Frequently Asked Questions

  • A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of thinking, memory, attention, language, problem-solving, emotional functioning, and other cognitive skills. It uses interview, record review, and standardized tests to better understand how a person’s brain functioning may be affecting everyday life. The results can help clarify diagnoses, identify strengths and weaknesses, and guide treatment or recommendations.

  • People are referred for neuropsychological evaluation for many reasons, including memory problems, attention difficulties, concussion or traumatic brain injury, stroke, ADHD, learning difficulties, mood-related cognitive concerns, dementia concerns, medical or neurological conditions, or questions about decision-making capacity. Evaluations can also help distinguish between different possible causes of cognitive or emotional symptoms.

  • It provides information that may help clarify conditions such as ADHD, learning disorders, traumatic brain injury, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, stroke-related cognitive changes, and cognitive effects of medical or psychiatric conditions. It can also help determine whether reported cognitive problems are consistent with known neurological, psychiatric, or developmental conditions.

  • After arriving to the clinic, you will be greeted by Pamela, the clinic coordinator and complete some minimal paperwork. Most evaluations include a clinical interview, review of relevant records, and formal testing. Testing may involve paper-and-pencil tasks, questions, puzzles, memory activities, and computer-based measures, depending on the referral question. The appointment length varies, but many evaluations take several hours and may be completed in one day or across multiple sessions.

  • Please get a good night’s sleep if possible, eat beforehand, bring your glasses or hearing aids if you use them, and take medications as prescribed unless you have been instructed otherwise. It is also helpful to bring a list of current medications, relevant medical records, prior testing reports, and any school or work records that may be important to the referral question.

  • Neuropsychological testing is not physically invasive. Some tasks may feel challenging because the goal is to understand your current level of functioning across different areas. It is normal not to know every answer. We do our best to make the process respectful, supportive, and as comfortable as possible.

  • After the evaluation is completed, the neuropsychologist reviews the test data, medical history, and other relevant information before writing a report. Turnaround time varies by practice and complexity of the case, but many reports are completed within a few weeks. A feedback appointment is scheduled to review the findings, diagnosis if applicable, and recommendations.

  • The report is typically shared with the patient and, with appropriate authorization, referring providers or other approved parties. If the evaluation is being completed for a specific purpose—such as medical treatment, school accommodations, disability, or legal proceedings—the release of information may depend on the referral context and signed consent forms. We will review confidentiality and report distribution with you before the evaluation whenever possible.

  • A general psychological evaluation often focuses on emotional, behavioral, personality, or psychiatric functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation includes those areas when relevant, but places particular emphasis on brain-based cognitive skills such as memory, attention, processing speed, executive functioning, language, and visuospatial abilities. Neuropsychological evaluations are often used when there is concern about how a neurological, developmental, psychiatric, or medical condition may be affecting cognitive functioning.

  • No, we do not take insurance. Rates and fees vary depending on the referral question and type of evaluation. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance companies regarding out-of-network benefits or reimbursement options if they wish to seek coverage independently.