Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our resources and frequently asked questions page. Whether you're considering neuropsychological evaluation, therapy services, or educational consultation, you'll find helpful information here. These resources support your mental health journey whether you're ready for services or simply gathering information.
Mental Health Resources
Explore our collection of evidence-based information about neuropsychological assessment, child development, and mental health. These resources help you understand conditions we evaluate and treat, make informed decisions about services, and support loved ones experiencing cognitive or emotional challenges.
Understanding Neuropsychological Testing
Learn what comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation involves, how it differs from brief screening tools, and what testing can reveal about cognitive functioning, learning patterns, and emotional wellbeing. Understand the three-part process from intake through feedback and how results guide treatment planning.
Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Guidance for recognizing developmental differences in young children that may indicate autism spectrum disorder. Early identification leads to better outcomes, and our practice evaluates children as young as 12 months to connect families with early intervention services during critical developmental windows.
ADHD Across the Lifespan
Information about how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder presents differently in children versus adults. Learn about common misconceptions, the comprehensive assessment process that differentiates ADHD from conditions with similar symptoms, and evidence-based management approaches.
Supporting Children with Learning Differences
Practical strategies for helping children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other specific learning disabilities succeed at home and school. Includes information about IEPs, 504 plans, evidence-based interventions, and how to work effectively with educators.
Executive Functioning Skills Development
Techniques for improving organization, time management, planning, and task completion for individuals with executive functioning challenges. Learn about Cognitive Compensatory Training and practical strategies that work with different cognitive styles.
The Neuroscience of Addiction
Explore our blog post on addiction neuroscience to understand how addiction affects the brain on a chemical level. This evidence-based perspective helps reduce stigma and supports more compassionate, effective approaches to recovery.
Understanding Concussions and Brain Injuries
Read our comprehensive guide to concussions to understand how traumatic brain injury affects cognitive functioning beyond the initial injury. Learn about neurocognitive evaluation following head injury and the recovery process.
Eustress: When Stress Can Be Beneficial
Discover how certain types of stress can actually benefit your mind and body in our blog post about eustress. Learn to distinguish between harmful chronic stress and short-term stress that promotes growth and achievement.
Additional Resources
Visit our blog for more articles on neuropsychology topics, clinician spotlights, and insights from our team of experts. Explore our infographics for visual summaries of key neuropsychological concepts.
How We Work With Clients
Accuracy in diagnosis. We use comprehensive assessment methods to differentiate between conditions with overlapping symptoms.
Clear communication. We translate technical findings into understandable language and explain what results mean for daily functioning.
Collaborative partnership. Your input shapes the evaluation process. Your goals guide therapy.
Evidence-based practice. Our approaches are grounded in research. We use validated assessment tools and established treatment protocols.
Respect for individual differences. We tailor recommendations to your specific strengths, challenges, and circumstances.
Practical application. We focus on recommendations you can actually implement in daily life.
Supporting You Through the Process
Navigating cognitive or behavioral concerns can feel overwhelming. We're here to provide clarity, support, and practical guidance from your first contact through evaluation, feedback, and any ongoing services.
You'll always know what to expect next. We explain each step before it happens. We answer questions thoroughly. We provide detailed written reports you can reference and share with other providers or schools.
Our goal is helping you understand your cognitive and emotional profile in ways that support meaningful change. You'll leave with clarity about challenges, confidence in strengths, and concrete steps to improve functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do you accept? Will they cover my evaluation?
We are only in network for Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and Medicare. These insurances will cover the majority of most evaluations. However, they do not cover academic testing $1800 as of 1/1. Please note that we bill the majority of the evaluation to insurance at the feedback session.
How much is an evaluation?
“As of 1/1, evaluation fees are $4,900 for evaluations that include academic testing and $3,100 for adults and preschoolers without academic testing.
I don't have BCBS or Medicare, can I still get reimbursed for my evaluation?
Yes, although this is up to your individual insurance plan. We can provide a superbill at the end of the evaluation, we do not bill other insurances directly as an out of network provider. If you are interested in obtaining coverage, please call your insurance and ask if you have out of network benefits for the following CPT codes: 90791, 96136, 96137, 96138, 96139, 96130, 96131, 96132, and 96133. Please also ask if preauthorization is required and, if so, how to obtain it.
I am covered by two insurances, one is BCBS. Will my evaluation be covered?
This depends on which insurance is primary. If your BCBS plan is primary, your evaluation should be covered, although you may be responsible to pay for the portion that your secondary insurance covers. If your other plan is primary, your evaluation will not be covered and you would need to pay out of pocket. It is very important that you let our staff know if you are covered by two plans. If you are unsure of which one is primary, we can assist you in finding out this information.
What is academic testing?
Academic testing allows us to see where your/your child's academic skills fall, in comparison to other people at your/your child's grade level. It is required for school aged children in order to determine if there is an underlying learning disorder and also to see how something like inattention or anxiety may impact academic functioning. This allows your clinician to make strong recommendations for school supports. Academic testing may be completed with younger children to determine academic readiness or in college/graduate students to determine if they qualify for testing accommodations at school or on standardized exams. Most professional licensing boards and associated tests (i.e. the MCAT, USMLE, BAR, and GRE) all require this testing for accommodations.
Will my insurance cover academic testing?
No, academic testing falls under the educational umbrella and is never covered by insurance, similar to other academic services like tutoring. The cost of academic testing is $1800. This is included in the private pay fees listed above.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice for cancellation of intakes, feedback sessions, and therapy appointments. A $125 late cancellation fee will be assessed if a session is missed or cancelled within 24 hours. For testing appointments, we require 48 hours notice. A $500 fee will be assessed if a testing session is missed or cancelled within 48 hours.
How do I access my telehealth session?
You can access the telehealth session through Therapy Appointment (click on the client portal link at the top of this page). You will also get a link sent to your email right at the session time. If you need help accessing Therapy Appointment, please contact test@newtonneuro.com and we can remind you of your username and/or reset your password.
My deductible reset between my testing and feedback sessions. Why do I have a large bill?
Insurance dictates that we bill the majority of the evaluation at the feedback session. This is why you may see a large bill following your feedback intake session, if you have a deductible.
How do I explain the evaluation to my child?
We have created a helpful social story here that you can show to your child!
What ages do you service?
Here at NNG we have clinicians specializing throughout the lifespan from ages 12 months through older adults.
How long does a neuropsychological evaluation take?
Our evaluation includes three components: a one-hour intake interview conducted via telehealth where we gather relevant history, testing lasting three to six hours in our Newton office (three to four hours for adults, five to six hours for children), and a feedback session via telehealth scheduled about four weeks after testing where we discuss results, diagnosis, and recommendations. For young children, we can split testing across multiple shorter sessions if needed. We also offer fast-track evaluation options for children ages zero to four when early intervention is critical.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Before your intake session, create your client portal login using the link emailed from Therapy Appointment, electronically complete all assigned forms in the portal, input your personal information including insurance details if applicable, and securely upload any past evaluations, IEPs, 504 plans, or relevant medical records through the portal. Download telehealth on the device you'll use for the virtual intake session. For the in-person testing session, bring any prescribed glasses or hearing aids, and lunch or snacks for longer sessions.
Can adults be evaluated for ADHD or autism?
Absolutely. We regularly evaluate adults for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, memory concerns, and neurocognitive conditions. Many adults weren't diagnosed in childhood because symptoms were missed or attributed to other causes. Adult evaluation examines how symptoms affect work performance, relationships, time management, and daily functioning. Diagnosis in adulthood provides validation, access to workplace accommodations, and guidance for more effective coping strategies.
How quickly can I be seen for evaluation or therapy?
Appointment availability varies based on clinician schedules and service type. We prioritize young children ages zero to four through our fast track neurodevelopmental evaluation program, often completing the full evaluation process within a few weeks from initial contact. For older adults, this same fast track option can be provided for families when care planning is time sensitive and clinically necessary.
For standard evaluations and therapy services, contact our office at 617-564-1540 or admin@newtonneuro.com
to discuss current availability for the specific services you need.
What's the difference between neuropsychological evaluation and therapy?
Neuropsychological evaluation involves comprehensive testing to diagnose conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disorders, memory concerns, or emotional conditions. The process takes several weeks from intake through testing to feedback, and you receive a detailed written report with specific diagnoses and recommendations. Therapy provides ongoing treatment to address diagnosed conditions or mental health concerns through weekly or biweekly sessions using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, or ACT. Many clients complete evaluation first to understand their cognitive profile, then transition to therapy with a clinician who already understands their strengths and challenges.
Will my child need medication if diagnosed with ADHD, autism, or another condition?
Diagnosis doesn't require medication. Comprehensive evaluation provides information to support informed decision-making about all treatment options. Many conditions respond well to therapy, educational accommodations, behavioral strategies, and parent coaching without medication. Medication may be recommended for moderate to severe symptoms or when other interventions haven't provided sufficient improvement. Your evaluation report discusses all evidence-based treatment options, and you make medication decisions in consultation with your child's pediatrician or a psychiatric provider.
How do I know if my child needs evaluation versus just therapy?
Consider comprehensive evaluation when diagnostic questions exist. If you're uncertain whether symptoms stem from ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, anxiety, depression, or other causes, evaluation provides clarity that guides effective treatment selection. Schools may require formal diagnosis to provide IEPs or 504 accommodations. If diagnosis is already clear from previous evaluation and you need help managing known symptoms, therapy may be the appropriate starting point. Our intake team can help determine which service best fits your situation during initial consultation.
What happens after my evaluation is complete?
About four weeks after testing, once your clinician has scored all measures, gathered collateral information, and written your comprehensive report, we schedule a feedback session via telehealth. During feedback, your clinician discusses test results in detail, explains any diagnoses, describes your cognitive and emotional profile including strengths and challenges, and provides specific recommendations. You receive the detailed written report that you can share with schools, other healthcare providers, or use to support accommodation requests. Many families choose to pursue therapy, coaching, or consultation services within our practice following evaluation.
Do you offer services via telehealth?
Yes. We conduct intake sessions and feedback sessions via secure telehealth for all evaluations. In-person testing occurs at our Newton Centre office at 199 Wells Avenue, Suite 102. For therapy services, we offer both in-office sessions at our Newton location and telehealth sessions via secure video platforms throughout Massachusetts. Many clients appreciate flexibility to switch between formats based on schedule, weather, or preference.
Still Have Questions?
Every situation is unique, and your specific concerns may not be fully addressed in these FAQs. We welcome you to reach out with questions about our services, whether neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate for your situation, which type of therapy might help, or how to get started.
Our administrative team is available by phone at 617-564-1540 or email at admin@newtonneuro.com during business hours to answer questions about scheduling, insurance coverage, fees, required paperwork, and logistics. If you'd like to discuss your specific concerns with a clinician to determine the best path forward, we offer initial consultations.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're ready to move from information-gathering to action, we're here to support you. Whether you're seeking neuropsychological evaluation, therapy services, parent coaching, or educational consultation, our team serves families throughout Newton and the greater Boston area.
