Neuropsychological Testing and Assessments Chicago
Looking for neuropsychological and psychological testing in Chicago? Hoping to find a psychologist who offers psych testing in the Lakeview community? Are you trying to find the best psychologist for your psychological testing needs?
If so, welcome to our Chicago Psychological Testing and Assessment Service page! Our psychology and psychotherapy organization provides comprehensive testing and assessment services to help individuals, families, and professionals better understand their cognitive and behavioral strengths and challenges.
We are also linked to several licensed psychologists in the Chicago area who offer this service as part of their psychological practice, helping you work in tandem to become the best version of yourself.
Chicago Psychological Assessments Made Easy
Our team of licensed psychologists and affiliated psychological partners specializes in various areas of testing and assessment, including neuropsychological testing, gifted education & IQ testing, ADD/ADHD testing, learning disability testing, and diagnostic clarification. We serve clients throughout the Chicago area and beyond, with convenient locations in Lakeview and surrounding North Side neighborhoods.
Whether you’re seeking answers about cognitive functioning, learning challenges, or diagnostic clarification, our comprehensive psychological testing services provide the clarity and insights you need to move forward with confidence.
Understanding Neuropsychological Testing in Chicago
Neuropsychological testing is a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive functioning and brain-behavior relationships. This specialized type of testing goes beyond standard psychological assessments to examine how the brain processes information and how neurological conditions may affect thinking, memory, and behavior.
This type of testing is often used to diagnose and treat individuals with neurological or neuropsychiatric conditions such as:
– Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
– Stroke and cerebrovascular disease
– Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
– Multiple sclerosis (MS)
– Parkinson’s disease
– Epilepsy
– Brain tumors
– Concussion and post-concussion syndrome
Neuropsychological testing involves a battery of standardized tests that assess various cognitive domains including attention, memory, language, visual-spatial skills, perception, processing speed, and executive functioning. The results of the testing can help identify specific areas of cognitive impairment and develop appropriate interventions to address these areas, whether through therapy, medication management, educational accommodations, or lifestyle modifications.
Gifted Education & IQ Testing
Gifted education and IQ testing are essential tools for identifying children with high intellectual potential and ensuring they receive appropriate educational opportunities that match their abilities.
Gifted education programs offer advanced and challenging curriculum, accelerated learning opportunities, and enrichment activities for students who demonstrate exceptional ability in academic, creative, or artistic areas. Many Chicago-area schools, including selective enrollment programs and private institutions, require IQ testing as part of their admission process.
Our team of psychologists specializes in administering widely recognized IQ tests such as:
– Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) – The gold standard for assessing cognitive abilities in children ages 6-16
– Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) – Comprehensive assessment for adults ages 16-90
– Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales – Alternative assessment tool for ages 2 through adult
IQ testing can help parents and educators understand a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, identify gifted learners who may be underperforming in traditional classroom settings, and provide documentation needed for admission to specialized educational programs throughout Chicago.
ADD/ADHD Testing and Evaluation
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. ADHD can significantly impact a person’s academic performance, work productivity, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
Proper diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
– Detailed clinical interview with the individual and family members
– Standardized rating scales completed by parents, teachers, or workplace supervisors
– Behavioral observations in multiple settings
– Review of developmental, medical, and educational history
– Cognitive testing to rule out learning disabilities
– Assessment of executive functioning skills
Our psychologists specialize in the assessment of ADHD across the lifespan and use standardized, evidence-based tests such as the Conners 3, the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales, and continuous performance tests to aid in accurate diagnosis. We evaluate both children and adults, recognizing that ADHD often persists into adulthood and may not have been identified during childhood.
A thorough ADHD evaluation can clarify whether symptoms are due to ADHD or other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment and support.
[See our ADHD page to learn more about ADD/ADHD treatment options]
Learning Disability Testing
Learning disabilities are neurologically based disorders that affect an individual’s ability to acquire, process, retain, and express information. These conditions are not related to intelligence—many individuals with learning disabilities have average or above-average IQ scores—but rather reflect differences in how the brain processes certain types of information.
Learning disabilities can impact a person’s ability to:
– Read accurately and fluently (Dyslexia)
– Write clearly and coherently (Dysgraphia)
– Perform mathematical calculations and reasoning (Dyscalculia)
– Understand and use spoken language
– Process and sequence information
– Organize thoughts and materials
A comprehensive evaluation of learning disabilities typically includes:
– Clinical interview and developmental history
– Academic achievement testing across reading, writing, and mathematics
– Cognitive and intellectual assessment
– Processing speed and working memory evaluation
– Behavioral observations and classroom performance review
– Assessment of attention and executive functioning
Our team of psychologists specializes in the assessment of learning disabilities and uses standardized tests such as the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III), and the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II).
The results of learning disability testing can be used to secure educational accommodations, develop individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans, and guide targeted intervention strategies that help individuals succeed academically and professionally.
Comprehensive Psychological Testing Specialties
Our Lakeview-based psychologists specialize in several different approaches to psychological testing for children, adolescents, and adults. Examples of specialized evaluations include:
ADHD & Executive Functions – Comprehensive assessment of attention, impulse control, working memory, planning, and organization skills
Evaluations for Adoptions – Pre-adoption psychological assessments to support the adoption process
Forensic Evaluations – Court-ordered or litigation-related psychological testing
Gifted Child IQ Testing – Identification of intellectual giftedness for educational placement and program admission
Learning Disorder Evaluations – Comprehensive assessment to identify specific learning disabilities
Memory Assessments and Evaluations – Detailed evaluation of memory functioning for individuals concerned about cognitive decline or memory problems
Mood Evaluations – Assessment to clarify mood-related diagnoses such as depression, bipolar disorder, or mood dysregulation
Diagnostic Clarification – Comprehensive testing to differentiate between similar conditions and establish accurate diagnoses
Diagnostic Clarification Through Psychological Testing
Psychological testing and assessment can be invaluable for clarifying diagnostic questions in individuals who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or cognitive difficulties. Many mental health conditions share similar symptoms, making accurate diagnosis challenging without comprehensive evaluation.
For example, testing can be used to:
– Differentiate between depression and anxiety disorders
– Identify the presence of personality disorders
– Distinguish ADHD from anxiety or learning disabilities
– Clarify whether symptoms are related to autism spectrum disorder
– Determine if cognitive symptoms reflect depression, ADHD, or early dementia
– Assess for bipolar disorder versus other mood conditions
[See our anxiety counseling page or our depression counseling page to learn more about treatment options]
Diagnostic clarification through psychological testing ensures that individuals receive appropriate, evidence-based treatment and support for their specific condition rather than pursuing interventions that may not address the root cause of their difficulties.
Neuropsychology Testing on Chicago’s North Side
Our psychological testing services are conveniently located in Lakeview on Chicago’s North Side, easily accessible from neighborhoods throughout the city including Lincoln Park, Boystown, Uptown, Andersonville, and beyond. Our welcoming office environment is designed to help clients feel comfortable during the evaluation process.
What to Expect from Your Psychological Assessment
A psychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that aims to understand an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. The assessment involves the use of standardized tests, clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and other assessment tools to gather information about the individual’s strengths, challenges, and unique psychological needs.
If you are scheduled for a psychological assessment with our Chicago practice, here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Interview
The assessment process typically begins with an initial interview with a licensed psychologist. During this 60-90 minute session, the psychologist will ask you detailed questions about your current symptoms, concerns that prompted the evaluation, personal and family history, developmental milestones, educational background, medical history, and any other relevant information that may be helpful in understanding your psychological functioning.
This interview helps the psychologist understand your unique situation and tailor the testing battery to address your specific questions and concerns.
2. Testing Session(s)
After the initial interview, the psychologist will administer a series of standardized tests that are carefully selected based on your specific needs and referral questions. The testing session typically lasts 3-6 hours, though this can vary depending on the type and complexity of the evaluation. Some comprehensive assessments may require multiple testing sessions.
These tests may include measures of:
– Intelligence and cognitive abilities
– Memory (short-term, long-term, working memory)
– Attention and concentration
– Processing speed
– Executive functioning (planning, organization, problem-solving)
– Personality characteristics and emotional functioning
– Academic achievement
– Visual-spatial and perceptual abilities
The tests may be administered in a variety of formats, including paper and pencil tasks, computer-based assessments, or interactive problem-solving activities. Throughout testing, the psychologist creates a supportive environment and provides breaks as needed.
3. Behavioral Observations
The psychologist will carefully observe your behavior during testing sessions and may request observations from other settings to better understand how you function in everyday life. This may include observations in a clinical setting, information from teachers or supervisors, or questionnaires completed by family members.
These observations provide important context for interpreting test results and understanding how cognitive or emotional factors affect real-world functioning.
4. Feedback Session
Once the testing is complete, the psychologist will spend several hours analyzing the data, integrating findings from multiple sources, and preparing a comprehensive written report that outlines your cognitive and emotional functioning, identified strengths, areas of challenge, and clear diagnostic conclusions.
You will then be invited to a feedback session (typically 60-90 minutes) where the psychologist will review the results with you in detail, explain what the findings mean in practical terms, and provide specific, actionable recommendations for treatment, educational accommodations, workplace modifications, or other support services.
This session is an opportunity for you to ask questions, discuss any concerns you may have, and collaborate with the psychologist to develop a plan moving forward. The feedback session is designed to be informative, supportive, and empowering.
5. Written Report and Follow-Up
Following the feedback session, you will receive a comprehensive written report that documents all findings, test results, diagnostic conclusions, and recommendations. This report can be shared with other healthcare providers, schools, employers, or legal representatives as appropriate.
After the feedback session, the psychologist may recommend additional testing, refer you to other professionals for further evaluation or treatment, or suggest specific therapeutic interventions. It is important to follow through with any recommendations to ensure that you receive the support and resources you need to address any psychological concerns.
Our team remains available to answer questions, clarify findings, or provide additional support as you implement recommendations from your assessment.
“The Psychological Testing Helped Me Understand My High IQ and Why I Was Struggling in Traditional School Settings”
-Brett in Gold Coast, Chicago
Why Choose Our Psychological Assessment Services?
Our team of licensed psychologists has extensive training and specialized experience in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests and assessments. Many of our psychologists have completed postdoctoral fellowships in neuropsychology or assessment, representing the highest level of training in the field.
We are committed to providing our clients with comprehensive, accurate, and culturally sensitive evaluations that help them better understand their cognitive and behavioral strengths and challenges. Our approach emphasizes:
Individualized Assessment – We tailor each evaluation to address your specific questions and concerns rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Evidence-Based Methods – We use only scientifically validated tests and assessment tools with proven reliability and validity.
Practical Recommendations – Our reports include specific, actionable recommendations that can be immediately implemented in school, work, or therapeutic settings.
Collaborative Care – We work closely with other professionals such as physicians, psychiatrists, educators, therapists, and occupational therapists to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
Timely Results – We understand that waiting for assessment results can be stressful, so we prioritize timely completion of reports and scheduling of feedback sessions.
Compassionate Approach – We recognize that undergoing psychological testing can feel vulnerable, and we create a supportive, non-judgmental environment throughout the evaluation process.
How to Prepare for Your Chicago Psychological Assessment
Preparing for a psychological assessment can help you feel more comfortable and confident during the evaluation process, and can also help ensure the most accurate test results. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your assessment:
1. Be Honest and Thorough
It is essential to be honest with the psychologist during the assessment process. This includes providing accurate information about your symptoms, personal and family history, medication use, substance use, and any other relevant information that may be helpful in understanding your psychological functioning. Being honest and forthcoming can help the psychologist make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate recommendations for treatment and support.
Remember that psychologists are bound by strict confidentiality rules, and the information you share is protected.
2. Get Adequate Sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive functioning and can significantly affect test results. It is strongly recommended that you get a full night’s sleep (7-9 hours for adults) before your assessment to help ensure that you are alert, focused, and performing at your best during testing.
Avoid staying up late the night before your assessment, and try to maintain your normal sleep schedule in the days leading up to testing.
3. Eat a Balanced Meal
Eating a balanced meal before your assessment is important for maintaining energy and concentration during testing. Include complex carbohydrates and protein to help ensure that your brain has the sustained energy it needs to function optimally during what may be a lengthy testing session.
Avoid skipping meals or arriving to testing hungry, as this can negatively impact your performance and test results.
4. Avoid Stimulants (Unless Prescribed)
Stimulants such as excessive caffeine can affect your ability to concentrate and may interfere with test results. It is recommended that you avoid consuming more caffeine than usual before and during your assessment.
If you take prescribed medication (including stimulant medication for ADHD), discuss with the psychologist in advance whether you should take your medication as usual on testing day. In some cases, testing both on and off medication may be recommended to understand your baseline functioning.
5. Bring Relevant Documentation
If you have any relevant information such as medical records, previous psychological or neuropsychological evaluations, school records, report cards, IEP or 504 plan documents, neuroimaging results (MRI, CT scans), or documentation from other healthcare providers, bring copies with you to your assessment.
This information can provide important context for the psychologist and help them better understand your psychological functioning, developmental history, and current concerns.
6. Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your assessment appointment. Arriving early can help you feel more relaxed, gives you time to use the restroom, and allows you to complete any necessary paperwork or consent forms before testing begins.
If testing is for a child, arriving early gives them time to acclimate to the new environment and feel more comfortable.
7. Bring Support if Needed
If you feel nervous or anxious about your assessment, consider bringing a support person with you such as a family member or close friend. This person can provide emotional support and help you feel more comfortable before and after the assessment process.
Note that support persons typically wait in the waiting area during actual testing to ensure standardized administration procedures.
8. Bring Glasses or Hearing Aids
If you use glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids, be sure to bring them and wear them during testing. Optimal sensory functioning is important for accurate assessment results.
9. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Testing sessions can last several hours, so wear comfortable clothing that allows you to sit for extended periods. The testing room temperature is typically comfortable, but you may want to bring a light sweater or jacket just in case.
“My Neuropsychological Evaluation Helped My Son Get Into a Top Chicago Selective Enrollment School”
-Erica in Lincoln Park
How Much Does a Psychological Assessment Cost?
The cost of psychological and neuropsychological testing varies depending on the type and complexity of the evaluation. Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations are typically more extensive and therefore more costly than brief screening assessments.
Insurance Coverage
We work with several insurance carriers and will help you determine if your psychological or neuropsychological testing will be covered by your insurance plan. Many insurance plans provide coverage for psychological testing when it is medically necessary, though coverage varies significantly by plan.
If we provide these services to you, we will be transparent about the full cost, including any deductibles that need to be met, co-pays, or co-insurance amounts. We will verify your benefits before testing begins so there are no surprises.
Out-of-Network and Self-Pay Options
If our organization is not in-network with your insurance provider, or if we are operating on a waitlist, we can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.
We also offer self-pay options for clients who prefer not to use insurance or whose insurance does not cover testing services.
Referrals to Other Providers
If our services are not the right fit or if we are unable to accommodate your needs in a timely manner, we are happy to provide you with referrals to other highly qualified psychological testing professionals in Chicago. We have forged strong professional relationships with many of the top assessment providers in the city and can help connect you with appropriate resources.
Contact our psychological testing team in Chicago to learn more about costs, insurance coverage, and available appointment times.
Schedule Your Psychological Assessment in Chicago
If you or a loved one could benefit from psychological testing and assessment, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team of licensed psychologists is here to help you better understand your cognitive and behavioral strengths and challenges and to provide you with the support, clarity, and resources you need to thrive.
Whether you’re seeking answers about ADHD, learning disabilities, cognitive functioning, giftedness, or diagnostic questions, our comprehensive psychological testing services can provide the insights and documentation you need to move forward with confidence.
Use our confidential contact form to reach out and begin the assessment process.
We serve clients throughout Chicago’s North Side, including Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Boystown, Uptown, Andersonville, Roscoe Village, North Center, and surrounding neighborhoods. Convenient public transportation access and parking options are available near our office.