Neuropsychology for Anxiety in St. Louis with Dr. Summer Lane
Our Compassionate Counseling St. Louis therapists excel at helping kids, teens, and college students learn to manage their anxiety.
Sometimes, as they start working with a client, they realize that there might be something more than just anxiety going on. If this is the case, we may suggest having a full evaluation done, just to help you, your child, and their therapist figure better understand what approach will be most helpful. To help you better understand what that process might look like, we’ve reached out to Dr. Summer Lane, Ph.D., ABPP, Pediatric Neuropsychologist:
Why did you choose to become a neuropsychologist in St. Louis?
Dr. Summer Lane, Ph.D., ABPP
Much of my experience has been working in children’s medical centers. However, I had interest in private practice and wanted to find the right fit for me. I was excited to find the opportunity at St. Louis Center for Cognitive Health (STLCCH). Joining this practice was important to me for two reasons. First, I can provide care to children and their families in a smaller, more personalized space as opposed to a large hospital. Additionally, we accept all major insurance, which is not the case for many private practices and limits care to those who need services.
My wife is from St. Louis, and we have been interested in moving here with our daughter, who is 4 years old. We wanted to be closer to our extended family and live in a bigger city with many cultural, historical, sports, and educational outlets.
What does an evaluation from a neuropsychologist entail?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves three components. The first appointment involves a clinical interview that lasts about an hour during which I speak to parents about their child or teen and gain information about his/her/their history (e.g., medical, developmental, educational) as well as areas of concern. Next, the child or teen participates in a one-on-one testing session during which he/she/they complete activities that examine thinking skills, such as problem-solving, academics, attention, and memory. In addition, rating forms are completed by the client and parent regarding social-emotional functioning. Following the session, I write an extensive report that outlines relevant background information, testing results, conclusions and diagnoses, and recommendations for treatment and school support. This report is reviewed with the family at a feedback appointment.
Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with people recovering from anxiety?
I work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with different presenting issues. Many clients have anxiety/worry symptoms that are a component of their history or current challenges. The evaluation assists in teasing apart cognitive, developmental, medical/physical, and emotional issues to better guide the client and family in taking steps to address areas of potential growth. My recommendations focus on evidence-based practices, which means directing individuals toward intervention that we know is effective, based on research. For example, with anxiety, studies show that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is beneficial in reducing symptoms, so I will recommend that a client work with a therapist who utilizes CBT approaches, such as those at Compassionate Counseling St. Louis.
What ages do you work with?
I work with children, teenagers, and young adults, ages 2-25.
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?
I love working with children and teenagers who may be struggling at school, with friends and family, or in pursuing their goals and discovering what is underlying their issues. It is rewarding to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses to better understand themselves and to assist them in finding ways to grow and develop in positive ways. I value clients and families who are open to this journey and willing to take recommended steps to promote change for the better.
What can parents expect to leave with after working with you?
Parents will leave with a comprehensive report that documents their child’s history, current challenges, cognitive skills, emotional and behavior functioning, relevant diagnoses, and (most importantly) recommendations to help their child at school and at home.
You can help your child succeed.
Our therapeutic parent coaching program is like therapy for parents, helping you come up with a plan for how to navigate realistic expectations, for your child and yourself!
How long have you been working as a neuropsychologist, and how long have you been in St. Louis?
I finished my post-doctoral training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University in 2015 after obtaining my Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin in 2013. After working at KKI and Mizzou, I joined St. Louis Center for Cognitive Health in July 2022. I am board certified in clinical neuropsychology and also trained on the ADOS-2 (gold standard for autism assessment).
How can people learn more and contact you?
Please visit the St. Louis Center for Cognitive Health website. Our office is located in Creve Coeur, and we can be reached by phone at 314-833-4210.
Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.
Between finishing my master’s degree and beginning my Ph.D. program, I ran a dog walking company in Boston, MA. I love dogs!
If you’re interested in learning more, you can also connect to the St. Louis Center for Cognitive Health on Facebook.
Compassionate Counseling St. Louis specializes in anxiety therapy for teens, kids, and college students, along with partnering with parents through parent coaching - basically therapy for parents here in St. Louis. We’re located in Clayton and work with clients throughout the St. Louis region. To schedule a free phone consultation, please use our contact page.