What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
Clinical neuropsychology focuses on how the brain functions. A neuropsychological evaluation uses standardized testing to objectively assess:
- Intellectual abilities
- Attention and concentration
- Academic skills
- Memory
- Executive functioning (planning, organization, problem-solving)
- Language and other cognitive abilities
- Emotional functioning, mood, and personality
The evaluation provides a detailed profile of strengths and weaknesses. This information is used to clarify diagnoses and develop individualized treatment and educational recommendations.
Referral Process
How Do I Make a Referral?
- Referrals may be made by individuals, parents, healthcare providers, case managers, or family members.
- We only accept referrals submitted through our official referral form, located on our website, under Making a Referral.
- Referrals submitted in any other format will not be processed.
What Happens After I Submit the Referral?
- Your insurance is verified.
- Our neuropsychologists review the referral and either approve or decline it.
- If your insurance is not accepted or the referral is not approved, you will be contacted and provided with outside referral resources.
- If approved, your referral is placed on the waitlist.
Your referral will not be approved if: Client is under age 6, is non-verbal, has an active court case, or is seeking a parental capacity evaluation.
Current Wait Time
We process referrals in the order received.
We are currently processing referrals submitted approximately 10–12 months ago.
When your referral reaches the top of the list:
- We will contact you to confirm continued interest and verify insurance.
- An intake packet will be sent.
- Once completed and returned, your status will change to “Needs to Be Scheduled.”
Is There a Cancellation List?
Yes, but flexibility is required.
- Most cancellations occur last-minute due to no-shows.
- You must call our office to request intake paperwork for the cancellation list.
- Intake paperwork must be completed and returned before you can be added.
- Intake paperwork for the cancellation list is only accepted after your referral has been approved.
Steps in the Evaluation Process
Step 1: Initial Comprehensive Intake Interview (via Zoom)
Who attends?
- The individual being evaluated (if appropriate)
- At least one parent/guardian (for children)
- Any caregiver or professional who can provide relevant information
What happens?
- You describe your concerns.
- We review developmental, medical, academic, and family history.
- For children, parents are typically interviewed first without the child present.
- The child is then interviewed separately.
- A personalized testing plan is developed.
Please have available during the Zoom intake:
- Any previous evaluations (psychological, neuropsychological, OT, speech, PT, neurological, etc.)
- School testing results
- IEP or 504 plans
- Relevant records or examples (e.g., schoolwork, behavior videos)
Step 2: In-Person Neuropsychological Testing
Testing is conducted by trained psychometrists and includes a battery of standardized assessments.
What to Expect:
- 6–8 hours of testing
- Typically completed in one day (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Multiple breaks plus up to a 1-hour lunch break
- Rating scales and questionnaires for parents and the individual
- Questionnaires emailed to teachers, counselors, or other relevant adults
Parents/guardians are expected to complete questionnaires while their child is being tested.
How to Prepare:
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Eat a healthy breakfast.
- Bring glasses or hearing aids if needed.
- Bring snacks or drinks (there are also many restaurant options nearby)
ADHD Medications on Testing Day
If your child takes stimulant medication for ADHD, certain medications must be withheld on the morning of testing (unless otherwise directed). Bring the medication with you so it can be taken later in the session.
Medications to withhold:
Methylphenidate-based:
- Aptensio
- Concerta®
- Daytrana®
- Metadate CD®
- Methylin™
- Quillichew ER™
- Ritalin®
- Jornay®
Dexmethylphenidate:
- Focalin®
Amphetamine-based:
- Adzenys
- Dyanavel®
- Dexedrine®
- Procentra®
- Zenzedi®
- Adderall®
- Evekeo®
- Vyvanse®
- Astarys®
If your child takes stimulant medication at night, inform the psychometrist whether it was taken as prescribed.
Step 3: Feedback Session (via Zoom)
- Scheduled approximately 6–8 weeks after testing
- The neuropsychologist reviews:
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Diagnoses (if applicable)
- Treatment and school recommendations
A comprehensive written report is completed within 1–2 weeks after the feedback session and sent via email.
Please note: No results or data are released before the feedback appointment.
Best Way to Contact Us
Because most of our day is dedicated to evaluations:
- Email is the fastest way to reach us: neuro@ocsmaine.org
- Voicemails are checked several times daily, but direct phone contact may require multiple attempts.
- If you prefer phone communication, we will return your call as soon as possible.
If you have additional questions about the referral or evaluation process, please contact us. We’re happy to help guide you through each step.