Willow Trees Psychological Services
828 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
P: 650-851-8789
F: 650-851-5988
info@willowtrees.org

About Neuropsychological Assessment


• What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
• What kinds of questions can be answered by neuropsychological testing?
• Do you provide psychological testing as well?
• What happens when the testing is complete?
• What if I have to go to court? Will you testify?
• With whom will you share your findings?
• How much will it cost me?
• Do you accept insurance? Will insurance cover this evaluation?

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

Neuropsychological evaluation consists of a clinical interview and a series of standardized tests. This evaluation is designed to answer the questions that you or your physician might have about your ability to think, pay attention, or remember things.

The clinical interview usually takes about an hour, and involves a detailed list of questions designed to outline your symptoms, medical history, personal history, psychiatric issues, and other relevant issues. Then, a series of test are administered, which usually takes around six hours in total, separated into two or three hour sessions. These tests are sometimes pencil-and-paper measures, sometimes involve you moving things with your hands, and sometimes involve simply answering questions. The tests range from very easy to extremely difficult, and none of them involve physical discomfort.

What kinds of questions can be answered by neuropsychological testing?

Neuropsychological testing is designed to clarify questions you may have about your thinking. People often seek neuropsychological testing when they question whether their ability to think has been compromised or is not as good as they would like.

Common diagnoses addressed by neuropsychological testing include:

Do you provide psychological testing as well?

Yes. Sometimes people require psychological testing to clarify or rule out psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, or thought disorders. Psychological testing can be provided as part of a neuropsychological evaluation or on a standalone basis.

What happens when the testing is complete?

After the testing is complete, the tests are scored and evaluated, and a comprehensive report is written. Approximately two weeks from the completion of testing, the report is presented at a complimentary session. The report will contain history, results, discussion, diagnosis and recommendations. When the report has been completely presented, there should be a clear understanding of what strengths and weaknesses exist, the clinical diagnosis, and what the recommended next steps are. This session is mandatory, and is included in the cost of the evaluation.

What if I have to go to court? Will you testify?

If your case involves legal matters, such as those related to divorce, employment-related claims, or other forensic cases, I am willing for you to use my evaluation as you see fit. If I am asked to testify, I will contact you, and we will decide together if it is in your best interests for me to testify. There is a different fee structure for forensic matters, which we can discuss if you wish.

With whom will you share your findings?

It's up to you who sees this report. Your relationship is protected by rules of confidentiality, and unless you sign a release of information, your report and the data within cannot be released (except in special conditions, which will be explained at your initial session).

Once the report is complete, the report is yours, and you can share it with anyone you like, or no one at all. You are welcome to bring anyone you wish with you to our final feedback session.

How much will it cost me?

Typical neuropsychological reports are billed on a project basis. It includes the clinical interview, a complete neuropsychological battery of testing, interviews with people who know you well, if it is clinically indicated and if you authorize it, and a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings. The fee for the full evaluation is $3,000. If you have unique needs and require a less in-depth or more extensive battery, you will be billed on an hourly basis at a rate of $175 per hour.

Do you accept insurance? Will insurance cover this evaluation?

I do not accept insurance plans for payment of neuropsychological testing, and request payment when I present you with the completed report. I will give you a receipt with which you can seek reimbursement from your insurance plan. I encourage you to call your insurance company in advance and ask whether you will be reimbursed for “CPT Code 96118,” which is the insurance code for neuropsychological testing.

If you have further questions, please contact the office by telephone at 650-321-1788 or by email at info@willowtrees.org