If your doctor or school has recommended a neuropsychological evaluation — or if you've been searching for neuropsychological evaluation near me — it's natural to feel uncertain about what you're walking into. What tests will you take? How long will it take? What happens with the results?
At Comprehensive Psychological Services, we perform hundreds of neuropsychological evaluations each year across our Salt Lake City, Layton, and West Jordan locations. This guide walks you through the entire process so there are no surprises on testing day.
What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive, standardized assessment of how your brain is functioning. Licensed neuropsychologists use validated tests to measure cognitive abilities including:
- Memory — both short-term (working memory) and long-term recall
- Attention and concentration — sustained focus and the ability to filter distractions
- Processing speed — how quickly you take in and respond to information
- Executive function — planning, organization, mental flexibility, and impulse control
- Language — verbal fluency, reading, and comprehension
- Visuospatial skills — perceiving and organizing visual information
- Emotional and behavioral functioning — mood, anxiety, and personality factors that affect cognition
These evaluations are used to diagnose conditions like ADHD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), learning disabilities, early dementia, autism spectrum disorder, and the cognitive effects of stroke, cancer treatment, or chronic illness. They're also used to document disabilities for academic accommodations, disability programs, and legal proceedings.
According to the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, neuropsychological evaluations provide information that cannot be obtained through neuroimaging alone — they reveal how brain changes actually affect everyday thinking and behavior.1
Before Your Evaluation: How to Prepare
Preparation matters. Here's what to do in the days leading up to your appointment:
Sleep Well
Cognitive testing is sensitive to fatigue. A poor night's sleep can artificially lower your scores on memory and attention tasks. Aim for 7–9 hours the night before. Avoid staying up late, even if you're anxious about the evaluation.
Eat a Meal Before Testing
Don't skip breakfast or lunch. Low blood sugar affects concentration. Bring a snack if your evaluation spans multiple hours.
Avoid Alcohol for 24 Hours
Alcohol affects memory and processing speed for well beyond the time you feel its effects. Avoid alcohol the evening before your evaluation.
Bring Your Medications
Take your medications as prescribed on the day of your evaluation unless your clinician has specifically asked you not to. Bring a current medication list.
Gather Background Records
Any prior evaluation reports, school records, medical records, or previous IEP/504 plans will help your neuropsychologist understand your history. Bring what you have — even old copies.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
You'll be sitting for several hours. Dress comfortably and bring layers since office temperatures vary.
What Happens During the Evaluation
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation typically takes 3–6 hours. Some evaluations span two sessions on separate days, especially for complex presentations or young children.
Step 1: Clinical Interview (30–60 minutes)
Your evaluation begins with a clinical interview. Your neuropsychologist will review your referral concerns, medical and psychiatric history, educational background, family history, and current symptoms. For pediatric evaluations, parents are typically interviewed separately, and teachers may be asked to complete rating scales.
Step 2: Standardized Cognitive Testing (2–5 hours)
This is the heart of the evaluation. You'll complete a battery of standardized, validated tests. These are not "pass/fail" exams — they're calibrated tools that allow your clinician to compare your performance to others of your age, education, and background.
Tests may include instruments like the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS), the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), and others depending on the referral question. Your neuropsychologist selects the specific battery based on what is being assessed.
You will have breaks between tests. Let your examiner know if you need water, a restroom break, or additional rest.
Step 3: Questionnaires and Rating Scales
You may also complete self-report questionnaires about mood, anxiety, attention, executive functioning, and daily life. Family members, teachers, or partners are sometimes asked to complete companion rating scales that capture how you function outside the testing room.
After the Evaluation: Getting Your Results
The evaluation does not end when you leave the office. Your neuropsychologist reviews all test scores, integrates the results with your clinical history, and writes a comprehensive report — a process that takes time to do well.
Report Turnaround Time
At CPS, most reports are completed within 2–4 weeks of your final testing session. Complex cases may take slightly longer. We'll keep you informed.
Feedback Appointment
Before or alongside receiving your written report, we schedule a feedback appointment. This is a dedicated session where your neuropsychologist walks you through the key findings, explains your scores in plain language, answers your questions, and discusses recommended next steps.
For school-age children, parents receive the feedback and report. For adolescents and adults, feedback is provided directly to the patient, with family involvement based on consent.
What's in the Report?
Your neuropsychological evaluation report will typically include:
- Reason for referral and background history
- Tests administered and behavioral observations during testing
- Test results with scores across all cognitive domains
- Clinical interpretation and diagnosis (if applicable)
- Specific recommendations for treatment, school/workplace accommodations, or further evaluation
This report is your documentation. It can be used for IEP/504 plans, disability applications, medical decision-making, legal proceedings, and treatment planning. The National Institutes of Health notes that neuropsychological reports play a critical role in establishing eligibility for educational and vocational supports.2
Who Performs Neuropsychological Evaluations at CPS?
At Comprehensive Psychological Services, neuropsychological evaluations are performed by licensed doctoral-level psychologists with specialized training in neuropsychology. CPS has been serving Utah patients since 1986 across three locations:
- Salt Lake City — 1208 East 3300 South
- Layton — 1916 North 700 West, Suite 190
- West Jordan — 7535 South Redwood Road, Suite 100
Our evaluation reports are accepted by Utah school districts, courts, employers, disability programs, and medical providers.
Common Reasons for Referral
Patients are referred for neuropsychological evaluations for many reasons, including:
- Concerns about memory, attention, or cognitive decline
- Suspected ADHD in children, teens, or adults
- Learning disabilities affecting reading, writing, or math
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) assessment or follow-up
- Post-stroke cognitive effects
- Post-COVID cognitive symptoms ("brain fog")
- Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
- Neurodegenerative conditions (early Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)
- Documentation for academic accommodations (SAT, LSAT, bar exam, etc.)
- Disability applications (Social Security, Veterans Affairs)
Insurance and Costs
CPS accepts most major insurance plans, including BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and many others. Our billing team verifies your benefits before your appointment at no cost to you. Self-pay rates and payment plans are available for uninsured patients. Call us at (801) 483-1600 to check your coverage.
Medical Disclaimer (YMYL)
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or clinical advice. Neuropsychological evaluation findings should be interpreted by a licensed professional in the context of a complete clinical assessment. Contact a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.