Neuropsychological Assessment
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation assesses: general intellectual function, ability to focus and pay attention to tasks, learning and memory skills, language, executive function, processing speed, reasoning, visuospatial abilities, as well as general behavioral, emotional, and psychological functioning. The evaluation uses standardized written, oral, and computerized measures to determine the individual’s strengths and weaknesses to inform diagnosis and targeted intervention.
We evaluate and diagnose a range of neurocognitive disorders including difficulties with attention, learning, memory disorders, cognitive deficits associated with medical problems, and psychological concerns.
What should I expect from a neuropsychological Evaluation?
Practically speaking, there is a clinical interview. Often we interview both parents and teens or young adults separately to gain a full picture. This interview is followed by testing, which is conducted often over two to three days in 2-3 hour sessions. Depending on the evaluation we will request standardized forms from parents and teachers and other collateral information. Rest breaks are provided as needed. A feedback session is typically scheduled two weeks after all information is received and testing is completed, with the report finalized shortly thereafter.
Feedback sessions are provided for the patient (child, adolescent, young adult) and parents so everyone can understand the results and how to implement an effective roadmap moving forward.
The NeuroGuidance Center currently conducts all neuropsychological assessments at the offices of Leah Ellenberg & Associates (located at 7401 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 730).
What is a neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in both clinical psychology and neuropsychology. They have specialized training in how the brain develops so they can help evaluate children with various neurological and cognitive issues. Neuropsychologists help children, adolescents, young adults, parents, teachers, and other providers:
Understand how problems with the brain or cognitive ability may present at home, school, or in relationships
Understand how a child learns best and how to maximize their strengths to help compensate for areas that may be more difficult
Work with other doctors and the family to develop the best treatment and school plan for a child
Identify and diagnose a variety of different disorders
What are the Fees and Do you take insurance?
The cost of the evaluation varies depending on the referral question and amount of time needed to complete the assessment. Typical neuropsychological evaluations include: clinical interview, several days of face-to-face testing, administration of questionnaires, correspondence with health professionals and schools, scoring, conceptualization, feedback, and preparation of an integrative report. Fees are provided after a free 15 minute phone consultation for your case.
The NeuroGuidance Center, in affiliation with Leah Ellenberg & Associates, is an out-of-network provider with most insurance companies, though we will provide an itemized superbill with services administered and corresponding medical CPT codes to submit to your insurance. This is the same superbill given to school districts that cover Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). For insurance, often clear medical necessity and occasional pre-authorization is needed to assist with coverage. There is no guarantee that insurance companies will approve your claim.
Good Faith Estimate Information - You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the January 2022, health care providers need to give patients paying cash for services an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy and assessment services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. The estimate is based on our understanding of your case as we know it. You can ask our neuropsychologists for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
What should I do to prepare?
Have a good night sleep and a good breakfast. Please bring prior assessments, relevant records, and previous IEPs. No other preparation needed! Let us know if you have any questions. If you wear glasses, make sure to bring them!