frequently asked questions about Jill Pineda, Ph.D. Neuropsy

A neuropsychological evaluation is used to help better understand a child’s strengths and challenges. Common diagnoses that this type of evaluation can assess for include learning

disabilities (reading, math, writing), ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression,

among others. While test results can and often do lead to diagnoses, the goal of this evaluation

is to better understand a child’s profile to inform an individualized set of recommendations for

home and school regardless of whether or not a formal diagnosis is provided.

Neuropsychological testing includes assessment of the following domains: intellectual

functioning, attention and executive functioning, language skills, visual-motor (fine motor) skills,

learning and memory, social-emotional, and often academic skills. The process includes: 1) an

initial consultation/interview with parents to learn more about a child’s history, current strengths

and concerns, as well as the goals of the evaluation, 2) assessment with the child that lasts for

approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the age of the child), 3) review of parent- and

teacher-report forms and sometimes discussions with teachers to best understand all aspects of

the child, 4) a feedback session with parents (and children depending on age) to review results

and recommendations, and 5) a comprehensive written report with test results and

recommendations for school and home.

While the domains that are assessed are often similar, a neuropsychological evaluation can

often provide more in depth information to fully understand your child’s strengths and challenges. A neuropsychological assessment can also provide formal diagnoses that are often important to tailor a treatment plan and curate the optimal services and supports for your child. The treatment plan that is created via the report’s recommendations spans across all settings, including school, to provide the most comprehensive and individualized action plan for you and

your child.

Insurance companies vary widely in their coverage of neuropsychological evaluations. Often it

depends on the diagnosis or diagnoses that the evaluation is assessing. For example, some

insurance companies view ADHD and learning disorders to be purely “educational” by nature

and will not cover testing as they do not deem these evaluations to be “medically necessary.” It

is advised to call your insurance company to learn more about your plan’s specific coverage for

neuropsychological evaluations. 

I do not take insurance directly. Rather, I am considered an out-of-network provider. If you are interested in pursuing an evaluation with me, I advise you to call your insurance company to learn about their reimbursement for out-of-network providers. You will provide direct payment to me at the time of the evaluation, and I can provide you with an invoice with information that can be submitted to your insurance company if you determine they can provide full or partial reimbursement.

Yes, I provide in person evaluations located in Watertown, MA. I conduct initial meetings and feedbacks virtually.

A targeted evaluation is an evaluation that is appropriate for a specific referral question and requires a briefer evaluation. For example, a targeted evaluation may be appropriate for diagnostic clarity to determine if a child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, a learning disability, or another specific diagnosis, especially when additional information is already available (e.g. school has already completed some  evaluations or there are no other present concerns that warrant comprehensive evaluation). The evaluation is briefer and does not include all domains in a neuropsychological evaluation, but is individually designed to provide diagnostic clarity or treatment recommendations. This may also be appropriate for academic monitoring and assessment of learning skills (reading, writing, mathematics). 

This can vary depending on the time of year, but your child could be seen as early as the next 1-2 months, as long as we have shared availability.