Neurocognitive Testing
Subjective questionnaires cannot measure what your brain is actually doing. Neurocognitive testing provides objective, quantified data on attention, memory, processing speed, and executive function, giving your provider the clinical evidence to make the right diagnosis.
Diagnosis Should Not Be Subjective
Most psychiatric evaluations rely on self-reported symptoms and clinical interview alone. That approach misses things. Neurocognitive testing adds an objective layer that reveals what questionnaires cannot.
ADHD vs. Anxiety vs. Both
Attention problems caused by ADHD, anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation look identical on a questionnaire. Cognitive testing differentiates them by measuring actual performance under controlled conditions.
Hidden Cognitive Deficits
High-functioning individuals often compensate for cognitive weaknesses that never show up in conversation. Testing reveals deficits in working memory, processing speed, or executive function that explain struggles performance alone cannot account for.
Treatment Monitoring
Baseline cognitive testing creates a measurable starting point. Repeat testing after treatment shows objective improvement, confirming that medication or therapy is producing real cognitive gains, not just perceived ones.
Diagnostic Clarity
When the clinical picture is complex, cognitive data cuts through ambiguity. It provides the evidence needed to make a confident diagnosis and build a treatment plan that targets the right condition.
Clinical-Grade Assessment Tools
We use two complementary neurocognitive platforms, each measuring different aspects of brain function. Together, they provide a comprehensive cognitive profile.
Creyos (Cambridge Brain Sciences)
A comprehensive battery measuring 15+ cognitive domains including short-term memory, reasoning, verbal ability, spatial processing, and executive function. Each task is validated against peer-reviewed research and produces age-normed scores that quantify cognitive performance relative to the general population.
15+ Cognitive DomainsTOVA (Test of Variables of Attention)
The gold standard continuous performance test for ADHD assessment. TOVA measures sustained attention, response time consistency, impulsivity, and vigilance over a 21.6-minute standardized protocol. It is FDA-cleared as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of ADHD.
FDA-Cleared for ADHDA Complete Cognitive Profile
Each testing session produces quantified data across multiple domains. Here is what we are looking at and why it matters clinically.
Attention and Concentration
Sustained focus, selective attention, and the ability to maintain vigilance over time. Deficits here are central to ADHD but also appear in anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
Working Memory
The ability to hold and manipulate information in real time. Working memory deficits affect everything from following conversations to completing multi-step tasks at work.
Processing Speed
How quickly your brain takes in, processes, and responds to information. Slowed processing speed is common in depression, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive aging.
Executive Function
Planning, decision-making, task-switching, and impulse control. Executive function deficits are the hallmark of ADHD but also appear in mood disorders and trauma-related conditions.
Verbal and Spatial Reasoning
Language processing, verbal fluency, and spatial problem-solving. These domains help differentiate between psychiatric conditions and neurodevelopmental or neurological issues.
Response Consistency
Variability in reaction times is a key marker for ADHD. TOVA specifically measures response time consistency, which distinguishes true attention disorders from situational inattention.
What to Expect
-
01
Clinical Evaluation
Testing is conducted as part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Your provider reviews your history, symptoms, and concerns to determine which testing battery is most appropriate for your clinical question.
-
02
Testing Session
Creyos tasks are completed on a computer or tablet and take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. TOVA is a focused 21.6-minute protocol. Both are straightforward, non-invasive, and require no special preparation.
-
03
Results Review
Your provider reviews the quantified results with you, explaining what the data shows, how it compares to age-matched norms, and what it means for your diagnosis and treatment plan. You see the numbers. Nothing is subjective.
-
04
Treatment Integration
Cognitive data is integrated with clinical findings, genetic testing, and validated symptom measures to create a treatment plan built on objective evidence. Repeat testing can be used to track improvement over time.
Frequently Asked
Is neurocognitive testing required for an ADHD diagnosis?
It is not technically required, but it significantly strengthens the diagnostic process. Cognitive testing provides objective data that supports or challenges a clinical impression, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and ensuring the treatment plan targets the right condition.
Can I do the testing remotely?
Creyos testing can be completed remotely via a secure link. TOVA requires a standardized in-office administration for the results to be clinically valid. Your provider will determine which tests are appropriate based on your clinical needs.
How is this different from neuropsychological testing?
Full neuropsychological testing typically takes 6 to 8 hours and costs thousands of dollars. Our neurocognitive assessments are targeted, clinician-directed evaluations that answer specific diagnostic questions in under an hour. For most psychiatric patients, this level of assessment provides the data needed without the time and cost of a full neuropsych battery.
Is testing covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan and clinical indication. Our team can discuss your specific insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs before scheduling testing. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts, Point32 Health, and self-pay.
Get Answers, Not Opinions
Your brain's performance is measurable. Stop relying on subjective impressions and get objective data that leads to the right diagnosis and the right treatment.
Get Started Today →