Attention, Behavior & Cognition provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological assessment services for school-age children, adolescents and adults.
In general neuropsychological evaluations focus on the assessment of brain-based factors such as memory, attention, concentration, information processing and spatial abilities, while psychological evaluations tend to focus on social, emotional and personality factors. Our testing psychologists will provide additional information and help to determine an individualized evaluation to address presenting questions and concerns. The evaluation process is helpful in answering questions related to what is going on, why it is happening and what can we do about it?
Psychological and neuropsychological evaluation is often helpful to answer referral questions that often include:
- Assessing current behavioral and symptom presentation
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Obtaining diagnostic clarification
- Providing individualized recommendations across settings
Psychological and Neuropsychological Evaluation at ABC:
Our providers specialize in several different types of evaluations that include:
- ADHD (Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity)
- Executive Function Skills (Attention, Planning, Organization, Initiation, etc.)
- Cognitive and Intellectual Abilities
- Learning/Academic Strengths and Weaknesses
- Memory
- Mood & Anxiety
- Behavioral Regulation, Social and/or Emotional Functioning
Appointments:
Assessment sessions are typically scheduled in the morning, usually last between 2 to 5 hours, and may be scheduled on multiple days. The actual duration and number of sessions may vary depending on the individual’s age and ability to tolerate the demands of testing, as well as the specific referral question.
How to Prepare for the Evaluation:
After scheduling your testing appointment, please gather and bring all medical, academic and psychological records to the first meeting. For the testing session, please come well-rested and eat as normal. If applicable, bring or wear your eyeglasses, hearing aids and take your prescribed medication as normal (unless alternative plans were discussed with your evaluator prior to the testing session). Although we offer snacks and drinks, it may be helpful to bring your preferred items. Throughout the testing sessions, you will be provided with the opportunity to take short breaks as needed. Participation in testing requires mental effort and it is common for individuals to feel tired or fatigued upon completion. This should be taken into consideration when scheduling any other appointments or activities before or after testing sessions.
What to Expect with Psychological or Neurological Assessment:
Generally speaking, psychological or neuropsychological evaluation involves:
- An initial interview with the patient and/or family to obtain information and identify factors that may be contributing to the current behavioral and symptom presentation.
- Scheduling of one or more testing session(s) to administer face to face tests, including academic tasks, puzzles, self-report questionnaires and other creative tasks.
- Use of questionnaires or rating scales to be completed by parents, teachers, significant others, etc.
- Collateral interviews with others, such as treatment providers, teachers or caretakers.
- A feedback session to discuss results and individualized recommendations.
How Much Will the Assessment Cost?
Psychological testing involves the administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. It also requires the psychologist to prepare a written report and meet for a feedback session to review the results and provide recommendations. The cost for a full assessment is determined by the total number of hours required by the psychologist to complete the full evaluation process. The actual cost of testing is determined by multiple variables, including the specific measures used to answer the referral question, which will be determined at the initial meeting with an ABC examiner.
If using an out-of-network insurance benefit or paying for the assessment privately, a partial payment or full payment may be required on the day of testing, with the balance due at the feedback session. If we will be billing your insurance, the “patient portion” (copay, coinsurance or an applicable deductible) will be due at the start of your appointments.
Is the Cost Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance companies cover at least part of the costs of psychological testing. However, insurance does not always cover the total costs associated with testing, which may result in the patient being responsible for the remaining balance. Please note that we use a supplemental billing agreement to provide an estimate for this cost prior to the start of the assessment process.
Although we will verify your insurance benefits after the completion of the intake evaluation, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance company to determine your individual benefits before getting started. Below are helpful questions to ask when contacting your insurance provider:
- Is the cost of psychological testing covered?
- Is there a deductible?
- What portion will be reimbursed?
- Is a referral needed from a primary care physician?
- Is pre-authorization required?