It's normal to feel nervous before an appointment like this. Most people don't know what a neuropsychological evaluation actually involves. This page walks you through everything so you arrive knowing exactly what to expect.
Four steps, start to finish
Step 1
Intake and history
Before your visit, you'll complete a brief history covering your background, current concerns, and relevant medical information.
Step 2
The evaluation
A structured set of tasks across different cognitive domains. Some verbal, some written, some hands-on. No preparation needed, no right or wrong answers.
Step 3
Analysis
Dr. Baldassarre scores and analyzes your performance against age- and education-adjusted norms, integrating your history and the full clinical picture.
Step 4
Feedback session (optional)
Results are sent to your referring provider. An optional feedback session with Dr. Baldassarre is available for those who want to discuss findings directly.
Before Your Visit
When you schedule with Riverside, you'll complete intake paperwork ahead of your appointment. This includes a brief medical and personal history so Dr. Baldassarre can review your background before you arrive.
If you have questions before your visit, you can reach us by phone or through the contact form. We're happy to answer anything ahead of time.
What to bring
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A list of your current medications
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Any prior neurological, psychiatric, or psychological records, if available
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A list of your current concerns or questions. Nothing is too small to mention.
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A family member or close friend is welcome, particularly if they've observed changes you haven't noticed yourself
The Evaluation Day
For older adults, evaluations typically take approximately two hours to complete. Adolescents and adults are generally with us for 3 to 4 hours. If a learning disorder evaluation is needed, we typically split the evaluation over two days (3 to 4 hours per day) to promote wellbeing and comfort.
The evaluation involves a range of tasks across different cognitive domains: some verbal, some written, some hands-on. None of them require prior knowledge or preparation. There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to see how your brain naturally functions across different areas.
When you arrive at the office at 7627 Lake Street, Suite 222 in River Forest, you'll find a space that doesn't feel like a clinic. There's natural light, warm furnishings, and a coffee bar in the waiting area. We designed the space intentionally, because we know that walking in the door is already an act of courage.
After Your Evaluation
The analysis and feedback session are where the work becomes understanding.
Scoring and analysis
Dr. Baldassarre analyzes the full battery of findings, comparing your performance against age- and education-adjusted norms and integrating everything she observed during your evaluation.
The written report
A detailed written report uses plain language alongside clinical findings. Results are faxed to your referring provider first, and a copy is provided to you. The report belongs to you and can be shared with any provider involved in your care.
The feedback session (optional)
Results are faxed to your referring provider first. From there, your referring doctor is your first call. They'll review the report with you and coordinate any next steps. If you still have questions after that appointment, you can optionally schedule a feedback session directly with Dr. Baldassarre to go deeper into the findings.
Questions people are afraid to ask
These are the questions patients have but rarely say out loud. We'd rather answer them here.
Honestly, most patients tell us it was much less intimidating than they expected. The tasks are designed to assess how your brain works, not to trick you. Dr. Baldassarre and her clinical team explain each section as you go, and the pace is entirely yours.
There are no good or bad grades in neuropsychological testing. Certain activities may feel more challenging or enjoyable than others, but each one tells Dr. Baldassarre something meaningful about what's going on in your brain.
We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal health information. Testing results are released only with signed authorization. A Release of Information (ROI) form must be completed and submitted to authorize the release of records.
Results are sent to your referring provider first, and a copy is provided to you. Your referring doctor will review the report with you and coordinate any next steps. If you still have questions after that appointment, you can optionally schedule a feedback session directly with Dr. Baldassarre to go deeper into the findings and discuss what comes next.
No. Patients can self-refer directly to Riverside Psychology. A physician referral is not required to schedule an evaluation.
However, some insurance plans may require prior authorization before approving coverage. Please check with your insurance company if you have questions about referrals or authorization.
