Neuropsychological Evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of brain function. It goes beyond what a clinical interview or brief screening can capture, examining memory, attention, language, reasoning, processing speed, and other cognitive skills through structured testing. The result is a detailed, objective picture of cognitive strengths and weaknesses that can clarify a diagnosis, explain why certain things are hard, and guide decisions about treatment, support, and care.
At Clary Clinic, we exclusively do neuropsychological evaluations. Every evaluation is conducted by Dr. Jessica Lee, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist, with the full attention of a practice built around one patient per day.
When a Neuropsychological Evaluation Makes Sense
People come to Clary Clinic for many reasons. Some arrive with a specific concern and a referral from a provider. Others come on their own, unsure of what is going on but certain that something is. Both are welcome.
A neuropsychological evaluation may be the right next step when:
Memory, attention, or thinking have changed in ways that are hard to explain
A child is struggling academically despite effort and good instruction
A previous evaluation felt incomplete or inconclusive
Multiple concerns are present, and the full picture is unclear
A diagnosis has been made, but something still doesn't fit
Cognitive documentation is needed for school, work, medical, or legal purposes
If your concern fits a more specific area, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, memory loss, or a school-related dispute, we also offer targeted evaluations and specialty services. Call us and we can help you figure out which evaluation is the right fit.
What the Evaluation Includes
Every evaluation at Clary Clinic is tailored to the referral question. The specific tests used depend on what is being assessed, but a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation may include:
Clinical interview: a thorough review of personal, developmental, medical, and family history
Cognitive and intellectual testing: assessment of overall cognitive ability and the profile of strengths and weaknesses across domains
Memory and learning: how information is taken in, retained, and retrieved
Attention and executive functioning: focus, working memory, organization, planning, and cognitive flexibility
Language: comprehension, expression, word-finding, and verbal reasoning
Processing speed and motor functioning: how efficiently the brain processes and responds to information
Academic achievement: reading, writing, and math skills when relevant
Mood and behavioral assessment: emotional functioning and its impact on cognitive performance
Collateral input: information from family members, caregivers, teachers, or providers is incorporated where available and relevant
Testing is conducted over the course of a full day. Because Clary Clinic schedules one patient per day, the process is unhurried and thorough from start to finish.
What Happens After Testing
Following the evaluation, Dr. Lee prepares a comprehensive written report that includes:
A summary of background history and the reasons for referral
Behavioral observations from the testing session
Test results presented with normative comparisons
Diagnostic impressions
A clear summary of cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty
Specific recommendations for treatment, intervention, accommodations, or further evaluation
Dr. Lee reviews the findings directly with patients and families, so the results are clear and actionable before you leave.
Who We See
Clary Clinic serves patients across the lifespan, from school-age children through older adults. We welcome complex and subtle presentations, including patients who have been evaluated elsewhere without a clear answer. No referral is required to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral? No. You can contact Clary Clinic directly to schedule an appointment. A referral from a physician or provider is welcome but not required.
How long does the evaluation take? Most evaluations are completed in a single full-day appointment. Report delivery typically follows within 4 weeks
How is this different from seeing a therapist or psychiatrist? Therapists provide ongoing counseling and support. Psychiatrists focus on medication management. A neuropsychologist conducts structured cognitive testing to produce an objective assessment of brain functioning. The evaluation is not an ongoing treatment. It is a comprehensive snapshot that informs the work of other providers, schools, and care teams.
What if I have already been diagnosed with something? A neuropsychological evaluation can confirm, clarify, or expand on an existing diagnosis. Many patients come to us after receiving a diagnosis that doesn't fully explain their experience, or after treatment that hasn't worked as expected.
Can I bring someone with me? Yes. Family members or caregivers are welcome to participate in the clinical interview portion of the evaluation, and their observations are often valuable. Testing itself is conducted one-on-one with Dr. Lee and a psychometrist.
What should I do to prepare? Get a good night's sleep before the evaluation. Bring any prior evaluation reports, relevant medical records, and a list of current medications. Beyond that, there is nothing to study or prepare. The evaluation is designed to capture how you actually function, not how you perform on a specific day.
Ready to schedule or learn more? Call us at 320-247-4068 to speak with our clinic director. We are glad to answer your questions and help you determine whether a neuropsychological evaluation is the right fit for your situation.