Most people arrive at a neuropsychologist's office with a lot of questions they never thought to ask out loud. What exactly will happen? Is this covered by insurance? Do I actually need this? We'd rather you have the answers before you walk in the door.
No jargon. No hedging. Just straight answers.
What neuropsychology is
A neuropsychological evaluation is a structured, in-depth assessment of how your brain is functioning. It examines cognitive abilities like memory, attention, processing speed, language, and executive function through a series of standardized tests. It's not a brain scan or a medical procedure. It's a comprehensive picture of how your brain works day-to-day, compared to people your age and background. The output is a detailed written report with findings and specific recommendations.
Anyone who wants a clear, documented understanding of how their brain is working. People commonly seek evaluations when they're noticing memory difficulties, struggling with attention or focus, have concerns about learning disorders, need documentation for workplace or academic accommodations, are experiencing changes after a head injury or medical event, or want answers they haven't been able to get elsewhere. There's no single profile. Evaluations are useful at many life stages and for many reasons.
A neuropsychologist is a doctoral-level psychologist with specialized training in brain-behavior relationships. They hold a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and, if board-certified, have completed additional fellowship training and passed rigorous specialty board exams through the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN) or similar credentialing bodies. Neuropsychologists do not prescribe medication and do not perform surgery or medical procedures. What they do is evaluate, interpret, explain, and recommend, which is often exactly what patients need most.
ADHD, diagnosis, and medication
Yes. A neuropsychological evaluation is one of the most thorough approaches to diagnosing ADHD because it goes beyond a checklist or a clinical interview. It measures actual cognitive functioning (attention, working memory, processing speed, executive function) and compares those findings to the full clinical picture, including ruling out other conditions that can look like ADHD. The result is a well-supported, documented diagnosis that carries weight with employers, schools, and prescribers.
No. Neuropsychologists are psychologists, not physicians, and do not hold prescribing authority. What a neuropsychological evaluation provides is the diagnostic clarity that makes medication decisions, when appropriate, more informed. If medication is indicated, the evaluation report can be shared with your prescribing physician or psychiatrist to support their clinical decision-making. Many patients find that a clear evaluation report is the missing piece that helps their treatment team move forward confidently.
When you want answers that standard evaluations haven't provided. Common inflection points include noticing meaningful changes in memory or thinking, difficulty functioning at work or school that doesn't make sense given your capabilities, needing formal documentation for accommodations, recovering from a concussion or medical event affecting cognition, or experiencing long-standing struggles you've never been able to fully explain. If something about how your brain works is getting in your way and you want to understand it clearly, that's the right time.
What the evaluation actually involves
The testing portion of a neuropsychological evaluation typically takes between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the referral questions and what areas need to be assessed. This is often completed across one or two appointments. You'll also have a separate feedback appointment to review findings and discuss recommendations in depth. The written report is typically delivered within a few weeks of testing. [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: specific timing details]
The most important thing is to arrive rested and, if possible, having eaten. Avoid alcohol the night before. If you take medications, continue taking them as usual unless instructed otherwise. Items that are helpful to bring: Photo ID and insurance card; any prior testing or evaluation reports; a list of current medications; your glasses or hearing aids if you use them; a snack or water, as testing sessions can be long.
After testing is complete, you'll receive a written report and a dedicated feedback appointment where Dr. Baldassarre walks through the findings with you in detail. The report is yours. You decide who receives a copy. Patients commonly share it with their primary care physician, psychiatrist, therapist, employer HR department, school or graduate program, or disability accommodation office. The report includes specific recommendations so that the findings translate into something actionable.
Insurance, access, and Riverside
Many major insurance plans do cover neuropsychological evaluations, and Riverside Psychology is in-network with several carriers. Coverage varies by plan and may require prior authorization. We recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card to ask about your specific benefits before scheduling. Our team can also help answer insurance questions when you contact us. See our Insurance & Fees page for more detail.
Riverside Psychology is an independent, board-certified practice. In a hospital or large institutional setting, neuropsychological testing is often performed by supervised trainees rather than credentialed neuropsychologists. At Riverside, Dr. Baldassarre personally conducts and interprets every evaluation. Appointments are not rushed. You're not a chart number; you're a person trying to understand something important about yourself, and that's how every evaluation is approached.
Yes. Riverside Psychology accepts referrals for forensic neuropsychological evaluations including independent medical examinations (IMEs), expert witness services, and litigation support. Forensic evaluations are billed separately from clinical evaluations and are invoiced directly to the referring law firm or insurance carrier. Dr. Baldassarre is licensed to practice across 42 states through PSYPACT and the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. See the Forensic Neuropsychology page for details.
