Neuropsychological Evaluation in the Des Moines Area
Two Rivers Neuropsychology provides individualized, evidence-informed neuropsychological evaluations, for adolescents and adults in the Des Moines area, including Johnston, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, and the surrounding areas. Each evaluation is designed around the clinical question being asked, with testing selected to clarify diagnosis, functioning, and practical next steps.
Neuropsychological evaluation involves the careful assessment of cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and behavioral patterns. At Two Rivers Neuropsychology, evaluations are individualized and question-guided. We begin with the referral question, history, records, current symptoms, and real-world functioning. Testing is then selected to clarify the most important clinical hypotheses. Some evaluations are focused, while others are comprehensive.
These evaluations help clarify how the brain is functioning and can assist with diagnostic clarification, treatment planning, and understanding cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
The goal of evaluation is not simply to generate test scores, but to provide thoughtful clinical interpretation and practical recommendations that help individuals and their healthcare providers move forward with greater clarity.
Learn more about the neuropsychological evaluation process.
When Neuropsychological Evaluation May Be Helpful
Neuropsychological testing may be helpful when there are questions about thinking, learning, attention, or memory that are difficult to fully understand through interview alone.
Common referral questions include:
Clarifying whether attention or executive functioning difficulties may be consistent with ADHD
Evaluating autism spectrum characteristics in adults
Understanding memory concerns or cognitive changes
Assessing learning, attention, or processing difficulties
Clarifying cognitive symptoms associated with medical or neurological conditions
Understanding complex presentations involving both cognitive and emotional factors
Evaluation can help identify both areas of difficulty and areas of cognitive strength, which often play an important role in treatment planning.
What a Neuropsychological Evaluation Involves
A neuropsychological evaluation typically involves several components:
Clinical Interview
The evaluation begins with a detailed discussion of developmental history, educational and occupational experiences, medical history, and current concerns. There may also be a structured diagnostic interview designed to assist in estimating DSM-5 criteria, severity, and other aspects of conditions being clarified in your referral question.
Standardized Neuropsychological Testing
Testing may involve a series of structured tasks designed to assess areas such as:
attention and concentration
memory and learning
language abilities
executive functioning
problem solving and reasoning
processing speed
visual–spatial abilities
These measures provide objective information about how different cognitive systems are functioning.
We do not use the same test battery for every patient. A comprehensive evaluation may be appropriate when the referral question is broad, when there are multiple competing explanations, or when cognitive, emotional, medical, and developmental factors need to be understood together.
Integration and Interpretation
Test results are interpreted within the context of the individual’s background, medical history, and presenting concerns in order to develop a clinically meaningful understanding of the findings.
Considering a referral? Visit the Referrals page for guidance on referral questions and submission.
Conditions and Questions Commonly Addressed
Neuropsychological testing may help clarify questions related to:
Memory & Cognitive Concerns
Evaluation may also be helpful when individuals experience concerns about memory, concentration, or changes in cognitive functioning.
Complex Diagnostic Questions
In some cases, individuals present with overlapping cognitive, emotional, or medical factors. Neuropsychological evaluation can provide a more integrated understanding of these patterns.
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Many adolescents and adults seek evaluation to better understand long-standing difficulties with attention, organization, or executive functioning. Neuropsychological assessment can help clarify cognitive patterns that may contribute to these experiences.
Autism Spectrum Characteristics in Adolescents & Adults
Some adults pursue evaluation to better understand lifelong patterns related to social communication, sensory processing, or cognitive style. Assessment may help clarify whether these patterns are consistent with autism spectrum characteristics.
What Patients Receive
Following the evaluation, patients receive feedback and a written report summarizing:
neuropsychological test findings
diagnostic conclusions
individualized recommendations
The goal is to provide information that is useful and practical, both for the individual and for healthcare providers involved in care.
For Referring Providers
Neuropsychological evaluations often assist referring providers when questions arise about cognitive functioning that cannot be fully answered through clinical interview alone.
Reports are designed to support diagnostic clarification and treatment planning, and communication with referring providers is welcomed when helpful for patient care.
More information about the referral process can be found on the Referring Providers page.
Location & Service Area
Two Rivers Neuropsychology is located in Urbandale, Iowa, and provides neuropsychological evaluation for adults throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area, including West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston, Ankeny, and surrounding communities.
Next Steps
Referring providers:
Visit the Referrals page for guidance on referral questions, submission, and consultation.
Patients:
Visit the Patients page for information about the patient portal, appointments, billing, telehealth, and secure communication.
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For information regarding fees, insurance participation, and payment structure, please see Financial Policies & Common Questions.