania and depression), and schizophrenia (altered perception of reality). Early detection and tailored treatments, including therapy, medications, and lifestyle adjustments, are vital for managing symptoms and enhancing well-being.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder marked by challenges in social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Every individual with ASD has unique strengths and challenges. Early interventions, specialized education, and supportive therapies help individuals with ASD lead fulfilling lives, emphasizing their strengths.
Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s Disease is a hereditary, progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It’s characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. Originating from a mutated gene, its effects become more pronounced over time. Although there’s no cure, treatments aim to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life for those affected.
Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments, including memory loss and diminished thinking skills. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form. Early detection, even though there’s no cure, is crucial, as interventions can manage symptoms, providing patients a higher quality of life.
White Matter Diseases
White matter diseases involve damage to the brain’s white matter, crucial for transmitting signals. Conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or leukodystrophies fall under this category. Symptoms vary, from movement challenges to cognitive deficits. Early diagnosis, comprehensive care, and innovative treatments can help manage these diseases and reduce progression.
Dr. Ellen Preen, Psy.D.
Dr. Preen is the founder and clinical director of Farmington Valley Neuropsychology Associates, LLC, specializing in clinical neuropsychology. She has over 15 years of experience in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of both adults and children with one or more neuropsychological deficits that include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sports-related Concussions, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), learning disorders (reading, writing and mathematics), mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenic disorders), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Huntington’s Disease, Dementia and White Matter Diseases.
