Mind & Behavior Assessment Clinic

Neuropsychology, a subdiscipline of psychology, refers to the study of the brain and how the brain facilitates behavior. Specifically, neuropsychology studies the brain’s involvement in processes such as thinking, feeling, understanding, reading, and more. At the MBAC, we assess these brain-implicated processes by conducting comprehensive cognitive, executive functioning, academic, personality, social-emotional, and behavioral assessments. Results of these assessments provides us information regarding an individual’s challenges and strengths. Our assessment reports include specific recommendations that empower individuals to address their area of concern.

All neuropsychological assessments are conducted by advanced level doctoral students from the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology who work under the supervision of Dr. Miriam Thompson (PSY34243) who is a licensed psychologist and the Director of the MBAC.

Por el momento, estamos limitados en las evaluaciones neuropsicológicas que se pueden dar específicamente en español. Sin embargo, se pueden conducir entrevistas clínicas en español. Se reconocen la necesidad para dar servicios en español y esperamos a llenar esta necesidad completamente. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta sobre eso, nos mande un email en mbac@education.ucsb.edu.

The MBAC responds to a wide range of referral reasons for children, adolescents, and adults. We respond to referrals for the following: neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., learning problems, attention problems, comprehension problems), anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, generalized anxiety), depressive disorders (e.g., major depression, persistent depression), and other similarly related referral concerns. We do not respond to referrals for the following: child custody evaluations; disability assessment for social security; substance use evaluations; or eating disorders.

First, all potential clients complete a brief phone screen with the MBAC Manager. Next, the MBAC manager schedules a 60-to-90-minute clinical interview during which clients discuss their areas of concern with the assessment clinicians. Third, clients complete six to nine hours of testing, which can be completed over the course of a few days. Fourth, when the results have been interpreted, a report is written, and a one-hour feedback session is scheduled with the client. During this feedback, the client and clinician discuss the assessment results, diagnostic impressions, and specific recommendations for support.

Our standard assessment rate is $950.00. The Hosford Clinic does not accept insurance, but if you qualify for Medi-Cal and can provide documentation to show qualification, the rate is $475.00. There is a $150 non-refundable deposit to reserve the initial appointment. The remainder of the fees must be paid in full at the intake session. There are no additional fees and the cost does not change if additional testing is added to the assessment battery.

We follow a COVID-19 protocol to ensure the safety of our doctoral student clinicians and our potential clients. We will be following a hybrid model, which will involve a combination of teleassessment and in-person assessment. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, we will be adhering to guidelines in accordance with UCSB. You can learn more about those guidelines here: https://www.ucsb.edu/covid-19-information/campus-updates. Also, whenever possible, we provide all of our clients the option to complete interviews in person or remotely.

Yes, we currently have a waiting list. The estimated wait time is 12 months before being assessed. This is just an estimate and is subject to change. If you are in immediate need of assessment services, please contact us at mbac@education.ucsb.edu and we will be happy to provide you with referrals.