Find a Neuropsychologist

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024
Written by the MiResource team

Neuropsychologists specialize in assessing and treating cognitive and behavioral functions related to brain health. This guide provides essential information for those considering neuropsychological services, including what to expect from evaluations, the different specializations within the field, and how to find a qualified professional.

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    Clementine Meadows

    Audiologist, Massage Therapist, Neuropsychologist, National Certified Counselor (NCC)

    330 West Bell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85023

    Clementine Meadows is a Audiologist in Phoenix, Arizona. They treat Cognitive Functioning, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Childhood Abuse.

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    Aristotle Fernandez

    Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Audiologist, Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Trauma Professional, Community Resource, Counselor, Credentialed Sexual Abuse Youth Clinician (CSAYC), Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), Education Specialist (EdS), Executive Function Coach, Hypnotherapist, Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC), Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Master Level Psychologist (LMLP), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Psychological Examiner-Independent, Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW), Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW), Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor (MFCC), Massage Therapist, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Neuropsychologist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Psychotherapist, Nutritionist, Occupational Therapist

    1951 Tavern Court, Alpine, California 91901

    Aristotle Fernandez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Alpine, California. They treat Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), Anger Issues, Anorexia Nervosa.

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  • Adria Terrell, Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW)

    Adria Terrell

    Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Audiologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Trauma Professional, Community Resource, Counselor, Credentialed Sexual Abuse Youth Clinician (CSAYC), Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), Education Specialist (EdS), Executive Function Coach, Hypnotherapist, Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC), Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Master Level Psychologist (LMLP), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Psychological Examiner-Independent, Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW), Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW), Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor (MFCC), Massage Therapist, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Neuropsychologist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Psychotherapist, Nutritionist, Occupational Therapist, Other, Pastoral Counselor, Peer Support, Physician Assistant, Pre-Licensed Professional, Primary Care Physician, Psychiatric Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Speech-language Pathologists

    Vista Alpine Road, Alpine, California 91901

    Adria Terrell is a Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in Alpine, California. They treat Men's Issues, Adoption, Anxiety.

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What Is a Neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a doctoral-level psychologist who uses standardized testing, behavioral observation, and clinical interview to understand how brain structure and function affect cognition, emotions, and daily life. Whether you are managing a concussion, wondering why your child struggles at school, or facing cognitive changes later in life, a neuropsychological evaluation can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, clarify diagnoses, and guide practical treatment plans.


What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that measures various aspects of cognitive functioning. This includes tests for memory, attention, problem-solving, language skills, and emotional functioning. The evaluation helps in diagnosing conditions, planning treatments, and monitoring progress over time.

Results are compared with age-, sex-, and education-matched norms. The clinical neuropsychologist integrates scores with medical records and brain imaging to answer practical questions such as:

  • “Does this memory loss fit early Alzheimer’s disease or normal aging?”
  • “After a mild traumatic brain injury, when is it safe to return to work or sport?”
  • “Which classroom accommodations will help my child with ADHD?”

Medicare and most commercial insurers pay for neuropsychological testing under CPT codes 96116, 96121, 96136–96139 after medical necessity is established. Pre-authorization rules vary—always confirm beforehand.

Common reasons for referral include:

  • Memory problems or dementia
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Learning disabilities
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Stroke or other neurological conditions

Specializations Within Neuropsychology

Adult & Lifespan Clinical Neuropsychology

Typical referrals include stroke, epilepsy surgery work-ups, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, long-COVID cognitive fog, and mood or psychotic disorders with suspected cognitive decline. Evaluations inform medication choices, vocational rehab, disability determinations, and driving safety.

Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Children’s brains develop rapidly; therefore tests and norms must be age-sensitive. A pediatric neuropsychologist addresses learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, genetic syndromes, prenatal exposures, chemotherapy effects, and concussions. Reports translate findings into IEP/504 recommendations and coach caregivers on behavior strategies.

Forensic Neuropsychologist

When cognitive status may influence legal outcomes—capacity to stand trial, personal-injury damages, testamentary competence—a forensic neuropsychologist provides impartial expert testimony. Courts scrutinize methodology, so practitioners follow specialty guidelines on validity testing and data security.


Regional Differences to Know

Region Licensing Highlights Service Availability Notes
West Coast (CA, OR, WA) California requires a separate “Qualified Medical Evaluator” status for workers-comp cases; Oregon and Washington grant prescribing privileges to specially trained psychologists but not to neuropsychologists specifically. Dense provider networks in metro areas; telehealth fills gaps inland.
Mountain & Plains (CO, MT, ND) Large PSYPACT footprint eases interstate tele-practice. Rural critical-access hospitals often fly in specialists monthly or rely on VA telehealth hubs. Travel distance can exceed 100 miles—ask about mileage vouchers.
Midwest (IL, MI, MN) Illinois permits the protected title “Clinical Neuropsychologist” if supervised experience meets specific criteria; Michigan schools frequently fund pediatric evaluations to comply with special-education mandates. Urban centers boast fellowship programs; suburban demand may outstrip supply.
South (TX, FL, GA) Fast-growing retiree populations increase dementia screening needs. Florida mandates additional CE on Alzheimer’s and elder abuse for license renewal. Many practices bilingual (English-Spanish); hurricane season may disrupt in-person testing—keep telehealth contingency.
Northeast (NY, MA, NJ) Dense academic centers; New York joined PSYPACT in 2024 but final rules phase in during 2025. Some states cap private-practice evaluation fees for court-ordered exams—ask upfront.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Testing

Phase Your Role Provider’s Role
Intake Complete questionnaires, gather past records, sleep well, take routine meds. Review history, clarify referral questions, set test length.
Testing Day Bring reading glasses, snacks, medication list. Breaks are scheduled. Administer tests in a quiet room; monitor effort and fatigue.
Scoring & Interpretation Usually 1–2 weeks wait. Convert raw scores to age norms, analyze patterns, consult physicians if needed.
Feedback Session Ask about next steps, request electronic summary. Explain results plainly, provide rehabilitation and community resources, send report to referring providers.

Most adults receive feedback in one session; pediatric feedback often splits into parent-only and family sessions to tailor recommendations.


Should I see a Psychologist or a Neuro Psychologist?

Question If Yes → If No →
Have you experienced a head injury, seizure, stroke, or serious medical condition that could affect the brain? Neuropsychologist first Psychologist or other therapist
Are your main goals emotional relief, coping skills, or relationship improvement? Psychologist Only see neuropsychologist if cognitive issues also present
Do you need school/college or workplace accommodations based on learning or attention problems? Neuropsychologist (evaluation) plus psychologist (therapy/skills) Psychologist may suffice
Has a physician asked for detailed cognitive testing to clarify diagnosis or treatment? Neuropsychologist Not necessary yet
Are lawyers or insurers involved (e.g., capacity, injury claim)? Forensic neuropsychologist Psychologist for mental-state exams

Bottom line:

  • Choose a licensed psychologist when you want psychotherapy to address emotions, behaviors, habits, or relationships.
  • Choose a clinical or pediatric neuropsychologist when the core question is “How is my (or my child’s) brain functioning, and what does that mean for school, work, or daily life?”—especially after injury, illness, or unexplained cognitive changes.

Key Takeaways

  • A neuropsychologist blends psychology and neuroscience to translate test data into actionable strategies for health, education, and legal decisions.

  • Services range from routine concussion screens to complex forensic testimony; choosing the right subspecialist—clinical, pediatric, or forensic—is essential.

  • State law, PSYPACT membership, and telehealth rules shape access. Verify license and board certification when you find a neuropsychologist.

  • A thorough neuropsychological evaluation clarifies diagnosis, measures change over time, and guides treatment—all while being covered by Medicare and most insurers when medically necessary.

Find care for Neuropsychologist

Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Neuropsychologist and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.

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