Julianna Ward, PhD, ABPP-CN

  • Psychiatry

Locations

Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Manchester

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

About me

In neuropsychology, we focus on how the brain is functioning. This includes thinking skills (like attention, memory, and problem-solving), behavior, and mood.

When I first meet with patients, I complete a neuropsychological evaluation with them and their families. This helps me understand their current functioning. It also helps me see if they are experiencing normal age-related changes in their thinking skills. If these are not age-related, the evaluation can help us learn what might be causing their problems.

Whatever the cause of these changes, it's normal to feel concerned about what the evaluation may show. Before the evaluation, I explain what to expect. I let them know that it is their choice whether to complete the assessment. After the evaluation, I help them understand the results and recommendations. I am always available for follow-up questions during and after our appointment. I do everything possible to ensure my patients and their families feel truly seen and heard throughout the process.

My goal is to help my patients' functioning and quality of life. Together, we can find ways to manage their difficulties and improve their brain health.

Specialties

  • Neuropsychology
  • Psychiatry

Areas of focus

  • Neuropsychological assessment/evaluation of adults
  • Cognition in neuropsychiatric disorders (for example, schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, bipolar affective disorder, and recurrent major depressive disorder)
  • Cognition in neurodegenerative diseases/processes (for example, Alzheimer’s disease and variants of frontotemporal lobar degeneration)
  • Cognition in autoimmune disorders/responses (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus and paraneoplastic syndromes)
  • Epilepsy
  • Healthy brain aging
  • Benefits of physical exercise and health dietary intake on brain health and cognition

Titles and faculty positions

  • Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth

Year joined

  • 2025

Department websites

Education

Internship

  • Neuropsychology, University of Wisconsin Madison Medical School, Milwaukee Clinical Campus – Sinai Samaritan Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 1997

Fellowship

  • Neuropsychology and Neuroimaging, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, 2003
  • Research Fellowship, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 2001

Doctorate

  • PhD, Clinical Psychology, Proficiency: Clinical Neuropsychology, California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University, Fresno, CA, 1999

Board certification

  • Clinical Neuropsychology

Additional credentials and memberships

  • ABPP-CN, American Board of Professional Psychology - Clinical Neuropsychology, 2011