Find a Neuropsychologist

What Is a Neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a doctoral-level psychologist who uses standardized testing, behavioral observation, and clinical interview to understand how brain structure and function affect cognition, emotions, and daily life. Whether you are managing a concussion, wondering why your child struggles at school, or facing cognitive changes later in life, a neuropsychological evaluation can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, clarify diagnoses, and guide practical treatment plans.

What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that measures various aspects of cognitive functioning. This includes tests for memory, attention, problem-solving, language skills, and emotional functioning. The evaluation helps in diagnosing conditions, planning treatments, and monitoring progress over time.

Results are compared with age-, sex-, and education-matched norms. The clinical neuropsychologist integrates scores with medical records and brain imaging to answer practical questions such as:

• “Does this memory loss fit early Alzheimer’s disease or normal aging?”
• “After a mild traumatic brain injury, when is it safe to return to work or sport?”
• “Which classroom accommodations will help my child with ADHD?”

Medicare and most commercial insurers pay for neuropsychological testing under CPT codes 96116, 96121, 96136–96139 after medical necessity is established. Pre-authorization rules vary—always confirm beforehand.

Common reasons for referral include:

• Memory problems or dementia
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Learning disabilities
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Stroke or other neurological conditions

Specializations Within Neuropsychology

Adult & Lifespan Clinical Neuropsychology

Typical referrals include stroke, epilepsy surgery work-ups, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, long-COVID cognitive fog, and mood or psychotic disorders with suspected cognitive decline. Evaluations inform medication choices, vocational rehab, disability determinations, and driving safety.

Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Children’s brains develop rapidly; therefore tests and norms must be age-sensitive. A pediatric neuropsychologist addresses learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, genetic syndromes, prenatal exposures, chemotherapy effects, and concussions. Reports translate findings into IEP/504 recommendations and coach caregivers on behavior strategies.

Forensic Neuropsychologist

When cognitive status may influence legal outcomes—capacity to stand trial, personal-injury damages, testamentary competence—a forensic neuropsychologist provides impartial expert testimony. Courts scrutinize methodology, so practitioners follow specialty guidelines on validity testing and data security.

Regional Differences to Know

Where you live can make a big difference in how mental health and neuropsychological services are delivered. Licensing rules, provider availability, and even geography can shape your options.

On the West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington), rules can be unique. For example, California requires a separate “Qualified Medical Evaluator” status for providers handling workers’ compensation cases. In Oregon and Washington, some specially trained psychologists can prescribe medication, but this privilege does not extend to neuropsychologists. Big metro areas usually have dense provider networks, while more rural areas depend on telehealth to fill gaps.

In the Mountain and Plains states (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota), telehealth is especially important. Many of these states are part of PSYPACT, which makes interstate tele-practice easier. In rural communities, critical-access hospitals may fly in specialists monthly, or rely on Veterans Affairs telehealth hubs. Travel distances can be long—sometimes over 100 miles—so it’s worth asking about mileage vouchers if you need to make the trip.

The Midwest (Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota) has its own quirks. Illinois protects the title “Clinical Neuropsychologist” for providers who meet specific supervised experience requirements. In Michigan, schools often cover the cost of pediatric evaluations to meet special-education mandates. Large urban centers have fellowship programs and many specialists, but suburban demand sometimes outpaces supply.

In the South (Texas, Florida, Georgia), a fast-growing retiree population means more demand for dementia screening. Florida requires continuing education on Alzheimer’s disease and elder abuse for license renewal. Many practices in the region are bilingual, especially in English and Spanish. Because hurricane season can disrupt in-person visits, it’s smart to have a telehealth backup plan.

In the Northeast (New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey), dense networks of academic medical centers provide access to advanced care. New York recently joined PSYPACT in 2024, though final rules are still being phased in through 2025. In some states, private-practice evaluation fees for court-ordered exams are capped, so it’s worth asking about costs upfront.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Testing

If you’re preparing for psychological or neuropsychological testing, it helps to know what the process looks like.

During the intake phase, you’ll fill out questionnaires, gather past medical or school records, get a good night’s sleep, and take your regular medications. Your provider will review your history, clarify referral questions, and set expectations for how long the testing will take.

On testing day, you’ll want to bring practical items like reading glasses, snacks, and a list of medications. Breaks are built into the schedule. Your provider will administer tests in a quiet room and keep an eye on things like your effort and fatigue.

The scoring and interpretation phase usually takes one to two weeks. Providers convert raw scores into age-based norms, analyze patterns, and consult with physicians if needed.

Finally, in the feedback session, you’ll review results and discuss next steps. You can request an electronic copy of your summary. Providers explain findings in plain language, offer community resources, and share reports with referring doctors. Adults usually get feedback in a single session, while pediatric cases may have separate meetings—one with parents only, and another with the child—to make recommendations age-appropriate.

Should I see a Psychologist or a Neuro Psychologist?

It’s not always clear whether to start with a psychologist or a neuropsychologist, but here are some key differences.

If you’ve experienced a head injury, seizure, stroke, or medical condition affecting the brain, it’s best to see a neuropsychologist first. For concerns centered on emotions, coping skills, or relationships, a psychologist is the right choice—unless there are also signs of cognitive changes.

If you need school, college, or workplace accommodations due to learning or attention issues, a neuropsychologist can provide the evaluation, while a psychologist may offer ongoing therapy and skill-building. When a physician requests detailed cognitive testing to guide diagnosis or treatment, a neuropsychologist is essential.

In legal or insurance cases—such as questions of capacity or injury claims—you may need a forensic neuropsychologist. For general mental health evaluations, a psychologist can handle mental-state exams.

Bottom line:

• Choose a licensed psychologist when your primary goals are psychotherapy, emotional support, or improving relationships and habits.
• Choose a clinical or pediatric neuropsychologist when the main question is: “How is the brain functioning, and what does that mean for school, work, or daily life?” This is especially important after injury, illness, or unexplained cognitive changes.

Key Takeaways

• A neuropsychologist blends psychology and neuroscience to translate test data into actionable strategies for health, education, and legal decisions.
• Services range from routine concussion screens to complex forensic testimony; choosing the right subspecialist—clinical, pediatric, or forensic—is essential.
• State law, PSYPACT membership, and telehealth rules shape access. Verify license and board certification when you find a neuropsychologist.
• A thorough neuropsychological evaluation clarifies diagnosis, measures change over time, and guides treatment—all while being covered by Medicare and most insurers when medically necessary.