Neuropsychological Evaluation for Adults in California

You read the same paragraph three times and still can't hold onto it. Names slip. A task that used to take an hour now takes most of the afternoon. You're not imagining it, and you want to understand what's actually going on. A neuropsychological evaluation for adults in California can help bring clarity to changes in memory, attention, and thinking.

What a neuropsychological evaluation is

A neuropsychological evaluation looks closely at how your brain handles everyday thinking tasks. It measures specific abilities through structured activities and questionnaires, not guesswork.

Depending on your concerns, the evaluation may look at attention, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, learning, and reasoning. These are the building blocks behind focus, planning, and recall.

This is different from general psychological evaluation services, which focus more on mood, personality, and emotional functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation centers on cognition, the mental processes behind how you learn and think.

Who it may be for

Adults consider this evaluation for different reasons. You might notice memory or thinking changes that seem new or worsening. You might be struggling to keep up at work or in school and want to understand why.

Some adults have questions about attention or executive functioning. Others have had a head injury, a medical condition, or a health event and want a clearer picture of how it affects their thinking.

Not every focus or memory concern calls for this kind of testing. It is one option to consider when you want deeper diagnostic clarity about how your brain is functioning.

When attention and focus are the central concern, ADHD evaluations for adults and teens may be a more targeted starting point.

  • Common reasons people reach out

    Maybe a doctor suggested testing after a concussion or an illness affecting your memory. Maybe the forgetfulness started small and has grown enough to worry you. Maybe work feels harder than it should, and you want to know if something measurable is behind it. Chronic pain, gastrointestinal conditions, and the stress of a long health journey can all affect thinking. Many adults experience cognitive changes due to medical conditions or brain injuries; accessing my specialized training can help clarify these concerns.

  • What an evaluation can and cannot tell you

    A neuropsychological evaluation helps inform treatment, support, and planning by identifying cognitive patterns and clarifying your strengths and challenges.

    It cannot always point to a single definitive cause of your difficulties. Testing adds valuable information, but it works alongside your history, your medical records, and your own experience. The goal is diagnostic clarification, not a guaranteed label.

  • Where evaluations take place

    Neuropsychological testing involves in-person components, so part of the evaluation is completed face to face. Some steps, like the initial consultation, may be handled remotely.

    This service may be available to adults who live anywhere in the United States, as long as you are physically located in California when the evaluation is completed. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and credentialed Health Service Psychologist (HSP) in California.

  • What this can offer you

    Clear information about how your brain is working, in writing you can actually use. A better understanding of your strengths and your challenges. A starting point for treatment, planning, or conversations with your care team.

    For patients preparing for a medical procedure, I also provide pre-surgical psychological evaluations in California as a separate service.

What to expect

The process begins with a complimentary 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. If we move forward, we start with an intake interview where I spend time getting to know you and what brought you in.

From there, testing takes place over one to two sessions, depending on the areas we are assessing. You'll work through structured tasks and questionnaires at a steady, manageable pace. If relevant, I may review records that give helpful background.

Once testing is complete, we meet for a feedback session to walk through the results together in plain language. I prepare a written report that explains the findings and any recommendations. When you request it, I can send the report directly to your physician or referring provider.

Many adults feel more at ease once they understand what happens during a psychological evaluation before their first appointment.

 FAQs

 

  • Neuropsychological testing involves structured activities where you answer questions and complete tasks related to memory and attention. You'll answer questions, complete memory and problem-solving tasks, and work through exercises that measure attention and processing speed. The pace is steady, breaks are available, and most adults find it more approachable than they expected.

  • Neuropsychological evaluations generally range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the scope and the questions we are trying to answer. I am not currently in network with insurance, though I can provide documentation so you can seek out-of-network reimbursement. Sliding scale options are available, and we can discuss cost during your consultation.

  • Results are shared in two parts, starting with a feedback session after testing is complete. A full written report typically follows within about two weeks. During the feedback session, we review the findings together so you leave with a clear understanding before the report arrives.

  • No, a referral is not required to begin. Some adults come on their own after noticing changes, while others are encouraged by a doctor. You can reach out directly to schedule a consultation and talk through whether this evaluation fits your concerns.

Get started today.

Choosing to look closely at your thinking takes courage, and you do not have to sort it out alone. A short consultation is a low-pressure way to ask questions and see if this feels right. Reach out when you're ready, and we'll figure out the next step together.

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