Grounded Insight for Growing Minds
Understanding Minds is a neurodiversity-affirming psychology practice focused on helping children, adolescents, and young adults better understand how their minds work. We specialize in psychological and neuropsychological testing for kids and teens, offering thoughtful evaluation that highlights strengths, explains challenges in context, and supports growth.
WHERE EXPERTISE MEETS UNDERSTANDING
Clarity with Purpose
Our work is centered on clarity and direction. We partner with families to make sense of questions about development, learning, behavior, and emotional well-being so that next steps feel informed and doable.
Whether you are seeking diagnostic clarity, support for educational planning, or a deeper understanding of your child or teen, we focus on translating complex information into practical insight.
The “We” Behind the Mind
When we say “we,” we are speaking about the team that supports the clinical, administrative, and outreach work of Understanding Minds. This structure allows the practice to run smoothly and thoughtfully, with families at the center.
All clinical services, including neuropsychological evaluations and consultations, are provided directly by Dr. Sarah Backe. There are no trainees, psychometricians, or handoffs. Your care is led entirely by a pediatric neuropsychologist who is invested in your questions, your goals, and your experience.
Designed for Growth
Living beings are designed to grow. We develop, adapt, and are shaped by the environments and relationships around us. When challenges arise, understanding ourselves and our contexts becomes the foundation for meaningful change.
Understanding Minds offers services that support insight at this deeper level. Just as you need to know what kind of plant you are caring for to help it thrive, we believe it is essential to understand how a mind works in order to support it well. Our services are designed to clarify needs, highlight strengths, and guide growth in ways that are specific and actionable.
Thoughtful Consultations
We offer consultation services for families and professionals who are seeking expert guidance without a full evaluation. Designed to provide clarity, reassurance, and direction, these sessions are collaborative, focused, and grounded in pediatric neuropsychology.
Parent Consultation: A single-session meeting to discuss questions about development, learning, behavior, educational concerns, or neurodiversity. Together, we clarify concerns, explore possible explanations, and identify next steps or supports.
Clinical Consultation: Consultation for referring providers seeking diagnostic clarification or neuropsychological perspective to inform treatment planning. This service is commonly used by professionals in pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology, and therapy.
Insightful Assessments
We offer comprehensive testing services for children, adolescents, and young adults, tailored to the questions you have. Each evaluation is designed to be thorough, respectful, and clinically meaningful, with results that families and providers can actually use.
Neuropsychological Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment of cognitive, academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning to support diagnostic clarity and planning.
Social Cognition Evaluation: Focused assessment of social understanding, communication, and perspective-taking, often helpful for understanding nuanced social concerns.
IQ and Academic Testing: Targeted evaluation to understand learning profiles, strengths, and educational needs.
Get Started Today
Understanding Minds is located in North Carolina and serves families throughout Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and the greater Triangle area. We work with children, teens, and young adults, as well as referring providers seeking neuropsychological expertise.
If you are looking for clarity, direction, or an affirming assessment experience, please reach out and start the conversation. We can’t wait to hear from you!