Neuropsychological Testing in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

Neuropsychological Testing in Michigan helps explain changes in memory, focus, mood, or thinking. When you feel “not like yourself,” it can be scary and frustrating—especially if school, work, or family life is getting harder. Neuropsychological testing is a set of brain-based tests that show how your mind is working today. It can help children, teens, and adults who need clear answers and a practical plan.

Signs You Might Benefit

Many people wait too long because they think they should “push through.” Testing can help when problems are real, ongoing, and affecting daily life. You might benefit from neuropsychological testing if you notice:

• New or worsening forgetfulness (missing appointments, losing items, repeating questions)
• Trouble focusing, finishing tasks, or organizing your day
• Slower thinking, slower reading, or needing more time to learn new things
• Big changes after a concussion, stroke, COVID-19 illness, or other medical event
• Strong anxiety or depression that makes school or work feel impossible
• Behavior or learning concerns in a child (attention, impulse control, reading/math struggles)
• Concerns about ADHD, autism, dementia, or other brain-based conditions
• Confusion about whether symptoms are from stress, sleep, medication, or a brain condition

What testing can do for you

Neuropsychological testing does not just label a problem. It helps guide next steps. Benefits often include:

• Clearer answers about strengths and weaknesses in thinking
• Help with diagnosis (when appropriate) and ruling out other causes
• School support recommendations (like a 504 Plan or IEP suggestions)
• Workplace ideas to support focus, memory, and pacing
• Treatment guidance (therapy targets, medication questions to discuss with your prescriber)
• Planning for safety and independence (driving, finances, daily routines)

Evidence-Based Approach

Our approach is careful, standardized, and guided by clinical science. Neuropsychological tests are tools that measure brain functions like attention, learning, memory, language, problem-solving, processing speed, and emotion. The American Psychological Association (APA) describes psychological assessment as a structured, evidence-based process that combines tests with clinical history to answer real-life questions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also supports the use of validated cognitive measures to understand brain health and changes over time.

Modalities we use

• Clinical interview: A detailed talk about symptoms, history, school/work demands, sleep, stress, and medical factors.
• Standardized cognitive testing: Measures of attention, memory, learning, language, visual-spatial skills, and executive functions (planning and flexible thinking).
• Academic or learning measures (when needed): Reading, writing, and math screening or deeper testing.
• Mood and behavior measures: Questionnaires that help identify anxiety, depression, trauma stress, or behavior patterns that may affect thinking.
• Performance validity and effort measures: Routine tools that help make sure the results are accurate and fair for the person being tested.

Clinical reasoning (how we connect the dots)

We look for patterns. For example, attention problems can look like memory problems, because it is hard to remember what you never fully took in. Sleep issues can lower processing speed and concentration. Anxiety can make it harder to retrieve words and recall details. Brain injuries can affect specific skills, like visual scanning or mental flexibility. We combine test results with medical and life history to explain what is most likely happening and what supports will help most.

Michigan licensing standards and ethical care

In Michigan, neuropsychological testing and diagnosis are provided by licensed psychologists who meet state requirements for education, supervised training, and ethical practice. We follow professional standards for test use, scoring, and interpretation, and we protect your privacy under healthcare confidentiality rules. If we see signs that you may need medical follow-up (for example, sleep apnea, medication review, or neurological care), we will recommend that you speak with the right provider.

What to Expect

Testing should feel organized and respectful. We explain each step in plain language and check in often. While every case is different, most evaluations include the parts below.

Step 1: Intake and records review

We start with a structured intake. We ask about current concerns, when they started, and how they affect daily life. We also review helpful records when available, such as:

• Medical history, medications, and past diagnoses
• School records (report cards, IEP/504 plans, prior testing)
• Work demands or accommodations (if relevant)
• Prior therapy notes or psychiatric treatment summaries (with permission)

Step 2: Testing session(s)

Testing usually takes several hours. Some people do it in one long visit, and some do better with testing split across two visits. Breaks are built in. You will be asked to do tasks like:

• Answer questions, solve puzzles, or repeat information
• Remember words or stories
• Work on timed tasks to measure speed and accuracy

You do not need to “study.” The goal is to see your real-world thinking, not perfection.

Step 3: Scoring, interpretation, and report

After the visit, we score tests using age-based norms and interpret the results in context. You receive a written report that includes:

• Summary of concerns and background
• Test results explained in clear terms
• Diagnostic impressions when appropriate
• Specific recommendations for next steps

Step 4: Feedback appointment

We meet with you (and parents/guardians when relevant) to go over results and answer questions. This is where the plan becomes practical. We can also coordinate with your care team—such as primary care, neurology, psychiatry, school staff, or therapists—when you sign a release.

Insurance

Insurance coverage for neuropsychological testing varies. Many plans use copays, deductibles, and prior authorization rules. Some plans cover testing when it is medically necessary (for example, after brain injury, stroke, or when a diagnosis is unclear), while others have limits for learning or attention evaluations.

Common cost factors

• Copay: A set amount you may pay per visit.
• Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance starts paying.
• Coinsurance: A percentage you may owe after the deductible.
• Authorization: Some insurers require approval before testing.

Mental health parity (why it matters)

Federal mental health parity rules generally require many health plans to treat mental health benefits in a way that is similar to medical benefits. This can affect how visits are covered, how authorizations work, and how limits are applied. Coverage still depends on your specific plan, diagnosis, and medical need, so we encourage you to verify benefits before scheduling.

What we can help with

We can provide billing codes, letters of medical necessity when appropriate, and documentation insurers often request. If you are paying out of pocket, we can discuss expected evaluation components and provide a clear estimate based on your referral questions.

FAQ

How is neuropsychological testing different from a regular therapy visit?

Therapy focuses on feelings, coping skills, and behavior change. Neuropsychological testing focuses on how the brain is working—attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. Testing ends with a detailed report and recommendations to guide care.

Will testing tell me if I have ADHD, autism, or dementia?

Testing can strongly support or rule out certain diagnoses, but it is not one single score. A licensed psychologist combines test results with history and current symptoms. In some cases, we may recommend medical exams or additional specialty visits to confirm the full picture.

How should I prepare for the testing day?

Get a good night of sleep, eat beforehand, and take medications as prescribed unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Bring glasses or hearing aids if you use them. If the patient is a child, bring snacks and comfort items as needed. Also bring any helpful records you have.

Can anxiety or depression affect test results?

Yes. Strong worry, low mood, trauma stress, and poor sleep can change attention and memory. That is why we include mood measures and ask detailed questions. We interpret results in context, not in isolation, and we provide recommendations that address both thinking skills and emotional health.