Piece of Mind Neuropsychology Inc. provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for children or adults.  We assess a variety of neurological conditions affecting the brain. Child and Adolescent Assessments often provide diagnostic clarity to assist academic functioning in the classroom. Dr. Mikolic’s reports routinely integrate teacher and parent feedback, as well as offer classroom observations if needed. Reports also summarize existing 504 plan accomodations and Indvidualized Educational Plan (IEP). Dr. Mikolic is also able to attend school district meetings to provide insight about your child’s unique learning needs.

More about Dr. Mikolic: Karen Mikolic, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist. She is also Board Certified in Neuropsychology and a Qualified Medical Examiner.  Dr. Mikolic currently splits her time between private practice and a local outpatient hospital setting in San Diego. Previously, Dr. Mikolic worked for Orlando Regional Medical Center and Medstart National Rehabilitation Hospital, assisting patients confronted by traumatic brain injury, stroke, amputation, spinal cord injury, memory disorders, and other medical complications. She serviced clients by providing neuropsychological assessments and short-term therapy to support emotional functioning goals in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Dr. Mikolic has always balanced neuropsychology assessment and therapeutic work throughout her training and career. Dr. Mikolic received her doctoral degree from Palo Alto University in 2008. She completed her internship at Tewksbury Hospital in Massachusetts, and a two-year postdoctoral fellowship working with both children and adults in Washington, D.C. at the Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital. In addition, she completed an additional year of pediatric neuropsychology training at a Child Development Center on the east coast.

Prior to pursuing her graduate studies, Dr. Mikolic worked as both an elementary and high school teacher. Her professional experience lends itself to supporting children, adolescents and adults facing major life obstacles and transitions. Dr. Mikolic provides psychological assessment for a multitude of concerns, such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, autism, learning disorders and intellectual disability. Because of her strong neuropsychology background, she is able to tailor her treatment recommendations to evidenced-based strategies. Recommendations encourage and support patients motivated to achieve a higher degree of independence across school, work, family and/or community settings. In addition, Dr. Mikolic has assisted during Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 plan meetings. She provides parents and teachers realistic feedback to support children’s diagnoses.

Dr. Mikolic is a compassionate and dedicated therapist providing counseling for children, teenagers, adults and families. Her therapeutic approach draws from her assessment expertise and rich clinical work. She examines, analyzes and successfully treats both common and complicated emotional and behavioral conditions. Dr. Mikolic is also well versed at helping parents understanding their child’s needs by addressing parenting strategies at home and school.

 


What is a Neuropsychological/Psychological Evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation involves testing that is sensitive to problems in brain functioning.  Unlike CT or MRI scans, which show what the structure of the brain looks like, neuropsychological testing examines how well the brain is working when it performs certain functions (remembering one’s past).  The types of test that you will take depends upon the referral question.  The tests may assess the following areas: attention and memory, reasoning and problem solving, visual-spatial functions, language functions, sensory perceptual functions, motor functions, academic skills, and emotional functioning.  For more information, please refer the to the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) website: www.NANonline.org.