Clinical Interview

What to Expect from Neuropsychological Evaluation

This page provides an overview of what to expect from neuropsychological evaluation in the Des Moines area, including the structure of the evaluation, scheduling, and commonly asked questions. The goal is to help you understand the process and determine whether evaluation by Two Rivers Neuropsychology may be helpful.

Getting Started

The first step is to contact the practice to discuss your concerns and determine whether neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate. If evaluation is recommended, scheduling and next steps will be discussed.

You can begin by completing the contact form.

The Evaluation Process

Neuropsychological evaluation is a structured process designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of cognitive functioning. While each evaluation is tailored to the individual, the process typically includes the following steps:

1- Initial Contact and Scheduling

The process begins with an initial inquiry to determine whether neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate for your concerns. This may involve a brief discussion of the referral question, relevant history, and current symptoms. If evaluation is recommended, scheduling and next steps will be discussed.

2- Interview and Standardized Testing Appointments

The evaluation involves a combination of clinical interview and standardized neuropsychological testing. Testing includes a range of structured tasks that assess areas such as attention, memory, language, executive functioning, and problem solving.

The length and structure of the appointments vary depending on the referral question, but most evaluations are completed over the course of a single day or across multiple sessions.

3- Interpretation, Feedback, and Written Report

Following the evaluation, test results are carefully reviewed and interpreted within the context of your history and presenting concerns. A comprehensive written report is prepared, and a feedback session may be scheduled to review the findings.

The goal of this process is to provide clear, clinically meaningful information that can help guide next steps, whether in treatment, academic planning, or personal understanding.

Common Questions

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss whether neuropsychological evaluation may be helpful, please visit the Contact page to get started.

  • The length of testing varies depending on the nature of the referral question, but most evaluations involve several hours of testing. In some cases, testing may be completed in one day, while in others it may be scheduled across multiple sessions.

  • Neuropsychological testing assesses a range of cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, language, executive functioning, processing speed, and problem solving. These measures help provide a detailed understanding of how different aspects of cognitive functioning are working together.

  • Yes. Many adults seek neuropsychological evaluation to better understand longstanding difficulties with attention, organization, or executive functioning. Evaluation can help clarify patterns of strengths and weaknesses that may be relevant to ADHD and related concerns.

  • Evaluation may be helpful for adults who are seeking to better understand patterns related to social communication, sensory experiences, or cognitive style. The process involves careful consideration of developmental history and current functioning.

  • A referral is not always required. Individuals may contact the practice directly to inquire about services. In some cases, coordination with a referring provider may be helpful.

  • With your written permission through a release of information form, results can be shared with referring providers or other members of your care team to support coordination of care.

  • Following the evaluation, you will receive a detailed written report. Actionable recommendations are tailored to your specific situation and may include suggestions for treatment, accommodations, or next steps.

Neuropsychological evaluation can help clarify concerns related to attention, memory, executive functioning, and other aspects of cognitive health.

Telehealth Neuropsychological Evaluation

Two Rivers Neuropsychology provides telehealth evaluation options for adults in the Des Moines area and beyond. Telehealth services are designed to deliver the same thorough assessment and feedback as in-person evaluations, using Google Meet through a HIPAA-compliant Google Workspace account under a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).

Telehealth may be appropriate depending on the referral question, cognitive testing needs, and patient circumstances. During your initial contact, we can discuss whether telehealth is suitable for your evaluation.

To learn more about telehealth services or to determine whether your evaluation can be completed remotely, please contact the practice.

Fees and Insurance

Two Rivers Neuropsychology accepts selected insurance plans. Coverage and authorization requirements vary depending on your specific plan and the type of evaluation. If you plan to use insurance, benefits and any required authorizations will be reviewed as part of the scheduling process.

Services are also available on a self-pay basis, including for individuals who prefer not to use insurance or who plan to seek out-of-network reimbursement. Fees vary depending on the scope of the evaluation and will be discussed in advance.

Insurance and Self Pay Policy

In-Network Services: If Two Rivers Neuropsychology is in-network with your insurance plan, eligible services are billed to your insurance according to contractual requirements. Patients are responsible for applicable copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles.

Self-Pay / Out-of-Network Services: If a service is not covered, authorization is not obtained, or you choose not to use insurance for non-covered services, self-pay options may be available. Use of self-pay in place of insurance is subject to your plan’s rules.

Patients are encouraged to contact the practice with questions about insurance participation, coverage, or payment options. Additional details regarding fees, payment, and scheduling are provided during the initial contact process.

Need Assistance?

If you are considering neuropsychological evaluation and would like to discuss whether it might be helpful, please visit the Contact page to get started.

  • For clinical communication (established patients only): use the Patient Portal

If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis, contact 911 or 988.