What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A straightforward, clinician-written guide to what the evaluation measures, who benefits, and how the process works—so you can decide if it’s the right next step.

Overview

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive, standardized assessment of how your brain is functioning day to day. It examines thinking and memory, attention and processing speed, language, visuospatial abilities, executive functions (planning, organization, self‑monitoring), learning, mood, and behavior.

Why it’s useful: results clarify diagnoses, document strengths and weaknesses, and drive targeted recommendations for treatment and school/work supports.

At a glance

  • Purpose: diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, accommodations
  • Performed by: a clinical neuropsychologist
  • Format: interview + standardized testing + feedback
  • Deliverable: a written report with practical, prioritized recommendations

Who Benefits

Adults and adolescents may be referred:

  • after concussion or TBI
  • for changes in memory, attention, or problem‑solving
  • for suspected ADHD, autism spectrum, or learning disorders
  • with neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke)
  • when questions arise about capacity, driving, independent living, or return to work/school

Unsure if testing fits your situation? Send us a brief note via our Contact Page or email connect@heimbergnp.com. We’ll let you know if an evaluation is appropriate and what to expect next.

Process & Timeline

  1. Clinical Interview (1–2 hours): history, current concerns, and goals.
  2. Standardized Testing (typically 4–6 hours in our practice): paper‑and‑pencil and computer‑based tasks administered by a trained technician under direct supervision of Dr. Heimberg.
  3. Scoring, Interpretation, & Report: integration of test data with records and history to answer the referral questions.
  4. Feedback Session (~1 hour): clear explanation of results, diagnoses (if applicable), and practical recommendations you can act on.

We also offer follow‑up to help you implement recommendations at work, school, and home.

Insurance, Fees & Good Faith Estimates

Coverage depends on your plan and referral question. Our practice is in‑network with Aetna, Optum, and United, and accepts Cigna for neuropsychological evaluations. For out‑of‑network plans, we provide a Superbill to support reimbursement. Before scheduling, we help verify benefits and provide a Good Faith Estimate.

How to Prepare

Do

  • Sleep well; eat beforehand
  • Take prescribed medications as usual unless told otherwise
  • Bring glasses/hearing aids and relevant records (prior testing, IEPs, imaging)
  • Plan a light day afterward—testing can be fatiguing

Don’t

  • Start new stimulants or sedating agents without medical guidance
  • “Cram” for tests—our goal is an accurate snapshot of your current functioning

How We Ensure Accuracy

We use validated, standardized measures and include built‑in checks of response consistency and effort so interpretations are clinically trustworthy. Your results are compared to appropriate demographic norms and integrated with history and records.

FAQs

Is this the same as a quick cognitive screen?
No. Brief screens only flag whether fuller evaluation is needed. A neuropsychological evaluation examines multiple cognitive domains in depth.

Is there any risk?
No physical risk. Some people feel mentally tired afterward; that’s normal.

Can parts be done by telehealth?
Interviews and feedback are often available by secure telehealth when appropriate. Many standardized tests still require in‑person administration to maintain validity.

When will I get results?
After testing, we carefully score and interpret your data and then meet for feedback. Timelines vary by case complexity; we’ll give you a realistic window at scheduling.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

The best way to book is through our website:

Locations

California
5000 Parkway Calabasas Ste 218
Calabasas, CA 91302

New York
125 Park Avenue, 25th Floor
New York, NY 10017

About the Clinician

Brandon F. Heimberg, PsyD — Clinical Neuropsychologist | Licensed Psychologist (CA PSY33820 • NY #0262737). UCLA‑trained; Medical Staff, Motion Picture & Television Fund.
Adults & adolescents (16+). Last updated September 4, 2025.