Board certification in neuropsychology reflects the highest level of competence in the field. Many great neuropsychologists are not board certified, but those that go on to achieve board certification undergo a rigorous process.
I am an expert in conducting neuropsychological evaluations and consultations with children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 3 to ~30) with medical, neurological, and developmental conditions. I have also provided therapy and intervention services to youth with these conditions and difficulties.
My expertise in ‘cog rehab’ stems from my certified training through the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine as well as my years working with inpatients who are rehabilitated after a brain injury, insult, or illness.
I have expertise with a wide range of neurological and developmental conditions. I have specialized knowledge and expertise in medical conditions like traumatic brain injury including concussion, cancer, stroke, blood disorders, brain-related infections, cerebral palsy, genetic/metabolic conditions, and cardiac conditions to name a few. However, my professional career began because of my passion for working with individuals with developmental conditions like autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities.
I work to understand the dynamic relationship between the brain, and your child or loved one’s health, behavior, thoughts, emotions, culture, and environment. Neuropsychological test and questionnaire data I collect in collaboration with others serve as an important tool to characterize your child or family member’s strengths and potential weaknesses. However, test scores are never the whole story. I also rely on my years of experience in qualitative assessment and observation. Using a holistic approach, I focus on individual strengths and next steps that are realistic and meaningful. My goal is to move you and your child or loved one toward a life with greater joy, fulfillment, purpose, satisfaction, and connectedness.
Through direct collaboration with teachers and hospital educators, I’ve helped make sure children are well-supported and poised to meet their fullest potential in the classroom. Results of my evaluations directly inform the family’s, patient’s, team’s and, if applicable, school’s understanding of the individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. We collaboratively discuss decisions about interventions such as educational plans, therapies, medication, or environmental supports.
While I’ve primarily worked in children’s hospitals, I’ve also worked in community settings and schools. I am sad to leave my families and patients in the hospital, but I am excited about bringing my experience and skill set to private practice, allowing me to work closely with clients and collaborators within my community.
I contribute to education and research to improve neuropsychology practice. Education and teaching are true passions of mine. In addition to training future leaders in the field, I give seminars to parents, teachers, and professionals on topics related to neuropsychology, education, cognitive concerns, and general behavioral health topics. My research has focused on how our field defines and delivers neuropsychology services as well as outcomes and predictors in neurological and neurodevelopmental populations. See more here
Locally, I am actively involved as a board member on Pennsylvania’s Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board and as a consultant for the Pennsylvania BrainSTEPS (Strategies Teaching Educators, Parents, and Students) Program. My active memberships in several regional, state, national, and international psychology and neuropsychology associations allow for collaboration and involvement in the field more broadly. In addition, I have created and been a member of international neuropsychology groups in which professionals work together on research and clinical projects.
I am Dr. Katherine Baum, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults with neurological, medical, and developmental conditions.