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Neuropsychological testing

Testing shows how your brain is working: memory, attention, language, problem solving. You spend time with one of our neuropsychologists. Then you get a clear written report and a meeting to walk through it.

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Is this for you?

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  • Your memory or focus has changed and you want to know why.
  • You had a concussion, a stroke or another brain injury.
  • A doctor suggested testing and you are not sure what that means.
  • You wonder about ADHD, autism or a learning difference, for you or your child.
  • You need clear answers for a doctor, a school or a workplace.

What happens

Testing is done in person at one of our six offices.

  1. A first conversation

    You meet with a clinician to talk through your concerns, your history, and what you want to find out.

  2. Testing, in person

    You do a set of activities: puzzles, questions, memory and attention tasks. Paper, pencil, a computer, spoken answers. No needles, and breaks when you need them.

  3. Results you can use

    Your clinician meets with you to explain what they found in plain words. You get a written report you can share with doctors, schools or other providers.

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Cost and insurance

Coverage for testing varies by plan. We are in network with over 25 commercial insurance plans, and with Medi-Cal and Medicare. Call us with your insurance card handy and our team will check your coverage.

Insurance and cost

Who you will see

A few of the clinicians who do this work. Our front office matches you with a clinician who fits, who may be someone not shown here.

Dr. Julia Evans, PhDNeuropsychological evaluation and therapy, with a focus on adults and older adults.Read bio
Dr. Vanessa Zizak, PhD ABPP-CNBoard certified clinical neuropsychologist. Works with adults.Read bio
Dr. Michael Cao, PsyDPediatric neuropsychologist. Evaluations for children, teens and young adults.Read bio
Meet the whole team

Questions

What is neuropsychological testing?
It is a structured way to measure how the brain is working: attention, memory, language, problem solving and processing speed. Instead of one test, a neuropsychologist looks at the pattern across many tasks. The results explain why something has been hard and what helps.
What is involved in a neuropsychological evaluation?
A first conversation about your concerns and history, one or more testing sessions, careful scoring and review, a feedback meeting, and a written report. The tests are chosen for your questions, so no two evaluations are exactly alike.
How long does testing take?
It depends on the questions being asked. Testing is often spread over one or more sessions, with breaks. Our front office will tell you what to plan for when you schedule.
What are some of the reasons to get a neuropsychological evaluation?
Memory changes, trouble with attention or planning, a concussion, stroke or other brain injury, questions about dementia, ADHD, autism or a learning disability, and changes in thinking tied to a medical or psychiatric condition.
How can a cognitive disorder impact your life?
Trouble with memory, attention or problem solving can affect work, school, driving, money, relationships and mood.
If I think I have a cognitive disorder, who should I see?
A neuropsychologist. They are psychologists with advanced training in how the brain affects thinking and behavior. They can tell similar looking conditions apart and work with your other doctors.
What are the most effective treatments for cognitive disorders?
It depends on the cause. Your report includes recommendations made for you. That may mean therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, school or work accommodations, lifestyle changes, or a follow up with your physician.
Can testing be done by video?
No. Testing is in person at one of our six offices. Therapy can be by video. See Telehealth.

Related reading

From our Learn libraryWhat Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation, and Who Needs One?From our Learn libraryHow Much Does Neuropsychological Testing Cost, and Does Insurance Cover It?From our Learn libraryWhen to See a Neuropsychologist About Memory Concerns
See everything in Learn

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