Neuropsychological testing is a sub-specialty of psychology and is a field that requires additional training, education, and supervision beyond that of a clinical psychologist.
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is typically sought out to evaluate an individual’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning. Physicians, educators, and treatment teams request evaluations to help confirm diagnosis, establish a baseline of functioning prior to a medical intervention or surgery, track changes over time, and adjust treatment goals or expectations. The evaluation process consists of paper-pencil tasks, computerized tests, and hands-on puzzles. The tests and measures administered are designed to assess the following areas:
Neuropsychological evaluations are especially helpful when difficulties don’t fit neatly into one category, when progress has stalled, or when multiple factors may be interacting—attention, learning, anxiety, sensory needs, or developmental differences. This assessment can clarify diagnostic questions, identify the specific cognitive processes contributing to struggles, and explain how they show up in real life (classwork, homework, behavior, friendships, and independence). It is also valuable for students who are bright but underperforming, those with inconsistent grades, and families seeking documentation to guide school supports such as IEP/504 planning, accommodations, or targeted interventions.
Children, teens, or adults with complex learning/attention concerns, unclear diagnoses, uneven skills, or ongoing academic/emotional challenges despite support.
School evaluations often focus on eligibility for services. Neuropsych testing aims to understand why difficulties occur and provides a deeper brain-based profile and practical recommendations.
Diagnostic clarity when appropriate, a strengths/needs profile, and a detailed plan for interventions, school supports, and next steps.
Testing is individualized to your specific questions and may include measures of attention and executive functioning (planning, inhibition, organization), learning and memory, processing speed, language, visual-spatial skills, fine-motor output, and academic achievement (reading, writing, math). We also consider emotional and behavioral factors that can affect performance, such as anxiety, mood, stress, or sleep. When relevant, we review developmental history, school performance, previous evaluations, and teacher/parent rating scales. This combination helps us connect test results to everyday functioning and generate recommendations that are realistic and usable.
Neuropsychological assessments are typically completed across multiple hours, and in many cases across more than one appointment, so results reflect your child’s true ability—not exhaustion. We aim to schedule testing at times when attention and stamina are strongest, and we build in breaks to keep effort consistent. Many families choose morning appointments or non-school days, depending on age and school demands. The total time varies based on the referral question and how broad the evaluation needs to be, but we’ll outline the expected schedule in advance so you can plan around school, sports, and routines.
Sometimes, yes. When possible, testing is scheduled to minimize disruption, but it’s important to test when the child is fresh and able to focus.
Often, yes. Splitting sessions can improve accuracy by reducing fatigue and supporting consistent performance.
After the intake and record review, we provide a clear plan for testing blocks, breaks, and expected reporting/feedback steps.
After testing is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive written report that clearly explains results in plain language, highlights cognitive and learning strengths, and identifies the factors contributing to current challenges. The report includes specific, individualized recommendations for school supports (IEP/504 considerations, accommodations, and classroom strategies), home routines, and therapeutic or intervention options when appropriate. We also provide a feedback session to review findings, answer questions, and help you prioritize next steps so you leave with a practical, organized plan—not just scores.