‘Understanding comes in stages’: An expat neuropsychologist helps patients find clarity in Prague

A move abroad can disrupt routines people rely on more than they realize, turning ‘settling into a new country’ into a catch-all explanation for ongoing problems. Stress, language, and cultural differences certainly play a role, but when these challenges persist or quietly intensify, they often point to something more than the transition alone.

People can go through therapy and still feel stuck, with the same issues returning when the underlying cause remains unclear. In these cases, experts like Helena Reina Calzado, a bilingual neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist at MY CLINIC, work with children and adults to clarify how attention, learning, and emotional regulation contribute to those ongoing difficulties.

Originally from Spain, Calzado trained and worked in international clinical settings across Europe, including an internship placement at the National Institute of Mental Health (NÚDZ) near Prague. After completing advanced degrees in clinical psychology and neuropsychology, she returned to the Czech capital, drawn by the opportunity at MY CLINIC to combine both specialties in one practice.

To better understand who neuropsychology is for, and when it is typically considered, we asked Calzado to outline how this approach is used in practice, and what English-speaking patients can expect during their first visit.

Neuropsychology is typically not a person’s first step when problems crop up. More often, it is considered after advice, coping strategies, or even talk therapy have not fully explained what is going on.

Many turn to neuropsychological services when difficulties are persistent, hard to pin down, or do not fit neatly into a single category. According to Calzado, the field is commonly used to support people with neurodevelopmental conditions, attention and learning difficulties, neurological disorders, brain injuries, and certain mental health concerns.

Unlike general psychotherapy, which often focuses on emotional processing and coping strategies for issues like depression, stress, burnout, or emotional difficulties, neuropsychology relies heavily on standardized assessment to map cognitive strengths and weaknesses, followed by targeted intervention.

This kind of clarity may be especially needed for expats, as language barriers and fragmented care can delay identification of underlying difficulties.

Research across Europe shows that neurodevelopmental conditions often remain underdiagnosed well into adulthood, despite increasing awareness. Calzado notes that “Adult ADHD, learning difficulties, and executive functioning challenges are examples of areas where people may struggle for a long time before seeking professional support.” That gap between long-standing difficulties and clear explanation is where neuropsychological assessment is typically used.

Comprehensive neuropsychological services are offered at MY CLINIC in Prague, where Calzado’s expertise helps patients make sense of how different brain functions, including attention, memory, language, planning skills, and emotional regulation, affect daily life.

The idea of a neuropsychology assessment can feel intimidating, but in practice, it’s a structured, supportive conversation. Rather than a single test, neuropsychological assessment unfolds in stages to help specialists understand how someone functions day to day rather than defining them by a diagnosis. 

It typically begins with an initial interview focused on understanding the patient’s primary concerns, developmental or medical history, and daily difficulties. A subsequent appointment involves a comprehensive assessment using internationally recognized standardized tests to evaluate specific cognitive functions. 

Based on the results, a clear diagnostic profile is established, allowing Calzado to design an individualized intervention program aligned with the patient’s needs.

At MY CLINIC, patients can receive ADHD and attention-related assessments for both children and adults (pediatric sessions are conducted with children only, without parents present). Patients generally do not need special preparation, aside from coming rested and open to the process, says Calzado. The number of sessions varies depending on the patient’s needs.

Calzado, who is fluent in English and Spanish, works with children from age 6, as well as adolescents and adults. She emphasizes the value of early assessment when concerns arise.

“Understanding that seeking psychological or neuropsychological care is a proactive step toward well-being, not a sign of weakness, is essential,” she says. “Working with professionals who provide clear explanations, a respectful approach, and evidence-based care can help people feel more comfortable and confident in seeking support.”