FAQs & Important Information

Many people come into this process with similar questions — about how evaluations work, what testing looks like, what paperwork is required, and how payments are handled. This page brings together clear, straightforward information to help you feel prepared, informed, and supported every step of the way.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT EVALUATIONS

This section covers the basics: what neuropsychological and ADHD evaluations are, who they’re for, and how they can help. If you’re just beginning to explore whether an evaluation is right for you or a loved one, start here.

  • A neuropsychological evaluation is a cognitive assessment that examines how your brain is functioning in everyday life. It looks closely at thinking skills such as memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and overall intellectual abilities, and also considers how mood, stress, or medical factors may influence these abilities. The goal is to understand your unique pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses and how they show up in day-to-day functioning.

  • You might consider an evaluation if you notice changes in memory, attention, learning, behavior, mood, or daily functioning. Many families seek clarity about aging-related changes, concerns about dementia, ADHD symptoms, or academic challenges.
    If you’re unsure, schedule a free Discovery Call to discuss which type of evaluation fits your needs.

  • The Diagnostic ADHD Evaluation is entirely telehealth-based and focuses on determining whether your symptoms meet criteria for ADHD using validated tools and thorough clinical interviewing.

    The Targeted ADHD Evaluation is a deeper, more comprehensive assessment that includes cognitive testing. Rather than simply confirming a diagnosis, this evaluation helps you understand how your specific symptoms show up in day-to-day lifeIt provides a detailed picture of your unique cognitive profile so recommendations can be practical, personalized, and truly aligned with what you’re experiencing. This assessment requires at least one day of in-person testing.

  • I offer psychological and diagnostic ADHD evaluations fully via telehealth for clients across California, Connecticut, and New York. These remote evaluations follow the same structured, evidence-based process as in-person testing and offer flexibility, privacy, and accessibility.

    Neuropsychological Evaluations, Elder Evaluations, and Targeted ADHD Evaluations require at least one in-person testing visit, but Intake and Feedback sessions can be completed remotely.

  • In California, I see clients in my home office in Santa Monica and in select professional offices throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

    In New York, I have access to professional testing spaces in NYC, the boroughs, Westchester, and Long Island.

    In Connecticut, I see clients in Stamford, Greenwich, Trumbull, and areas in between.

Understanding the Evaluation Process

Here you’ll find an overview of how the evaluation unfolds—from the first discovery call to the testing day and the final feedback session. This section helps you know exactly what to expect at each stage.

What to Expect at Each Step of the Evaluation:

  • This complementary brief call is required for all clients and helps ensure we are the right fit for one another. It also allows me to understand your concerns and determine whether an evaluation will meet your needs.

    It also allows time for me to walk you through what to expect from the next step, which includes required paperwork. Time commitment // Free 15-minute call

  • This is the initial session for ALL of our evaluations. During this in-depth conversation, we take time to understand what brought you here, exploring current challenges as well as relevant, and often very detailed, aspects of your history. 

    At the end of this session, we will have a clearer path forward and be able to answer for you what type of evaluation would best suit your needs or whether an evaluation is even recommended. Time commitment for intake// 60-90 minutes

    “CONSULTATION-ONLY” OPTION

    While this session is the first step in all evaluations, it can also be meaningful on its own. If you’re unsure whether a full assessment is the right next step or you’re just beginning to explore your concerns, this consultation provides space to reflect, ask questions, and gather insight.

    Many people find it grounding to talk through their worries with a knowledgeable and compassionate professional and to leave with a clearer sense of direction, whether or not they choose to move forward with further testing. Contact us to discuss this option.

  • THE TESTING SESSION
    This testing session for all psychological evaluations, including psychodiagnostic ADHD assessments, consists of a comprehensive interview, using standardized assessment measures, including structured or semi-structured interviews.

    Please note that for some evaluations, particularly those assessing for neurodevelopment disorders, such as ADHD or autism, a collateral informant may be needed to provide developmental history. In some cases, a diagnosis isn’t possible without this information.

    Time commitment for testing session// 1.5 - 3 hours
    Evaluations exceeding the 3 hour testing block will accrue additional fees

    WHAT IT IS NOT

    • It is not a neuropsychological evaluation and does not include any cognitive or IQ testing.

    • It is not a psychoeducational evaluation and does not include academic testing. As such, it is not sufficient for assessments needed for school-based services or standardized testing accommodations.

    TESTING SITE
    Offered as fully remotely/online or with some in-person sessions.

    THE CLIENT
    Available to older adolescents and adults

  • THE TESTING SESSION
    This in-person session includes standardized paper & pencil, computerized and virtual reality tests designed to measure attention, executive functioning, intellectual functioning, and processing speed. The diagnostic portion of this evaluation described above is typically completed on a different day.
    Time commitment for this testing session // typically 3 - 4 hours

    WHAT IT IS NOT

    • It is not a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and does not include testing of memory, language or visuospatial skills.

    • It is not a psychoeducational evaluation and does not include academic testing. As such, it may not be sufficient for assessments needed for school-based services or standardized testing accommodations.

    TESTING SITE
    The intake and feedback are conducted online.
    The testing session must be done in-person

    THE CLIENT
    Available to older adolescents and adults

  • FULL NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
    This in-person session consists of paper-and-pencil or computerized tasks to assess thinking skills, such as attention, memory, language, and higher order processing, among others.
    Time commitment for testing session(s)// typically 3 - 6 hours

    ELDER NEUROCOGNITIVE EVALUATION‍ ‍
    This is a shorter, more targeted neuropsychological evaluation for individuals aged 65 and older with concerns about memory or other cognitive changes. It also consists of paper-and-pencil and computerized tasks to assess thinking skills, such as attention, memory, language, and higher order processing but generally does not require a full intellectual assessment and other, longer measures. Time commitment // typically 1.5 - 3 hours

    WHAT IT IS NOT

    • While it might be used to clarify how weaknesses in attention or executive functioning impact performance, it is not a diagnostic evaluation and will not provide a first time diagnosis or ADHD or autism (additional psychodiagnostic testing would be required).

    • It is not a psychoeducational evaluation and does not include academic testing. As such, it may not be sufficient for assessments needed for school-based services or standardized testing accommodations.

    TESTING SITE
    The intake and feedback are conducted online.
    The testing session must be done in-person

    THE CLIENT
    Available to adolescents, adults and older adults

  • PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL / NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
    These in-person sessions include both neuropsychological measures (paper-and-pencil and computerized tasks assessing attention, memory, language, intellectual abilities, and higher-order reasoning) and academic tests of reading, writing, and math.

    Testing may be conducted under both standard and modified conditions, including extended time, to determine the types of accommodations that may be appropriate.

    When seeking testing accommodations, documentation must show both a diagnosis and a functional limitation. If there is no existing diagnosis and criteria for a learning disability are not met, additional psychodiagnostic testing may be needed to determine whether another condition, such as ADHD, autism, or a mood disorder, is present and impacting learning.
    Time commitment for testing session(s) // typically 4 - 8 hours

    WHAT IT IS NOT

    • While this testing might be used to clarify how weaknesses in attention or executive functioning impact performance, it is not a diagnostic evaluation and will not provide a first time diagnosis or ADHD or autism (additional psychodiagnostic testing would be required).

    TESTING SITE
    The intake and feedback are conducted online.
    The testing sessions must be done in-person
    This type of testing typically requires either two separate testing dates or one full day of assessment with a lunch break.

    THE CLIENT
    Available to adolescents & adults (limited availability for these assessments)

  • This is scheduled after all testing is completed but before the final draft of the report. We use this session to review evaluation results, talk about how we determined the diagnoses (or why a diagnosis was not indicated), review recommendations, and make sure all of your questions are answered.
    Time commitment // 60- 90 minutes

READY TO SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL?

Fees, Billing and Insurance

This section explains the fee structure, why evaluations are self-pay, and what you can expect financially throughout the process.

  • We are not on any insurance panels and we do not bill any insurance companies directly.

  • Many people are surprised to learn how much influence insurance companies have over psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. To approve and pay for services, they typically require a formal diagnosis, proof that testing is “medically necessary,” and access to parts of your record. That information can become part of your permanent medical file and may be viewed by other insurers or entities involved in health-related operations.

    To be fully transparent, insurance-based work also requires a significant amount of administrative time—pre-authorizations, benefits verification, ongoing documentation, denials, appeals, and even occasional “claw-backs.” All of that time and energy is time taken away from what matters most: providing thoughtful care, being present throughout your evaluation process, and building relationships with trusted professionals who can support you long after our sessions end.

    By remaining self-pay, I’m able to protect your privacy, keep your information fully within your control, and devote my time to you, not to insurance requirements. This allows me to provide an evaluation that is genuinely tailored to your needs, not limited by a plan’s rules or constraints.

  • 1. More privacy + control over your information

    • When you use insurance, companies typically require your diagnosis, treatment details, and sometimes notes to approve and pay for care. That information becomes part of your permanent medical record and may be seen by other insurers (health, life, disability) or entities involved in “payment and health care operations.”

    • Paying out of pocket allows you to control who has access to your information and for what purposes.

    2. No forced or “justified” diagnoses

    • To pay a claim, insurance almost always requires a formal DSM diagnosis and proof that treatment or testing is “medically necessary.” That means people seeking clarity, self-understanding, performance optimization, planning around aging, or educational/occupational support may be pushed into a diagnosis they don’t fully meet, or don’t want attached to their permanent record, just so services will be covered.

    • With self-pay, we can focus on function and recommendations instead of forcing everything into a reimbursable label.

    3. More time, depth, and flexibility in the evaluation

    • Insurance-based care often comes with limits—caps on session time or number of visits, strict definitions of “medical necessity,” prior authorizations, and pressure to use only brief assessments. These administrative requirements can take significant time away from what truly matters: providing thoughtful clinical care and selecting the most appropriate tests for your needs.

    • A private-pay model offers the flexibility to tailor the entire process to you rather than to an insurance plan. It allows me to choose the tests that best answer your referral questions, spend the time needed to understand you as a whole person, and carefully research follow-up resources and tailored recommendations. This creates a more comprehensive, meaningful evaluation that supports your long-term well-being.

    4. An Investment in Yourself and Your Future

    • Self-pay evaluations offer the opportunity to understand your cognitive and emotional functioning in a deeper, more meaningful way, whether you’re navigating attention or learning concerns, making academic or career decisions, noticing changes with aging, or planning ahead for safety and independence. Without insurance restrictions, we can take the time needed to explore your history, strengths, and day-to-day challenges in a thoughtful, individualized way.

      This model also allows us to build a genuine, ongoing relationship. Because I see fewer clients than an insurance-based practice, I have the space to truly get to know you and provide continuity, whether that includes follow-up coaching, consultation, or future evaluations. The result is guidance and support that grows with you over time and aligns with your long-term goals and well-being.

  • The fees for our evaluations vary depending on the type of assessment and the complexity of the concerns being addressed. We are happy to discuss fees during a free 15-minute discovery call and will provide a detailed Good Faith Estimate after the initial 1-hour consultation.

    To give you a general sense of pricing, approximate fees are as follows:

    • Psychodiagnostic Evaluation: $2,500

    • Diagnostic ADHD Evaluation (no cognitive testing): $2,500

    • Targeted ADHD Evaluation (with targeted cognitive testing): $5,000

    • Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation: $6,500

    • Elder Dementia Evaluation: $3,500

    • Psychoeducational + Neuropsychological Evaluation: $8,000

  • FEE STRUCTURE OPTIONS

    SINGLE INSTALLMENT
    If the type of evaluation and associated fee are known at the outset, the full payment can be made prior to the Intake/Full Consultation.

    TWO OR THREE INSTALLMENTS
    If the type of evaluation has not yet been determined, the Intake/Consultation fee is paid prior to that session, and the remaining balance can be paid

    • In full, prior before the first testing appointment

    • In two payments with the first due before the first testing session and the final payment due before the feedback session.

    A credit card must be kept on file for all testing appointments.

    In line with our cancellation policy, all appointments are charged to the card on file two business days before the scheduled session.

Before Your Appointment: Policies & Preparation

This section outlines the practical details you need to know: what forms to complete, how to prepare, what to expect on testing day, and the policies that protect the time and care devoted to your assessment.

  • The first step is a brief, no-pressure Discovery Call to help determine what type of evaluation is right for you. From there, we schedule your intake and begin gathering the information needed to make the process smooth and clear.

  • BEFORE YOUR FULL INTAKE, you will receive the following documents electronically:

    • Informed Consent Forms

    • Financial Agreement & Credit Card Authorizations

    • HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

    • WE Neuropsychology Practice Policies

    • Release of Information, when needed

    Both the completed paperwork and the initial payment must be received before the Intake/Full Consultation can be scheduled.

    FOLLOWING THE INTAKE / FULL CONSULTATION
    If, after the Intake, you decide to proceed with the evaluation, you will receive additional documentation that must be completed before the testing session begins. This includes:

    • Questionnaires

    • Rating forms

    • Requests for school, medical, or psychiatric records

    • Release of Information forms, if not already completed.

    All forms and agreed upon fees must be completed before the testing session; incomplete paperwork may require the session to be rescheduled, which may result in additional fees.

  • For testing days, a few simple steps can help you feel comfortable and prepared:

    • Get a good night’s rest

    • Take your medications as usual (see ADHD medication note below)

    • Bring your glasses or hearing aids, if applicable

    • Bring any medications you may need if we are scheduled for a longer block of time

    • Come as you are — no special preparation needed

    Please let me know if you use medical marijuana or any other substances that may influence cognitive functioning so we can plan testing appropriately.

    If you take medication for attention symptoms, we can discuss the type of evaluation you are completing. For evaluations involving cognitive testing, some clients need to understand how symptoms present off medication, and in those cases, we will make a plan together so everything is scheduled safely and thoughtfully.

  • All evaluations begin with a 60–90 minute Intake where we talk through your history, current concerns, and what you’re hoping to understand.

    Depending on the type of evaluation, testing may take place via telehealth or in person and is usually scheduled in 1½–4 hour blocks. During these sessions, you’ll complete a mix of structured tasks, questionnaires, and cognitive activities tailored to your specific referral question.

    After testing is complete, we schedule a 60–90 minute feedback session where I walk you through the results in a clear, meaningful way, answer any questions, and review next steps. You will then receive a comprehensive written report that summarizes findings and provides tailored recommendations.


    Behind the scenes, I also review medical/academic records, gather collateral information, score tests, and prepare a detailed, tailored report—so you know your time and involvement clearly.

  • STEP 1: DISCOVERY CALL
    All clients begin with a free discovery call. This brief conversation helps us determine whether we are a good fit and provides space to review expectations, fees, and next steps, including required paperwork.

    STEP 2: INTAKE / FULL CONSULTATION
    In this session, I meet with you and any collateral informants, when appropriate to understand your concerns, clarify the referral question, and review your history in depth. This is often done via video but can be scheduled in person on a case-by-case basis. By the end of this appointment, we will discuss what type of evaluation may be most helpful or whether an evaluation is needed at all.

    STEP 3: TESTING
    Testing typically takes place over one or two sessions as discussed in the Intake session. If additional sessions are required, additional fees may apply. See specifics based on evaluation type below.

    STEP 4: FEEDBACK
    In this session, we review the evaluation results, diagnostic impressions, and individualized recommendations. Please note that, regardless of agreed-upon fee schedule, the final payment must be paid in full prior to the feedback session. If payment is not received, the appointment will be cancelled and rescheduled once payment is complete.

    STEP 5: REPORT
    A full report will be provided after the feedback session through the electronic medical record portal or through HIPAA-compliant email, depending on your preference. With a signed Release of Information, we can send the report directly to your referring physician. Reports are not released directly to schools.

  • A minimum of 3 business days’ notice is required to receive a full refund of fees.

    If an appointment is cancelled within 3 business days, the following policies apply:

    • CONSULTATION & COACHING SESSIONS: The full session fee will be charged.

    • TESTING SESSIONS

      • Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be charged the full fee.

      • Cancellations made between 24 and 72 hours in advance will incur a $500 non-refundable fee.

    All cancellations or reschedule requests must be submitted in writing via email to drjlobosco@weneuropsychology.com. Please include “cancellation” or “rescheduling” in the subject line.