Neuropsychologist

Dr. Cristiana VanVeelen, Ph.D.

Dr. Cristiana VanVeelen, Ph.D.
Director of Neuropsychological and Behavioral Health Services

• Philosophy: Dr. VanVeelen applies a comprehensive and collaborative approach to psychological and neuropsychological testing. More specifically, individuals presenting for an assessment intake can expect an in-depth interview designed to review their personal, medical, cognitive and psychological background in order to design a testing battery specific to his or her needs. Following the initial interview, the testing process is explained to the individual, testing is conducted, and supplemental data may be gathered from persons to include other health care providers or teachers.  The individual returns at a later date for feedback regarding the results of testing, with tailored recommendations provided at that time.
  
• Education and Training: Dr. VanVeelen received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology in Palo Alto, California, where she completed the Certificate Program in Neuropsychological Assessment.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University in New York, New York.  Dr. VanVeelen trained at the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, California, where she worked primarily with World War II veterans and their families.  She also trained at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, where she administered psychological and neuropsychological measures to individuals with serious mental illness who were being treated on a psychiatric inpatient unit. Dr. VanVeelen completed her doctoral internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey on both the Newark and New Brunswick campuses.  During her internship she specialized in geropsychology and neuropsychology.  She proceeded to complete a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark.  Her post-doctoral fellowship focused on the neuropsychological assessment of children, adults, and older adults in inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as psychotherapy with individuals diagnosed with multiple medical and mental health issues.  Prior to joining DCBHS, Dr. VanVeelen worked as a neuropsychologist in a busy private practice in Tucson, Arizona, and was the primary consulting psychologist at a medical rehabilitation center in Tucson. 
• Clinical Areas of Expertise: Dr. VanVeelen has proficiency working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.  She has extensive experience addressing concerns such as ADHD, concussion and other traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular accidents, seizure disorders, cognitive impairment and dementia, as well as depression, anxiety, and health-related mental health issues.
• Services offered: Dr. VanVeelen provides psychological and neuropsychological assessments to aid in the clarification of diagnoses and to offer treatment recommendations.  Dr. VanVeelen primarily works with individuals aged 4 and older.
• Favorite quote: "Though I might travel afar, I will meet only what I carry with me, for every man is a mirror. We see only ourselves reflected in those around us. Their attitudes and actions are only a reflection of our own. The whole world and its condition has its counter parts within us all. Turn the gaze inward. Correct yourself and your world will change." - Kirsten Zambucka