About Dr. Valerie Andrews

What Is A Neuropsychologist? 

According to the American Psychology Association (APA), “Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty field within psychology dedicated to understanding the relationships between brain and behavior.” More simply put, I am a licensed psychologist with expertise in how one’s behavior and skills are related to brain function. 

By conducting in-depth, individualized assessments, I help children and adults who struggle with cognitive, behavioral, and psychological struggles understand the underlying issues that challenge them so that they know what resources to access for assistance.    

In a neuropsychological assessment, brain function is evaluated by objective testing, observation, and self-reporting. After the detailed evaluation is completed, a pattern of strengths and weaknesses emerges. Once all the data is collected and assessed, I can make a well-informed diagnosis and provide clients with a treatment plan that includes appropriate recommendations and referrals. With children, these evaluations can be used in school to support their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as well as a means of requesting testing accommodations.

My Approach

When I was young, I was fascinated by how people behaved and what their backgrounds were. From an early age, I wanted to help people get to the bottom of what was impacting their day-to-day functioning. I was most interested in understanding the neuropsychological factors that contributed to someone’s challenges rather than studying treatments that would only mask their symptoms. With this goal in mind, I geared my academic and professional pursuits toward becoming a neuropsychologist. 

I strongly believe that each of us is a continuous, ever-changing work in progress. We can embrace our imperfections while remaining open to ways we can continue to improve how we learn, think, and behave. This presents great opportunities for meaningful change and self-love at any age. The most rewarding part of my work is when I’m able to help a child understand that although there’s something different about the way they learn, they’re not a bad or “dumb” person. 

When we know how a child’s brain works, together we can find alternative strategies that will help them play to their strengths. This knowledge provides families with hope—often for the first time. No matter the diagnosis, there’s always hope that with the right resources and support, improvements are possible.

My ability to listen to clients and boil down what is really underlying their behavior in simple terms is an important piece of what I do. And even though my specialty is more data-driven and scientifically-based, I still incorporate the human touch. My title may sound intimidating, but I aim to always be personable, caring, empathetic, patient, and, most importantly, honest with my clients. 

Knowledge is power. Being direct and honest with my clients about what factors may be impacting them is vital. Once they are provided with this information, we can chart where to go next. Discerning the facts of the situation is the first step in getting closer to a solution.  

My Practice

The foundation of my practice is considering all areas of a client’s circumstances to create a comprehensive evaluation that clearly identifies the root of the issue. The assessments my team and I perform are broad yet thorough, looking at every aspect of the client’s history, including, emotional, medical, academic, social, memory function, and family of origin. Compiling the full picture enables us to ascertain what the core issue is. 

With an assessment in hand, my clients will know how best to address the presenting problem by finding effective treatments and accommodations. Through the fact-finding and analysis their assessment offers, clients will take away a thorough understanding of the issues at hand along with a pathway toward solutions.

Knowledge Is Power

With over 20 years of experience, I am delighted to attest that I continue to love the work that I do. As an upbeat person, I emphasize strengths over deficits and remind my clients that a diagnosis or label can always be malleable. While a diagnosis can help point you in the right direction to yield positive results, ultimately each person is unique and full of limitless potential.

Dr. Valerie Andrews is a neuropsychologist based in San Jose, California who has been in private practice since 1999. After receiving a bachelor’s degree of Science with Honors in Psychology from San Jose State University, Dr. Andrews went on to receive a Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology/Neuropsychology from Palo Alto University in 1999.

Dr. Andrews gained experience while working for over ten years as a professor in a graduate program for Marriage and Family Therapy at Western Seminary in San Jose, California. She was recruited to work in New Zealand in 2010, where she worked as a Senior Psychologist at a child and adolescent hospital unit until 2014. Thereafter, Dr. Andrews moved to Colorado and worked as a psychotherapist at a residential addiction treatment center until her move back to Los Gatos in 2018. She subsequently became President of the Special Needs Professionals of Silicon Valley. Her company, Los Gatos Psychological Assessments, Inc. has expanded to include 2 licensed psychologists.