Neuropsychological Evaluation in the Des Moines Area
Two Rivers Neuropsychology provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for adolescents and adults in the Des Moines area, including Johnston, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, and the surrounding areas.
Neuropsychological evaluation involves the careful assessment of cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and behavioral patterns using standardized psychological and neuropsychological tests. 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.
Standardized Neuropsychological Testing
Testing involves 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.
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 a comprehensive written report summarizing:
relevant history and background information
neuropsychological test findings
clinical interpretation of results
diagnostic impressions when appropriate
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 Johnston, Iowa, and provides neuropsychological evaluation for adults throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area, including West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, 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.
For information regarding fees, insurance participation, and payment structure, please see Financial Policies & Common Questions.