What Is a Psychological or Neuropsychological Test?
Patients (and caregivers) complete objective, performance-based measures by completing questionnaires to provide information on things like capabilities, behaviors, and emotions.
Tests are then performed by a trained professional using research-validated tools and methods to assess things like developmental progress, cognitive abilities, and executive functioning. A Psychologist will then evaluate the results to determine the possible cause, severity, and duration of the symptoms being experienced.
Find the Right Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Psychological/Neuropsychological testing can provide the data necessary for clinicians to diagnose conditions that are challenging to accurately identify with just a clinical interview. Psychological/Neuropsychological testing can help diagnose mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, and more.
Different tests can assess different area, such as cognitive skills, emotional regulation, social functioning, and more. This information can help with the development of an individualized treatment plan that addresses the individual’s specific needs and strengths.
What are the Benefits of Psychological or Neuropsychological Testing?
If you're looking for support, psychological testing is a great way to get a clear picture of what's going on and pin down a diagnosis.
Enhanced Self-Awareness
Improved Mental Health
Increased Academic or Career Success
Strengthened Relationships
How Will Testing Help Me?
Psychological/Neuropsychological testing can provide the data necessary for clinicians to diagnose conditions that are challenging to accurately identify with just a clinical interview.
Personal Growth & Development
Gain better self-awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses to support personal growth and development.
Gain Support
We provide support at Ascend Mental Health Center throughout your diagnostic process and treatment journey.
The Initial Evaluation
Before any testing begins, all patients must complete a diagnostic interview. This allows our team to determine the clinical necessity of testing and identify the specific batteries required.
The intake is conducted by one of our licensed psychologists.
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes.
Billing: This session is billed to your insurance provider using CPT code 90791 (Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation).
Prior Authorization
If required by your insurance provider, we will submit a Prior Authorization request immediately following your initial evaluation.
Timeline: Please note that insurance carriers can take up to two full weeks to provide a determination.
Financial Estimate: Once we receive a determination from your insurance company, we generate a personalized Financial Estimate.
Proactive Communication: This estimate will be provided to you before your testing appointments begin.
Accuracy: We aim to give you the most accurate picture of your out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance) based on your specific plan.
Personalized Testing & Administration
We recognize that every patient is unique. Our approach to testing is never "one size fits all"—it is a tailored experience designed to provide the most accurate diagnostic picture for you or your child.
Tailored to Your Needs
The specific tests administered are determined by a variety of factors, including:
- Age and Developmental Stage
- Cognitive Abilities
- Symptomatic Concerns (e.g., ADHD, Anxiety, Learning Disorders)
During your Initial Clinical Interview, your psychologist will discuss the specific testing battery and provide an estimate of the total administration time required.
The Testing Environment
All assessments are conducted in a one-on-one setting with a trained testing administrator.
Why one-on-one?
Maintaining a private, focused environment ensures that the presence of others (such as parents or spouses) does not inadvertently influence the results.
Accuracy: This standardized approach allows us to capture the most valid and reliable data possible.
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
If you have additional questions regarding the testing process or what to bring to your appointment, please contact our office. (208) 419-3002
Analysis & Feedback
The testing administration is just one part of the puzzle. Once your sessions are complete, our clinicians begin the comprehensive work of interpreting the data and identifying the path forward.
The Report Generation Process
Our psychologists carefully review every data point collected to formulate a detailed clinical report. This process typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from your final testing date.
During this time, we:
- Analyze all standardized scores and behavioral observations.
- Integrate data from your history, interviews, and assessments.
- Develop personalized recommendations for school, work, or home life.
The Interpretive Feedback Session
Once the report is finalized, we will schedule a dedicated Feedback Session. In this meeting, your clinician will:
- Walk you through the results in clear, understandable language.
- Review any diagnoses that have been identified. Provide you with a physical or digital copy of the comprehensive report.
- Discuss the next steps for treatment or support.
Personalized Testing & Administration
We recognize that every patient is unique. Our approach to testing is never "one size fits all"—it is a tailored experience designed to provide the most accurate diagnostic picture for you or your child.
Tailored to Your Needs
The specific tests administered are determined by a variety of factors, including: Age and Developmental Stage Cognitive Abilities Symptomatic Concerns (e.g., ADHD, Anxiety, Learning Disorders) During your Initial Clinical Interview, your psychologist will discuss the specific testing battery and provide an estimate of the total administration time required.
The Testing Environment
All assessments are conducted in a one-on-one setting with a trained testing administrator. Why one-on-one? Maintaining a private, focused environment ensures that the presence of others (such as parents or spouses) does not inadvertently influence the results. Accuracy: This standardized approach allows us to capture the most valid and reliable data possible.
Questions?
We’re Here to Help. If you have additional questions regarding the testing process or what to bring to your appointment, please contact our office at (208) 419-3002.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our testing services.
Psychological and neurological testing at Ascend Mental Health Center involves comprehensive, clinically administered assessments designed to better understand cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. These evaluations use evidence-based tools to support accurate diagnosis, guide treatment planning, and provide clear insight into how the brain and mind are working together.
Testing may be helpful for children, adolescents, or adults experiencing challenges related to attention, learning, memory, mood, behavior, or developmental concerns. Our providers carefully evaluate each individual’s needs to determine whether testing is appropriate and how results can best support ongoing care.
An evaluation typically includes a detailed clinical interview, standardized testing, and a review of medical, educational, and mental health history. Testing is conducted in a supportive, professional environment and may occur over one or more sessions to ensure accuracy and patient comfort.
Yes, it is essential that the patient attend the clinical interview as behavioral observations made by the clinician are a necessary part of determining medical necessity and selecting the appropriate testing.
Psychological/Neuropsychological testing can help determine the severity of symptoms, functional impairment, and subjective distress
Most of the time completion of psychological/neuropsychological testing can help individuals gain a better understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, providing additional self-awareness that may assist in personal growth and development.
Psychological and neuropsychological testing is a powerful diagnostic tool used to look beneath the surface of behavioral observations. By collecting objective data, our clinicians can supplement what they see in person with scientifically validated metrics to formulate an accurate, comprehensive diagnosis.
Different tests can assess different area, such as cognitive skills, emotional regulation, social functioning, and more. This information can help with the development of an individualized treatment plan that addresses the individual’s specific needs and strengths.
