The Benefits of Neuropsychological Testing in Los Angeles

The psychologists at Thrive and Feel have a wide range of experiences, providing ADHD testing in various settings (including private practice, disability services, inpatient hospitals, schools, and residential treatment settings). Our clients have reported that these are some of the main benefits of participating in psychological testing.

1. Clarity

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation provides clarity by examining executive, cognitive, and emotional strengths and challenges, helping you determine if you meet criteria for a neurodevelopmental disorder. Instead of just checking boxes on a symptom list, our assessments explore where you are struggling and why you might be experiencing these challenges. We look at how your brain processes information, how your challenges are interpreted by other people in your life (such as treatment providers, family members, or friends), and whether something else (like anxiety, trauma, or learning differences) could be driving the symptoms you describe.

2. Validation 

A comprehensive ADHD assessment can be profoundly validating. Many folks enter the psychological assessment process carrying the weight of years of self-blame. It is common to wonder, “Why do I struggle with things that seem easier for everyone else?” Going through a thorough assessment often brings relief, as it connects the dots between lifelong patterns, sheds light on why certain tasks feel so challenging, and reframes these difficulties as understandable brain-based challenges rather than personal failures. Instead of moving through life with an underlying tone of frustration or shame, you leave with a clear explanation of how your mind works — and, importantly, concrete ways to support yourself moving forward.

3. Personalized Recommendations

One of the significant benefits of comprehensive ADHD testing is that it leads to personalized recommendations, rather than just a label. The results of the evaluation help us determine what supports, strategies, or accommodations will be most beneficial. Here are three examples of what we may recommend:

1. Specific in-person practical strategies or virtual tools

2. How to structure your day in order to be more effective and feel less overwhelmed

3. Evidence-based therapy approaches, such as ACT or DBT, or referrals for support groups or coaching

4. Psychopharmacological interventions

4. Appropriate Accommodations

A comprehensive ADHD assessment that results in a formal (and accurate) diagnosis opens the door to relevant, appropriate support and accommodations, such as:

• Academic recommendations (i.e., IEP, 504 accommodations)

• Standardized testing accommodations, such as extra time

• Workplace adjustments

You are welcome to share this report with teachers, healthcare providers, or employers to provide them with a more concrete understanding of your needs.

5. Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing

Understanding your executive functioning, cognitive, and emotional strengths and challenges gives you — and the people close to you — a more transparent lens through which to view your experiences. Instead of attributing struggles to “laziness” or “not trying hard enough,” you and your loved ones can view these patterns as part of how your brain processes information and emotions. Folks who have received an ADHD diagnosis from a comprehensive evaluation have explained that they experience more empathy, patience, and compassion in their relationships. Additionally, the insights gained through testing frequently reduce patterns of self-blame and frustration, making space for self-acceptance, healthier relationships, and a more vibrant life. In this way, a psychological evaluation can provide you with much more than practical strategies - it also improves overall mental wellness.