Neuropsychological Evaluation Service

Columbia Psychiatry’s Neuropsychological Evaluation Service is dedicated to identifying what prevents an individual from accessing their potential, as well as to better understand their specific strengths, areas of growth, and learning needs. Our team is comprised of experts in neuropsychology who evaluate preschool children through adults. Through these assessments, our experts are able to develop a comprehensive profile of one’s learning style along with targeted recommendations. Our team conducts evaluations using a developmental framework and strengths-based approach in order to effectively identify areas of growth. 

Who We Serve

Our team works with individuals who are struggling to meet the demands of school/work or have challenges at home due to behavioral, academic or emotional difficulties. Our goal is to identify their strengths and challenges in order to make recommendations for the right interventions and services that can help them experience and maintain success. Each individual is unique, so we look for solutions that are right for each person or whole family.

Our Team

Our pediatric neuropsychology team is comprised of experts in school psychology, clinical psychology, and neuropsychology. They have specialized training in understanding brain development and how brain dysfunction may relate to problems at school, work, home, or with peers. Our experts help individuals understand the source of their difficulties, whether it is a learning disability, the effects of a medical condition, autism spectrum disorder, or another neurodevelopmental condition, such as a motor, language, or attention-based limitation. After the evaluation is completed, our providers are also equipped as needed to consult with school-based teams and other providers regarding academic and clinical interventions. 

Our Program

Through our neuropsychological evaluations, we aim to pinpoint specific areas of growth that inform the best treatment for the individual and their family. We connect directly with school personnel, referring physicians, therapists, and other professionals involved in an individual’s care to ensure all providers are working collaboratively on a path to success. 

A neuropsychological evaluation consists of several parts that may vary based on the reason for an evaluation. Typically, an evaluation includes an intake session, sessions for the neuropsychological testing, and a feedback session.

Intake

The intake is a chance for the neuropsychologist to learn more about why you or your child was referred for an evaluation prior to initiating testing. This is an opportunity for the individual or parent/guardian to provide information regarding developmental, medical, educational, and psychological history. It also is a good opportunity to ask any questions about the evaluation process. This meeting usually takes one-to-two hours.

Neuropsychological Testing

Testing usually occurs over the span of two to three days, though some re-evaluations or brief evaluations take only one day to complete. For children, the first day of testing is probably the first time the neuropsychologist is meeting your child, so the neuropsychologist will spend time at the beginning of the session answering any questions your child may have and help put them at ease for the testing process. Depending on your child’s age, testing may last a full school day (9:00am-3:00pm) or half day (9:00am-12:00pm). Testing involves completing various tasks that may involve answering questions, solving puzzles, drawing, and/or filling out questionnaires. Given the length of testing sessions, there are typically numerous breaks throughout the day, as well as a longer break for lunch.

School Observation

In some circumstances, it is helpful to observe students in their learning environment. The need for this observation is usually reviewed with the parent during the intake or after the first testing appointment and depends on accessibility to the school (*restrictions apply during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19). 

Feedback

esults of the evaluation and associated recommendations will be reviewed during the feedback session with you or the parent/guardian. With consent, results can also be shared with others (e.g., school, other professionals). If appropriate given their age and level of functioning, youth also may be included in part of the feedback session. You will be provided with a written report summarizing the evaluation following the date of feedback. 

Ongoing Consultation

Often the neuropsychologist will continue to work with the individual and their family to provide ongoing support. This may include working with other members of the individual’s treatment team to ensure continuity of care and implementation of recommendations from the evaluation. For youth, some neuropsychologists may work closely with school personnel to help provide appropriate educational programs. This can include connecting families with educational advocates/attorneys, helping families find an appropriate school to meet their child’s needs, consulting with school personnel on how to address difficulties in the classroom, or attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) or impartial hearing meetings. 

Sample Evaluation Schedule

At the intake appointment, you will schedule subsequent testing sessions with your provider. Testing days may occur consecutively within one week or during different weeks, depending on provider and patient availability. Keep in mind that this is a sample schedule and adjustments may occur based on the referral question (e.g., shorter testing days, more than two testing days).

Intake

You or your parent/guardian provides current concerns as well as the individual’s developmental, medical, educational, and psychological history.

  • Location: Telehealth
  • Length: 1-2 hours

Testing Day 1

IQ Testing, Academic Testing, Fine Motor Testing, Psychiatric Evaluation

  • Location: In-person, or hybrid
  • Length: 3-6 hours (with breaks as needed and 1 hour lunch break)

Testing Day 2

Language Testing, Attention/Executive Functioning Testing, Memory Testing, Social Skills Testing

  • Location: In-person, or hybrid
  • Length: 3-6 hours (with breaks as needed and 1 hour lunch break)

Feedback

Results of the evaluation and associated recommendations are reviewed

  • Location: Telehealth
  • Length: 1-1.5 hours

What To Bring

If available, please send in advance of the intake appointment:

  • Previous neuropsychological or psychological reports
  • School evaluation reports (e.g., report cards, state testing)
  • Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans (if child receives special education services)
  • Therapy reports from other providers (e.g., speech/language pathologists, counselors)
  • Relevant medical history

Fees 

Fees for a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can range depending on the referral question and age of the patient, but are generally estimated at $6000. This includes the intake, testing appointments, feedback, and written report. Fees are based on the scope of the evaluation and are reviewed prior to initiating the evaluation.  

Insurance Accepted

  • Aetna
  • Columbia University Employee United Healthcare Plan

Our Locations

We are located at the following sites:

CUIMC/Neurological Institute of New York
710 West 168th Street 
12th Floor
New York, NY 10033

Phone: 212-305-9758
Fax: 212-342-1699