Kevin Duffy, Psy.D.
Dr. Kevin Duffy is an NYS licensed psychologist who has been working with children and families for more than 25 years. Dr. Duffy is a Fellow of the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (theaapn.org) and is a Board Certified Pediatric Neuropsychologist. He specializes in performing Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluations (ages 3-25), Independent Educational Evaluations, and court-ordered custody evaluations. Dr. Duffy is also trained in conducting school violence risk assessments in the event a child or adolescent makes a threat towards a student or adult at school or if he/she makes a threat towards the larger school community.
Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluation / Independent Educational Evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation involves examining thinking, learning, memory, perception, behavior, and social-emotional functioning. A pediatric neuropsychological evaluation uses standardized tests and procedures. Dr. Duffy works directly with patients as a part of the evaluation process. He also talks to teachers and consults with other doctors. Neuropsychological tests are performed using paper and pencil and are also completed on specialized computers. Patients will be asked many questions and will be required to solve many different types of problems. Most referrals come directly from schools (for children with complex learning/behavioral disorders); from parents who have requested Independent Educational Evaluations; and from pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and neurologists.
Court Ordered (Forensic) Custody Evaluations
A forensic custody evaluation is a legal process where the court appoints a professional to conduct an evaluation of a family and then generate a comprehensive report that is submitted to the judge for review. A court-ordered child custody evaluation takes considerable time to complete and will include multiple interviews with all parties, psychological testing, observations, and a comprehensive record review. If you or any member of your family is a current or former patient of Dr. Duffy, he cannot perform the court-ordered evaluation. Dr. Duffy needs to receive the court order and review it before scheduling appointments.
Violence Risk Assessments
Trained in conducting a violence risk assessment, Dr. Duffy helps to lead a team approach in assessing each client referred. Although predicting human behavior is not possible, through the use of instruments and interviews, it is possible to make the best possible recommendations in the interest of safety. A Risk Assessment will include clinical interviews, behavioral checklists, and psychological testing. Recommendations for follow-up with mental health providers as well as the need for on-going monitoring are considered and addressed in the report. Dr. Duffy performs these assessments in partnership with local school districts. A purchase order from the school district must be obtained before appointments are scheduled.