ADHD Evaluation & Testing in California: A Clinician-Curated Guide by Insurance
Written by Patricia Pop, MD Last updated: September 2026
This is a living document. I update it as I learn about new practices, check insurance panels, and hear back from people about their experiences. If you've had a great (or not great) experience with a practice listed here, I'd love to hear about it.
If you'd like your practice added to this list, email drpop@patriciapopmd.com.
Jump to your insurance: Anthem Blue Cross · Blue Shield of California · Aetna · Cigna/Evernorth · United Healthcare/Optum · Medicare · Kaiser · Out-of-network / self-pay
Why This Guide Exists
Finding quality ADHD testing that your insurance actually covers is harder than it should be. Insurance directories are clunky and full of ghost listings. Practice websites don't always say whether testing (not just therapy) is covered in-network. And "ADHD evaluation" can mean very different things depending on who's doing it.
I built this guide from the referrals I actually make for the people I work with. Every practice here is one I've researched, and I've noted what I know and what I don't. It's not a paid directory. No one pays to be on this list, and I have no financial relationship with any of these practices. Practices come off the list, too, when they stop being somewhere I'd send someone for testing.
What Kind of Evaluation Are You Looking For?
Before you start calling, it helps to know there are a few different types of ADHD evaluation. They're not interchangeable, and they answer slightly different questions.
ADHD is a clinical diagnosis. No one test, scan, questionnaire, or checklist that makes the call.
It comes down to what’s called “clinical judgment” from a qualified clinician (usually a therapist or a psychiatrist) with specialized-enough training - someone who understands that ADHD is a lifelong pattern (not a snapshot), who knows what can mimic it (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, hormonal changes, trauma), what overlaps with it, and what makes it harder to see.
So a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist with enough ADHD training can make the diagnosis without “formal neuropsychological testing”.
Here's the not-so-secret secret of how the diagnostic sausage is made: you may get different answers depending on where you go. A lot of us psychiatrists had pretty thin ADHD training in residency. The clinicians who know it well often went out and got extra training on their own, and most of them have ADHD themselves (“research is me-search” is the saying). So it's fair to ask anyone evaluating you how much ADHD-specific training they have. (And be a little wary of online services built mostly around fast diagnosis and fast prescriptions. Some are fine. Some prey on people who are desperate for answers.)
That's the main reason I like testing, even though it isn't required. A clinician's evaluation is usually pretty good, and the clinician has the final say on diagnosis, but most of us aren't professional testers either. Some clinicians take shortcuts (sometimes because the picture is obvious, sometimes not). Formal testing tends to be more thorough, and you usually learn more about yourself along the way.
Because ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, some insurance companies consider neuropsychological testing for ADHD "not medically necessary" on its own. In practice, when there are other diagnostic questions in play - is it ADHD, or depression affecting concentration? Could a past concussion be a factor? Are there co-occurring learning differences? - formal testing is more likely to be approved, because those are exactly the questions neuropsychological evaluation is built to untangle.
Neuropsychological Testing
This is the most thorough option. A neuropsychologist (a psychologist with specialized training in brain-behavior relationships) gives standardized cognitive tests - attention, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and more - alongside a clinical interview. You'll get a detailed written report with diagnoses and specific recommendations. Usually 3-10 hours total across one or two sessions.
Best for: complex diagnostic questions, ruling out other conditions (learning disabilities, cognitive decline), or when you need formal documentation for accommodations at work or school.
Psychological Evaluation
A licensed psychologist conducts a clinical interview combined with validated rating scales, questionnaires, and sometimes targeted cognitive testing. Less extensive than a full assessment, but can be thorough and well-suited for ADHD-focused questions.
Best for: More straightforward presentations where the primary question is "is this ADHD?" May be covered as part of standard visits, as opposed to a special neuropsych testing code having to be approved by insurance.
Psychiatric Evaluation
If the offer this at all, a psychiatrist uses a clinical interview, symptom history, rating scales, and differential diagnosis (sorting out what else could explain the symptoms). No standardized cognitive testing, though sometimes a brief computer-based attention task is involved. The advantage is that the same clinician can prescribe if helpful and also diagnose and treat co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder).
Best for: People who want treatment from the same clinician, or who have other psychiatric concerns alongside the ADHD question. The pricing is usually baked into the regular visit costs - but may require longer or more frequent visits. Some psychiatrists may have a fee outside of regular visit costs, because of the time and effort spent on synthesis, phone calls, and interpretation.
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Do I need neuropsychological testing (or any evaluation for that matter)?
Not necessarily.
On a very practical level, the main door an ADHD evaluation opens is medication options (specifically towards stimulants). If you're weighing your time, effort, and money against the payoff, that's usually the biggest one.
However, even without medication considerations - An evaluation can bring a level of self-understanding that makes self-compassion a lot easier. I would hope anyone can have access to this - no testing or label needed. But sometimes, it can really help. It can point you (or re-motivate you) toward the non-medication tools that fit how your brain actually works. Sometimes it opens the door to a community of people who get it.
Identity is more of a mixed bag. A diagnosis can be really affirming. It can also start to feel like a box, self-fulfilling prophecy, or nudge you toward seeing parts of yourself mostly through the lens of pathology. It’s helpful to know about both sides of this coin.
My wish for everybody is that you could reach that understanding of how you work without testing or a label. (It's the same wish I have with psychedelic medicine - I'd love for people to find self-love and connection without needing a medicine experience to get there. And sometimes, it might ahve sped up the process.) Some people, especially those who've felt for years that something about them is different, or “wrong”, find that an evaluation gives them understanding and affirmation that nothing else has (or possibly can).
And if you're considering medication at any point, an evaluation isn't required, but it sure does help. Speaking as a psychiatrist: a solid testing report doesn't make the decision for me, and I may not agree with every conclusion in it. But when someone brings one in, I feel miles ahead.
Costs
The range is wide, and it depends mostly on two things: whether the evaluator is in-network, and how big a question you're asking.
In-network testing could cost you just your deductible and copay, sometimes close to nothing. Sometimes this requires a phone call and asking about NP testing specifically. It can be helpful to ask about neuropsychological testing CPT codes (common procedure codes).
An evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist you're already seeing may be an abridged version, and that may be all you need. It's usually just the cost of your regular sessions, but may have to be spread out over time.
Out-of-network testing is where I see the widest range: roughly $1,000 to $7,000, with most landing between $1,000 and $4,000. A full neuropsychological assessment might run $5,000 or so. But if you tell the evaluator you're only trying to answer the ADHD question (or only the autism question), some will scope the evaluation down to that, and at some practices it can come in closer to $800-$2,000. Some of the most specialized neuropsychologists quote several thousand dollars even for an abbreviated ADHD-only evaluation. It's worth asking directly:
"I'm mainly trying to answer the ADHD question. Do you offer a focused evaluation for that, and what does it cost?"
Lower-cost clinicians exist, and many of them are gems. Many you can find through directories like Psychologytoday.com, Headway.co, and Helloalma.com. Some psychologists and psychiatrists keep part of their practice at a reduced rate. Ask about a sliding scale, even if the website doesn't mention one.
Tips Before You Call
Get your insurance card out. Know exactly what it says - "Blue Cross" and "Blue Shield" are different companies in California. Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are all separate entities with different networks.
Ask about three numbers. If you don’t know them already:
Your deductible (what you pay before insurance starts paying)
Your copay or coinsurance (your share per visit after that)
and, if you're going out-of-network, the allowed amount per CPT code (what your insurer decides a visit or procedure ”should" cost - and they’ll only help pay their % up to that amount). Out-of-network reimbursement is usually a percentage of the allowed amount, not of what the practice charges,.
Ask about testing specifically. Many practices are in-network for therapy but out-of-network for testing.
"I'm looking for neuropsychological or psychological testing for ADHD. Can you confirm whether testing services - not just therapy - are covered in-network under my plan? The CPT codes would be 96130-96133 and 96136-96139.”
Ask about prior authorization. Some plans require your clinician to get pre-approval before testing. Some don't. Better to know upfront than to get a surprise bill.
"Do I need prior authorization for psychological testing?“
Know that some insurers consider neuropsych testing for ADHD "not medically necessary." This doesn't mean it won't be covered, but it means you may hit extra hurdles. Framing the referral question to include differential diagnosis (not just "confirm ADHD") can sometimes help.
"My clinician is referring me for evaluation to clarify whether my symptoms are due to ADHD, anxiety, depression, or another condition. Is this type of diagnostic testing covered?"
PPO plans typically have out-of-network benefits. If none of the in-network options work, you may be able to see an out-of-network practice and submit for partial reimbursement (often 50-80% after deductible).
"What are my out-of-network benefits for neuropsychological testing? What's my out-of-network deductible, and what percentage do you reimburse after that?"
If the evaluation is mainly for school or work accommodations, expect to pay privately. Some practices say outright that health insurance won't cover evaluations done only for academic or workplace accommodations.
If You're Choosing a Plan at Open Enrollment
A lot of people land on Kaiser or a high-deductible plan because the premium is lower. That can be a perfectly reasonable choice, and there's a way to make it work better for mental health care.
One approach I've seen work: figure out the monthly difference between the cheaper premium and the better plan's premium, and actually put some of that difference into a separate account every month. You're basically becoming your own little insurance plan for the care your plan doesn't cover well. It doesn't have to be the whole difference. Even 20% adds up. (The hard part is operationalizing it, meaning setting up the automatic transfer so it happens without willpower).
And a non-Kaiser commercial plan isn't always better for this. Some come with a deductible so high that insurance only starts sharing costs after you've paid many thousands out of pocket. When people say a plan is “good” for them, they usually mean a low deductible with basic visits covered. Those plans also tend to have the highest premiums.
In-Network Options By Insurance
Anthem Blue Cross (Blue Cross PPO)
In California, "Blue Cross" almost always means Anthem Blue Cross, the trade name of Blue Cross of California and the Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee for the state.
If your card says "Blue Shield," that's a different company with a different network (Blue Shield of California options are here).
In-network options:
SF Stress & Anxiety Center · sfstress.com San Francisco office plus telehealth. Their testing team includes a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN), and adult ADHD evaluations include a clinical interview, standardized cognitive testing, and a detailed written report. Their site lists Anthem Blue Cross, but another page on the same site gives a shorter in-network list that leaves Anthem off, and most of their insurance language is about therapy. Call and ask specifically whether testing is in-network under your Anthem plan.
Minder Memory Center · mindermemory.com Neuropsychological testing done entirely from home over Zoom (they mail you a testing kit). Lists Anthem as in-network. The team has strong credentials (UCSD- and UCLA-trained, some board-certified neuropsychologists), but it's a newer company (founded 2022), so quality may vary by clinician. They say most people get scheduled within 1-2 weeks, and insurance patients usually get their full evaluation rather than the shorter "dual-phase" version. Before booking, ask about fees: even in-network, they may charge an administrative or concierge-style fee on top of your copay and deductible.
In-network, with some in-person visits:
Sunshine Neuropsychology · sunshineneuropsychology.com Solo practice (Dr. James E. Taylor, clinical neuropsychologist) with offices in Tracy and San Diego. Lists Anthem Blue Cross as in-network. Assessments are hybrid, part in-office and part virtual, so plan on at least one trip to Tracy or San Diego. Does ADHD evaluations for kids and adults, in English or Spanish. It's a small practice, and new people start on a waitlist through the form on his site.
California Brain Health Center · californiabrainhealth.com In-person neuropsychological evaluations for adults in Mill Valley and Napa. Their focus leans toward cognitive change (memory, aging, neurological conditions), so they're a better fit when ADHD is one question among several than when it's the only one. Evaluations run about 3-4 hours, followed by a separate feedback session and a written report. Their site contradicts itself on insurance: one page lists Anthem as contracted, while their FAQ says Medicare is the only plan they contract with. Ask before booking. They also charge a retainer when you schedule, refunded after your first appointment.
Chiron Psychological · chironpsych.com Orange County group practice doing psychological testing, including adult ADHD evaluations. The intake, clinical interview, and feedback session can happen over telehealth, but the testing itself is in person at their Irvine or Yorba Linda office. Lists Anthem Blue Cross among accepted plans, and they say they verify your benefits before testing starts. Coverage can vary by plan and even by clinician, so confirm that testing specifically is covered.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center · psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with an office in Encinitas (San Diego County) and telehealth across California. Her practice lists several Anthem Blue Cross plans, both HMO and PPO, among those it accepts. Does psychiatric ADHD evaluations: clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis (sorting out what else could explain the symptoms). As a psychiatrist, she can also treat with medication.
Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California is a completely separate company from Anthem Blue Cross. If your card says "Blue Shield," you're in the right section.
In-network options:
SF Stress & Anxiety Center · sfstress.com San Francisco office plus telehealth. Their testing team includes a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN), and adult ADHD evaluations include a clinical interview, standardized cognitive testing, and a detailed written report. Their billing page says they have therapists in-network with Blue Shield of California (billed through a partner, LGTC Group), but another page gives a shorter in-network list that leaves Blue Shield off. Since most of that language is about therapy, call and ask specifically whether testing is in-network under your Blue Shield plan.
Minder Memory Center · mindermemory.com Neuropsychological testing done entirely from home over Zoom (they mail you a testing kit). Blue Shield of California appears among the insurance logos on their site, though it isn't in their written in-network list, so verify your specific plan before booking. The team has strong credentials (UCSD- and UCLA-trained, some board-certified neuropsychologists), but it's a newer company (founded 2022), so quality may vary by clinician. They say most people get scheduled within 1-2 weeks. Ask about fees too: even in-network, they may charge an administrative or concierge-style fee on top of your copay and deductible.
In-network, with some in-person visits:
Sunshine Neuropsychology · sunshineneuropsychology.com Solo practice (Dr. James E. Taylor, clinical neuropsychologist) with offices in Tracy and San Diego. Lists Blue Shield as in-network. Assessments are hybrid, part in-office and part virtual, so plan on at least one trip to Tracy or San Diego. Does ADHD evaluations for kids and adults, in English or Spanish. It's a small practice, and new people start on a waitlist through the form on his site.
Chiron Psychological · chironpsych.com Orange County group practice doing psychological testing, including adult ADHD evaluations. The intake, clinical interview, and feedback session can happen over telehealth, but the testing itself is in person at their Irvine or Yorba Linda office. Lists Blue Shield of California among accepted plans, and they say they verify your benefits before testing starts. Coverage can vary by plan and even by clinician, so confirm that testing specifically is covered.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center · psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with an office in Encinitas (San Diego County) and telehealth across California. Her practice lists Blue Shield of California PPO among accepted plans (if you have a Blue Shield HMO, ask). Does psychiatric ADHD evaluations: clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis (sorting out what else could explain the symptoms). As a psychiatrist, she can also treat with medication if needed.
Aetna
In-network options:
Helyx Health (Dr. Jessica Foley) · helyxhealth.org This is who I send people to when they have Aetna. Dr. Foley is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN) with a UCSF faculty appointment, Harvard and UCLA training, and 20+ years of experience with ADHD, autism, and learning disability evaluations. She sees ages 14 and up. Helyx has offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Beverly Hills, offers telehealth, and lists itself as in-network with Aetna.
SF Stress & Anxiety Center · sfstress.com San Francisco office plus telehealth. Their testing team includes a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN), and adult ADHD evaluations include a clinical interview, standardized cognitive testing, and a detailed written report. Aetna is the plan their site lists most consistently as in-network. Most of their insurance language is about therapy, though, so still confirm that testing is covered under your plan.
Minder Memory Center · mindermemory.com Neuropsychological testing done entirely from home over Zoom (they mail you a testing kit). Lists Aetna as in-network. The team has strong credentials (UCSD- and UCLA-trained, some board-certified neuropsychologists), but it's a newer company (founded 2022), so quality may vary by clinician. They say most people get scheduled within 1-2 weeks, and insurance patients usually get their full evaluation rather than the shorter "dual-phase" version. Before booking, ask about fees: even in-network, they may charge an administrative or concierge-style fee on top of your copay and deductible.
In-network, with some in-person visits:
Sunshine Neuropsychology · sunshineneuropsychology.com Solo practice (Dr. James E. Taylor, clinical neuropsychologist) with offices in Tracy and San Diego. Lists Aetna as in-network. Assessments are hybrid, part in-office and part virtual, so plan on at least one trip to Tracy or San Diego. Does ADHD evaluations for kids and adults, in English or Spanish. It's a small practice, and new people start on a waitlist through the form on his site.
California Brain Health Center · californiabrainhealth.com In-person neuropsychological evaluations for adults in Mill Valley and Napa. Their focus leans toward cognitive change (memory, aging, neurological conditions), so they're a better fit when ADHD is one question among several than when it's the only one. Evaluations run about 3-4 hours, followed by a separate feedback session and a written report. Their site contradicts itself on insurance: one page lists Aetna as contracted, while their FAQ says Medicare is the only plan they contract with. Ask before booking. They also charge a retainer when you schedule, refunded after your first appointment.
Chiron Psychological · chironpsych.com Orange County group practice doing psychological testing, including adult ADHD evaluations. The intake, clinical interview, and feedback session can happen over telehealth, but the testing itself is in person at their Irvine or Yorba Linda office. Lists Aetna among accepted plans, and they say they verify your benefits before testing starts. Coverage can vary by plan and even by clinician, so confirm that testing specifically is covered.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center · psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with an office in Encinitas (San Diego County) and telehealth across California. Her practice lists Aetna PPO among accepted plans (if you have an Aetna HMO, ask). Does psychiatric ADHD evaluations: clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis (sorting out what else could explain the symptoms). As a psychiatrist, she can also treat with medication if needed.
Cigna/Evernorth
In-network options:
Helyx Health (Dr. Jessica Foley) · helyxhealth.org This is who I send people to when they have Cigna. Dr. Foley is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN) with a UCSF faculty appointment, Harvard and UCLA training, and 20+ years of experience with ADHD, autism, and learning disability evaluations. She sees ages 14 and up. Helyx has offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Beverly Hills, offers telehealth, and lists itself as in-network with Cigna/Evernorth.
SF Stress & Anxiety Center · sfstress.com San Francisco office plus telehealth. Their testing team includes a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN), and adult ADHD evaluations include a clinical interview, standardized cognitive testing, and a detailed written report. Their billing page says they have therapists in-network with Cigna (billed through a partner, LGTC Group), but another page gives a shorter in-network list that leaves Cigna off. Since most of that language is about therapy, call and ask specifically whether testing is in-network under your Cigna plan.
In-network, with some in-person visits:
California Brain Health Center · californiabrainhealth.com In-person neuropsychological evaluations for adults in Mill Valley and Napa. Their focus leans toward cognitive change (memory, aging, neurological conditions), so they're a better fit when ADHD is one question among several than when it's the only one. Evaluations run about 3-4 hours, followed by a separate feedback session and a written report. Their site contradicts itself on insurance: one page lists Cigna as contracted, while their FAQ says Medicare is the only plan they contract with. Ask before booking. They also charge a retainer when you schedule, refunded after your first appointment.
Chiron Psychological · chironpsych.com Orange County group practice doing psychological testing, including adult ADHD evaluations. The intake, clinical interview, and feedback session can happen over telehealth, but the testing itself is in person at their Irvine or Yorba Linda office. Lists Cigna among accepted plans, and they say they verify your benefits before testing starts. Coverage can vary by plan and even by clinician, so confirm that testing specifically is covered.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center · psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with an office in Encinitas (San Diego County) and telehealth across California. Her practice lists Cigna among accepted plans. Does psychiatric ADHD evaluations: clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis (sorting out what else could explain the symptoms). As a psychiatrist, she can also treat what she finds.
United Healthcare / Optum
Optum manages the mental health side of many United Healthcare plans, so if your card says either one, you're in the right place. (UMR and United Behavioral Health are United-family names too.)
In-network options:
SF Stress & Anxiety Center · sfstress.com San Francisco office plus telehealth. Their testing team includes a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN), and adult ADHD evaluations include a clinical interview, standardized cognitive testing, and a detailed written report. Their site lists Optum, but another page on the same site gives a shorter in-network list that leaves it off, and most of their insurance language is about therapy. Call and ask specifically whether testing is in-network under your plan.
Minder Memory Center · mindermemory.com Neuropsychological testing done entirely from home over Zoom (they mail you a testing kit). Lists United and UMR as in-network, though they note they can be in-network with United overall and still out-of-network with a specific plan, so verify yours. The team has strong credentials (UCSD- and UCLA-trained, some board-certified neuropsychologists), but it's a newer company (founded 2022), so quality may vary by clinician. They say most people get scheduled within 1-2 weeks. Ask about fees too: even in-network, they may charge an administrative or concierge-style fee on top of your copay and deductible.
In-network, with some in-person visits:
Sunshine Neuropsychology · sunshineneuropsychology.com Solo practice (Dr. James E. Taylor, clinical neuropsychologist) with offices in Tracy and San Diego. Lists Optum, United Behavioral Health, and UMR as in-network. Assessments are hybrid, part in-office and part virtual, so plan on at least one trip to Tracy or San Diego. Does ADHD evaluations for kids and adults, in English or Spanish. It's a small practice, and new people start on a waitlist through the form on his site.
California Brain Health Center · californiabrainhealth.com In-person neuropsychological evaluations for adults in Mill Valley and Napa. Their focus leans toward cognitive change (memory, aging, neurological conditions), so they're a better fit when ADHD is one question among several than when it's the only one. Evaluations run about 3-4 hours, followed by a separate feedback session and a written report. Their site contradicts itself on insurance: one page lists United Healthcare as contracted, while their FAQ says Medicare is the only plan they contract with. Ask before booking. They also charge a retainer when you schedule, refunded after your first appointment.
Chiron Psychological · chironpsych.com Orange County group practice doing psychological testing, including adult ADHD evaluations. The intake, clinical interview, and feedback session can happen over telehealth, but the testing itself is in person at their Irvine or Yorba Linda office. Lists both United Healthcare and Optum among accepted plans, and they say they verify your benefits before testing starts. Coverage can vary by plan and even by clinician, so confirm that testing specifically is covered.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center · psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with an office in Encinitas (San Diego County) and telehealth across California. Her practice lists United Healthcare, Optum, and United Behavioral Health among accepted plans. Does psychiatric ADHD evaluations: clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis (sorting out what else could explain the symptoms). As a psychiatrist, she can also treat with medications if helpful.
Medicare
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare through a private company like Anthem or Blue Shield), the network rules come from that company, so confirm with each practice using the name on your card.
In-network options:
Minder Memory Center · mindermemory.com Neuropsychological testing done entirely from home over Zoom (they mail you a testing kit, and they'll do a tech check with you beforehand if you want one). Lists Medicare and Medi-Cal as in-network, and offers discounts if your Medicare or supplemental plan turns out to be out-of-network. The team has strong credentials (UCSD- and UCLA-trained, some board-certified neuropsychologists), but it's a newer company (founded 2022), so quality may vary by clinician. Before booking, ask about fees: even in-network, they may charge an administrative or concierge-style fee on top of your usual costs.
In-network, with some in-person visits:
Sunshine Neuropsychology · sunshineneuropsychology.com Solo practice (Dr. James E. Taylor, clinical neuropsychologist) with offices in Tracy and San Diego. Lists Medicare as in-network. Assessments are hybrid, part in-office and part virtual, so plan on at least one trip to Tracy or San Diego. Does ADHD evaluations for kids and adults, in English or Spanish. It's a small practice, and new people start on a waitlist through the form on his site.
California Brain Health Center · californiabrainhealth.com In-person neuropsychological evaluations for adults in Mill Valley and Napa. Medicare is the one plan every version of their insurance page agrees they contract with. Their focus leans toward cognitive change (memory, aging, neurological conditions), so they're a better fit when ADHD is one question among several than when it's the only one. Evaluations run about 3-4 hours, followed by a separate feedback session and a written report. They charge a retainer when you schedule, refunded after your first appointment.
Chiron Psychological · chironpsych.com Orange County group practice doing psychological testing, including adult ADHD evaluations. The intake, clinical interview, and feedback session can happen over telehealth, but the testing itself is in person at their Irvine or Yorba Linda office. Lists Medicare among accepted plans, and they say they verify your benefits before testing starts. Coverage can vary by plan and even by clinician, so confirm that testing specifically is covered.
Psychiatrists:
Dr. Renuka Kharkar, Psychiatric Wellness Center · psychwellnesscenter.com UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with an office in Encinitas (San Diego County) and telehealth across California. Her practice lists Medicare Part B, plus some Medicare Advantage plans (Anthem and Blue Shield senior plans), among accepted plans. Does psychiatric ADHD evaluations: clinical interview, symptom checklists, and differential diagnosis (sorting out what else could explain the symptoms). As a psychiatrist, she can also treat what she finds.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser is a closed system, meaning you'll generally need to get testing through Kaiser's own providers and referral process.
There are real benefits to a system where the insurer and the clinicians are the same organization. But on the mental health side, I hear a lot of frustration from people who've had trouble getting follow-up, and I think the pace can both burn clinicians out and select for a certain way of thinking. Many people have expressed their frustrations with the process.
If you want to go outside Kaiser, these are the realistic routes.
Ask for an outside referral. SF Stress & Anxiety Center (sfstress.com/kaiser-permanente) can see Kaiser members for therapy with Kaiser's preapproval. Ask your Kaiser physician for a mental health referral to their partner, LGTC Group (San Jose, 800-913-2615), then register with LGTC and tell them you'd like to be seen at SF Stress. Their page describes this for therapy, so ask whether the referral can cover testing too.
Check whether you have a Kaiser PPO. Most Kaiser members have an HMO, but Kaiser does sell some point-of-service and PPO-style plans with out-of-network benefits. Check your card or call member services. If you do have one, Dr. Renuka Kharkar's practice, Psychiatric Wellness Center (psychwellnesscenter.com), lists Kaiser Permanente PPO among its accepted plans. She's a UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist in Encinitas (San Diego County) with telehealth across California, and she does psychiatric ADHD evaluations.
Pay privately. Otherwise, outside testing usually means paying out-of-pocket, anywhere from about $800 for a focused evaluation at some practices to $7,000 for a full neuropsychological workup. The out-of-network practices at the end of this guide take any insurance or none. If you're doing this regularly, it's worth revisiting at open enrollment whether the premium you save with Kaiser could be set aside to cover care outside it.
A few things people tend to ask about Kaiser:
Will Kaiser accept an outside diagnosis? They don't have to, and I don't think a Kaiser clinician will typically start prescribing based on someone else's report. However, an outside clinician may be above to order to your Kaiser pharmacy.
Can an outside psychiatrist send prescriptions to a Kaiser pharmacy? As of this update, in my experience, yes. When I've diagnosed someone with ADHD and a medication is the right fit (even if it’s controlled substance like a stimulant) - I've been able to send the prescription to their Kaiser pharmacy, and for the people I've done this with, the medication has been mostly or fully covered. But coverage depends on your plan and on whether the medication is on Kaiser's formulary, and Kaiser says that nonformulary prescriptions can be filled at its pharmacies at full retail price unless the prescriber gets an exception. Ask the pharmacy what you'll pay before assuming. This could also change.
Do I have a Kaiser PPO? Kaiser does sell some point-of-service and PPO-style plans with out-of-network benefits. Most Kaiser members have an HMO, but it's worth checking your card or calling member services.
Out-of-Network Options (Any Insurance)
These practices don't take insurance directly, but if you have a PPO plan, you can usually submit for partial reimbursement. Pricing varies a lot here. Some practices can do a focused ADHD evaluation for $800-$2,000, while some of the specialists below quote $4,000-$7,000 for a full evaluation. Ask each one whether a focused option exists. Some require all or part of the evaluation in person. Some are 100% remote.
Bay Area / Peninsula:
Dr. Sarah Asmussen | drsarahasmussen.com Clinical neuropsychologist with about two decades of experience. Offices in Los Gatos and Los Altos, telemedicine statewide. Her listed evaluation fees run $4,000-$7,000, and she provides a superbill. Previously at the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, with training at Barrow Neurological Institute. Does neuropsychological evaluations across the lifespan, including ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety. Also offers therapy (integrative - mindfulness, CBT, psychodynamic), which is unusual for a neuropsychologist and means she can put testing results in the context of an ongoing clinical relationship.
Haven Cognitive Care (Dr. Joelle Broffman) | havencognitivecare.com Board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN). Offices in Campbell and Mountain View. 2026 President of the Northern California Neuropsychology Forum. Trained at UCLA and Pepperdine, with clinical training at Rancho Los Amigos and VA Palo Alto Polytrauma. Particular strengths: older adults, age-related cognitive change, post-acute neurological injury (stroke, TBI, hypoxic/anoxic), and building compensatory strategies for people with declining skills. Does cognitive rehabilitation too, not just evaluation. Provides superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Bay Area Cognitive Health (Dr. Catherine Marreiro) | bayareacognitivehealth.com Board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABPP-CN). Also Director of Neuropsychology at the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center at California Pacific Medical Center. If you're looking for someone embedded in a research and clinical trials environment with institutional depth, this is that. Expertise spans ADHD, learning disorders, dementia, TBI/concussion, stroke, movement disorders, and chronic pain. San Francisco and Burlingame.
Dr. Andrea Alioto | andreaaliotophd@gmail.com Board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. Full-time at Kaiser Santa Clara (adults and older adults) and building a private practice. Trained at Palo Alto University with practica at VA Palo Alto, the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, and the UCSF Movement Disorder Center. Postdoctoral fellowship at UC Davis Neurology. Deep experience with early-onset and atypical dementias, brain tumors, TBI, stroke, developmental disorders, and ADHD. Especially helpful when the real question is untangling autism from ADHD, and she has a background in social skills assessment. Portola Valley/Palo Alto/Los Altos area.
Pasadena
The Center for Connection | thecenterforconnection.org Pasadena. Team of experienced neuropsychologists doing adult ADHD and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Relational, strengths-based approach. In-person.
Huntington Psychological Services | huntingtonpsych.com Pasadena. Comprehensive ADHD evaluations for adults. They will file out-of-network insurance claims on your behalf for potential reimbursement.
What I Do
I'm a psychiatrist, so my ADHD evaluations have fallen in the psychiatric evaluation category. That's usually meant several validated questionnaires, a computer-based attention task, and a two-hour first visit covering a full mental health history, then 1-2 more visits for a focused ADHD clinical interview. That works well on its own, and it works even better when we can layer in formal neuropsychological testing, which is why I've often recommended starting testing in parallel with our work together.
As of 2026, though, I no longer offer first-time comprehensive ADHD evaluations. They deserve more time and attention than I can give them right now.
Here's what I can still do.
Every new person I work with fills out a detailed intake questionnaire, including several ADHD screeners. That's useful information, but it isn't enough on its own to make or rule out the diagnosis. I will always ask you more questions about it.
If you already have an ADHD diagnosis or a neuropsychological report, please send it. I'm happy to review it and re-assess, and a full confirmation process isn't always needed.
When a confirmation is needed (or when you'd like one), it includes questionnaires, a conversation with someone who knows you well (what clinicians call a collateral interview), and a follow-up computer-based attention test. It's a one-time $500, separate from session time. You can submit it to insurance for possible reimbursement, but plan on most of it being out-of-pocket: the questionnaire portion falls under a code (CPT 96127) that insurers pay per questionnaire, usually a small amount each, and coverage varies.
If you're looking for a first-time evaluation and hoping to work with me, the most helpful thing is to get testing set up before our first visit through one of the avenues above, so we can go through the results together. Wait times vary a lot, so it's worth reaching out to testing practices now.
You can learn more and get started at patriciapopmd.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need testing to be diagnosed with ADHD?
No. ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, so a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist with enough ADHD training can diagnose it without formal testing. Testing isn't required, but it's often more thorough, and a solid report helps any clinician who treats you later.
Can my primary care doctor diagnose adult ADHD?
Some can. Pediatricians often diagnose and treat ADHD in children, partly because they know how hard it is for families to get connected to specialists and some have training for this. With adults it's less common, and I think many primary care doctors are too overloaded to look at the whole mental health picture. A common pattern that works well: a psychiatrist or psychologist does the evaluation, you find the right medication and dose together, and then your primary care doctor takes over refills once you find a great dose that works. A clear evaluation or report makes that handoff much easier.
Will Kaiser accept an ADHD diagnosis from an outside clinician?
They don't have to, and in my experience Kaiser clinicians don't typically start prescribing based on an outside report. What has worked, as of this update, is an outside psychiatrist sending the prescription to your Kaiser pharmacy. Check with the pharmacy about what you'll pay.
How much does ADHD testing cost in California?
In-network, it may cost only your deductible and copay. Out-of-network, I see a range of roughly $1,000 to $7,000, with most between $1,000 and $4,000. A full neuropsychological assessment may run around $5,000. An evaluation focused only on the ADHD question can sometimes cost $800 to $1,000, though some specialists charge several thousand even for a focused evaluation.
Does Dr. Pop offer ADHD evaluations?
Not first-time comprehensive evaluations, as of 2026. She reviews and re-assesses existing ADHD diagnoses and neuropsychological reports, and when a fuller confirmation is needed, offers a one-time $500 review that includes questionnaires, a conversation with someone who knows you well, and a computer-based attention test. If you're seeking a first-time evaluation, setting up testing before your first visit with her lets you review the results together.
Is an ADHD evaluation only useful if I want medication?
No, though medication is the main practical door it opens. An evaluation can also bring self-understanding and self-compassion, point you toward non-medication tools that fit how you work, and sometimes connect you to community. A diagnosis can feel affirming for some people and limiting for others.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Insurance panels change, practices open and close, and your specific plan may differ from what's listed here. Always verify coverage directly with both the practice and your insurance company before scheduling. I do my best to keep this current, but I can't guarantee accuracy.
Patricia Pop, MD | Board-Certified Psychiatrist | patriciapopmd.com