Most people expect something cold and clinical. We're built to surpass your expectations.
A long wait, a sterile room, a report that arrives months later with language no one explains. What they find at Riverside is different.
Dr. Megan Baldassarre is one of approximately 30 board-certified neuropsychologists in greater Chicagoland. She combines rigorous clinical science with a patient experience that's intentionally warm, from the office environment to the final report.
Who benefits from a neuropsychological evaluation
Riverside works exclusively with patients ages 13 and older. From adolescents through adulthood, we evaluate any time there are questions about how the brain is functioning, whether concerns have built gradually over time or following a specific event.
Memory loss and aging
Distinguishing normal age-related memory changes from early Alzheimer's or other dementias.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Understanding cognitive effects after head injury, accident, or concussion, and guiding recovery.
Stroke
Assessing cognitive function after a cerebrovascular event to guide recovery and care planning.
ADHD in adolescents and adults
Formal evaluation for adolescents (13+) and adults who've wondered for years but never had clear, objective answers.
Parkinson's disease
Monitoring cognitive changes in the context of a movement disorder, over time and after treatment.
Multiple sclerosis
Evaluating cognitive functions affected by MS, such as attention, processing speed, memory, and executive function.
Epilepsy
Pre-surgical and post-surgical cognitive assessment to understand the impact of seizure activity and treatment.
Brain tumors
Baseline and follow-up evaluation before and after treatment to track cognitive changes and guide care.
Behavioral and personality changes
Differentiating brain-based structural conditions from psychiatric ones when something has changed but the cause isn't clear.
What the evaluation process looks like
A neuropsychological evaluation isn't a single test. It's a structured assessment of "cognitive functions" such as memory, attention, processing speed, executive function, and language. The goal is a complete picture, not a single score.
What to ExpectClinical history
Before the evaluation day, Dr. Baldassarre reviews your medical history, prior records, and the specific concerns that brought you in. Understanding your history shapes how the evaluation is designed.
Evaluation
The evaluation itself can range from 1 to 8 hours depending on the referral question and your needs. Testing involves a range of tasks: some verbal, some written, some hands-on. There are no right or wrong answers.
Analysis
Results are interpreted with scientific rigor while considering individual context.
Results and Feedback
If you have questions about your results, Dr. Baldassarre offers in-person feedback sessions for her patients.
There are neuropsychologists who are excellent scientists
but difficult to talk to.
There are practices that are warm but not rigorous. Dr. Baldassarre built Riverside to be both things at once and the credentials back it up.
Board-certified neuropsychologist
One of approximately 30 board-certified neuropsychologists in greater Chicagoland. Board certification means the clinical standards governing your evaluation are among the highest in the field.
Trained at Dartmouth
Doctoral training and postdoctoral fellowship at Dartmouth, with additional experience at the Advocate Memory Center and in neurology private practice.
Available within 2–3 weeks
Most patients wait 7–8 months to be seen at a hospital-based neuropsychology program. At Riverside, the standard is different.
AACN member
Active membership in the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, the field's primary professional and ethics body.
PSYPACT credentials
PSYPACT credentialed and willing to travel for forensic neuropsychological services across 42 states. All clinical evaluations are conducted in-person at the River Forest office.
In-network insurance
Accepts major insurance payors. See the insurance and fees page.
Ready for answers?
Schedule your evaluation today.
You don't have to wait seven months to find out what's going on. At Riverside Psychology, most patients are seen within 2–3 weeks, with online scheduling available any time.
Questions first? Use the contact form we're glad to help you figure out whether an evaluation is the right next step.
Common questions about neuropsychological evaluations
If something about the process is still unclear, the contact form is always open. We're glad to help you figure out whether an evaluation is the right next step.
Ask us directlyA neuropsychological evaluation is directed and interpreted by a licensed neuropsychologist, a doctoral-level psychologist with specialized training in brain-behavior relationships. At Riverside, Dr. Baldassarre works with a trained psychometrist who administers many of the standardized tests under her direct supervision. Not all psychologists have this training; board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is the highest standard of demonstrated competency.
The evaluation produces a detailed report describing your cognitive strengths and weaknesses across domains like memory, attention, processing speed, language, and executive function. Results are interpreted in the context of your age, education, and medical history and compared against standardized norms. The feedback session translates those findings into plain language and actionable next steps.
Evaluations typically range from 1 to 8 hours, sometimes split across more than one appointment depending on the referral question and your stamina. Shorter evaluations (around an hour) are more common for older adults, while more comprehensive assessments run longer. Dr. Baldassarre will give you a clearer time estimate once she's reviewed your specific concerns.
Many major insurance plans cover neuropsychological evaluations when medically necessary. Riverside Psychology is in-network with several major payors. Prior authorization may be required depending on your plan. See the insurance and fees page for more detail.
A neurologist focuses on diagnosing and treating brain-based structural conditions using imaging, physical examination, and medical history. A neuropsychologist assesses how those conditions are affecting how your brain actually functions day to day: memory, attention, reasoning, processing speed. The two disciplines complement each other. Many patients are referred by their neurologist.
In most cases, no. Patients can self-refer for a neuropsychological evaluation. A referral from your physician or psychiatrist is not required to schedule. That said, some insurance plans use a referral as part of prior authorization or as documentation of medical necessity, so it can be helpful for coverage purposes. If you're unsure, check with your insurer or contact us and we'll help clarify.